Breaking Down 'Glow Drip' Anti-Ageing Beauty Therapy: Are They Really Safe?

The 'Glow Drip' or 'IV infusions' are trending as the internet's go-to skin lightening and anti-ageing treatment. With all the skincare influencers swearing by their results, are IV Infusions really a blessing, or is there a hidden downside? Here’s what you need to know. Intravenous (IV) infusions are quickly becoming a trend for enhancing the skin and fighting signs of ageing. The two main ingredients responsible for their glowing reputation are glutathione and vitamin C, both praised for their powerful antioxidant properties. These ingredients help counteract the body’s stressors, which speed up the ageing process.

The Secret Anti-Ageing Elixir

In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr. Gulhima Arora, Senior Consultant Dermatologist at Mehektagul Dermaclinic, New Delhi, shared: “Chronic UV ray exposure, radiation, smoking, pollution, and even the body’s natural functions lead to the release of reactive oxygen species. These stressors speed up ageing by causing inflammation and collagen breakdown. Glutathione and vitamin C help counter these effects.”

Dr. Arora explains that the big advantage of IV Infusions is, “By delivering the drugs directly into the bloodstream, IV infusions bypass the absorption issues of oral pills, which might not always be fully absorbed by the gut.” She also mentioned that IV infusions can include other vital ingredients like vitamin B12, electrolytes, and saline or dextrose, all contributing to a wellness boost.

Its benefits go beyond anti-ageing, offering hydration, a glowing complexion, boosted metabolism, more energy, and even reduced mental stress.

What You Need to Know Before You Try It

While the benefits of this treatment sound so tempting, there’s still a catch. Dr. Arora reminds us, “IV infusions were originally used to counter the side effects of chemotherapy and Parkinson’s disease treatments. But there’s a lack of scientific studies backing their use for anti-ageing, and we don’t have enough data on their long-term safety, especially beyond 12 weeks of use.”

A skincare influencer, Tarini Peshawaria, recently shared on her Instagram that IV Infusions helped her get rid of her tan. However, Dr. Arora added a word of caution: “IV glutathione infusions can be dangerous if not administered in a facility with proper monitoring and resuscitation measures.”

She highlighted that the potential risks could include severe drug reactions and even serious heart problems, such as irregular heartbeats or coronary artery disease. In fact, IV glutathione is banned in some countries for these exact reasons.

Lastly, Dr. Arora pointed out, “These treatments are expensive, and you really need to weigh the potential risks before going for it.”

So, make sure you understand both the benefits and the risks of this treatment before you decide to jump on this trend and remember, your skin might glow, but your health is priceless.