IV Therapy for skin is an increasingly popular trend in the world of beauty nutrition.
It involves infusing beneficial nutrients for the skin directly into the bloodstream.
Read on to learn more about this “beauty from within” skin treatment!
What is IV Therapy?
IV is short for intravenous which means taking place within or administered into a vein.
Healthcare professionals often use this therapy in hospitals. It provides immediate relief and treatment for a wide range of medical conditions.
An IV allows for rapid infusion of medications, fluids, and nutrients directly into the bloodstream.
IV Therapy for Skin Health
IV therapy is an increasingly popular treatment for skin health. It involves administering vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants through an IV.
The IV solution also improves hydration levels in the body and the skin.
Topical treatments and oral beauty supplements do not work as quickly as IV skin therapy, making it an attractive option in the world of skincare.
What are the Benefits of IV Therapy for Skin?
The following are the benefits of IV therapy for the skin:
- Hydrated Skin
- Decreased inflammation
- Increased collagen production
- Enhanced nutrient delivery
1. Hydrated Skin
Perhaps the most effective component of this skin therapy is the ability to quickly hydrate the body and the skin.
A high water content promotes elasticity, resilience, and firmness in the skin. Aging skin can appear more youthful when adequately hydrated.
IV therapy tends to produce a noticeable “glow” immediately following treatment. This is likely related to quick and efficient hydration!
You can learn more about how to hydrate your skin in this Age-Defying Dietitian blog post “Beautiful Skin from Within: Hydration from the Inside Out“.
2. Decreased Inflammation
Inflammation is the body’s response to an irritant. The skin shows signs of inflammation through rashes, swelling, and redness.
Inflammation can also make skin conditions like psoriasis, eczema, and acne worse.
IV therapy can reduce inflammation resulting in clearer, healthier skin!
3. Increased Collagen Production
When it comes to your skin, collagen provides its structure and elasticity. Aging causes collagen breakdown.
You can see evidence of collagen breakdown in your wrinkles and fine lines.
The components of an IV treatment will vary, however, many will contain vitamin C which is essential for collagen production.
Additional antioxidants in IV therapy can stimulate the body to make collagen, resulting in firmer, youthful-looking skin.
4. Enhanced Nutrient Delivery
Delivery of nutrients directly to the bloodstream has its advantages!
Vitamin supplements taken orally have to be digested and absorbed by the body.
IV nutrient delivery allows your body to absorb a higher percentage of nutrients than food or supplements.
Is IV Therapy Right for You?
This type of skincare treatment can benefit a variety of individuals.
Good Candidates
Below are skin concerns that may benefit most from IV therapy for skin:
- Dry skin
- Fine lines and wrinkles
- Acne
- Eczema
IV therapy for skin can hydrate dry skin quickly, and stimulate collagen production in aging skin.
Antioxidants can reduce the inflammation associated with acne and eczema.
Who Should Use Caution or Avoid Skin IV Therapy?
- Individuals with kidney or liver problems
- People with certain medical conditions like heart disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes.
- Pregnant or breastfeeding women
- Individuals with allergies or sensitivities
The best practice is to discuss the addition of IV therapy with your healthcare provider.
Risks & Side Effects
The following are possible risks and side effects of IV therapy for the skin:
- Infection: A small risk of infection is a possibility anytime you insert a needle into the skin. Risk is significantly reduced by using sterile techniques.
- Phlebitis: This is a common condition resulting from inflammation of the vein under the skin’s surface. The result is pain, redness, and swelling at the insertion site.
- Allergic reactions: As mentioned above, individuals with allergies should use caution with this therapy. Symptoms of an allergic reaction may include hives, swelling, and trouble breathing
- Fluid overload: Too much fluid can cause edema or swelling. This can lead to uncomfortable symptoms such as cramping, headache, and stomach bloating.
- Electrolyte imbalances: When your electrolytes are too high or too low you have an electrolyte imbalance. Symptoms may include cramping and weakness.
The risks and side effects associated with IV skin therapy are generally mild.
Minimize risk by only receiving this type of treatment from a qualified health professional.
An experienced provider will administer the IV therapy safely and appropriately.
What to Expect from IV Therapy for Skin
Before the treatment, you will typically meet with a healthcare provider for a medical history and review of any skin conditions.
Your provider will then determine what type of therapy meets your needs.
Once the appropriate treatment is determined, a small needle will be inserted into your arm or hand. The IV bag is then attached to the needle and the infusion is started.
The infusion takes anywhere from 30 to 60 minutes. You’ll sit or lie down during this time.
An IV drip is typically painless, however, the initial needle stick may be painful for some individuals.
After your treatment, the provider will remove the needle and dispose of the IV bag.
You will be provided with post-treatment instructions which may include fluid and activity recommendations.
A plan for follow-up visits will be determined with your provider.
Results
The results from this type of skincare treatment vary and may take several treatments to see the full effect.
The most dramatic initial results typically last about 3 days. This makes it a popular treatment for those who want to look their best at important events.
IV therapy recipients typically report a healthy glow in those first few days after their infusion.
IV therapy works best when combined with other healthy lifestyle factors such as a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, adequate hydration, and a regular skincare routine.
*It is important to note there is limited research to support IV vitamin therapy and it is not yet FDA-approved. In addition, no evidence-based guidelines are available for vitamin therapy.
Cost
The cost of these skincare infusions varies depending on the provider and the type of infusion. You’ll find pricing between $250-$700 per infusion.
In regards to cost, IV therapy seems to align with other types of skin treatments like microdermabrasion and laser resurfacing. These services are not covered by insurance.
How to Find an IV Therapy Provider
A quick Google search of “IV therapy for skin near me” should bring up some facilities that offer this service in your area.
You’ll want to look for a provider that is a licensed medical professional such as a Medical Doctor or Registered Nurse.
Takeaways
IV skin therapy is an increasingly popular skincare treatment in the beauty industry.
It has the potential to nourish and rejuvenate the skin from the inside out!
Results vary and regular treatments are needed, which can be expensive.
Potential skin benefits are hydration, decreased inflammation, increased collagen production, and increased nutrient absorption.
The risks associated with IV therapy for skin are mild and are significantly reduced by choosing a treatment provider who is a licensed medical professional.
Those with certain medical conditions and allergies should avoid this type of therapy.
You should always consult with your healthcare provider first to determine the best skincare treatments for you!
Hungry for more information on beauty nutrition?
Interested in more content on foods that benefit your skin?
Check out the Age-Defying Dietitian’s Skin & Beauty Nutrition section of the blog!
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Kathryn is a Registered Dietitian and a National Board Certified Health and Wellness Coach. She is also Certified through the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics in Weight Management.