IV drips for skin glow: Ask yourself these 5 questions before you try this treatment

Side effects of IV drips for skin: IV drips can lead to certain side effects, like vein inflammation, infections from the treatment, allergic reactions, and even complications if the body rejects the treatment (Image: Pexels)

Once only given to hospitalised patients requiring critical hydration and/or nutrient supply, intravenous (IV) drip treatments are now in the spotlight of a new health and beauty trend. Everyone from A-list celebs to Instagram influencers are flaunting their IV glow sessions as part of a self-care regimen. Using an IV line, these treatments deliver a combination of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and other substances into a person — without going through the digestive tract, potentially allowing for faster absorption.

The appeal is equally clear as well — brighter skin, a boost of energy, improved hydration, and even detox in less than an hour. Now, clinics and wellness lounges are offering tailored secret sauce drips with names like "Radiance Infusion" and "Immune Boost" each boasting unique benefits. The idea itself may be elegant enough in its simplicity and glory, but the reality is anything but that. The safety of ingredients, exact dosages, potential side effects, and the lack of convincing scientific evidence to back up certain claims are all variables that must be considered.

So, whether you want a quick beauty fix or want to do a little health support, knowing what IV drips can and cannot do is important to keep in mind. Because, at the end of the day, illuminated skin comes from smarter decisions, not just a bag of F5s, says Dr Falguni Shah, Dermatologist & Founder, Radiance Clinic.

Also read | Skincare tips for beginners: What all these fancy-sounding treatments really mean (and why you shouldn’t be intimidated)

She suggests you should ask these five critical questions before opting for any such treatment:

Is this treatment suitable for my body and skin?

There is no one-size-fits-all in IV skin drips. Just because it works for someone else, doesn’t mean it will work for you. Skin needs a combination of different things, which usually depend on how old you are, the health of your skin, what you do on a daily basis, and if you are stressed or not. Always consult a qualified dermatologist who can check your medical history and provide a suited treatment.

Who’s administering the drip, and where?

This is non-negotiable. IV treatments can only be performed at a clinical facility and requires a qualified medical professional. It is unsafe to administer these drips at salons or spas where there is no medical oversight. In fact, most alarming is a trend of ordering IV drips via portals like Amazon or Flipkart online and getting ward boys or freelance nurses to administer them at home. This should absolutely be avoided.

What’s in the drip? And where is it sourced from?

IV drips are not all equal. It must be pharmaceutical-grade and prescribed based on proper diagnosis. This can really affect how your body responds to it with the quality, sourcing and formulation. In fact, certain compounds such as glutathione, a strong antioxidant commonly found in these infusions, need to be cautiously used. It is more effective when dispensed slowly and under medical supervision; The more you take, the worse it works.

Also read | 7 expert-approved treatments to protect your skin from harmful effects of pollution

What are the risks involved?

As with any medical procedure, IV drips can lead to certain side effects: vein inflammation, infections from the treatment, allergic reactions, and even complications if the body rejects the treatment. Your safety and results can depend on how fast or slowly the drip is administered. Speed is not always a good thing — sometimes it is damaging.

Is this a long-term solution for skin health or just a band-aid?

None of these IV therapies should ever be a substitute for a healthy regimen of topical skincare, nutrition, water, and sleep. It can be a nice add-on to the plan, but nothing more. You should ask yourself: Is this drip part of a big idea or an incidental hack? Sustainable beauty is built on consistency — not clinics.

Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific health diagnosis.