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Can IV infusions really give you glowing skin?

There's a reason the A-list love IV infusions, so we asked experts to reveal everything you need to know about them, including how they benefit the skin

They say that healthy skin starts from within, with many experts attesting that a balanced lifestyle, diet and gut makes for the perfect recipe for a clear, glowing and healthy complexion. However, balance can be hard to achieve, and no one seems to know the perils of this more than the A-list.

With jam-packed schedules, the likes of Adele, Hailey Bieber, Kendall Jenner and Gwyneth Paltrow have long turned to IV infusions for a boost, both inside and out. Once regarded as little more than a Hollywood fad, in recent years, more clinics have started to offer IV drips this side of the Atlantic too, marketing them as liquid skincare. But when it comes to our complexions, are IV drips really the best route to healthy, youthful skin? Here’s everything you need to know…

What are IV infusions?

IV stands for intravenous, meaning administered through the veins, and the infusions comprise of saline mixed with carefully calibrated doses of vitamins, minerals, amino acids, enzymes and electrolytes that are delivered directly into the bloodstream. “Treatments can be tailored to address a number of concerns, such as fatigue, hydration, low immunity, low mood, inflammation, poor digestion and more,” explains Dr Unnati Desai, Medical Director at Skinfluencer.

Can IV infusions really help improve skin’s appearance?

The skin is the body's largest organ and is exposed not only to internal aggressors, but external ones too. "IV therapy enable much higher concentrations of nutrients to be delivered to all of your body's cells, allowing them to target biological mechanisms such as cell turnover and collagen production, which is required for healthy skin,” reveals Dr Desai.

With that said, it is worth nothing that IV vitamin infusions in particular do have their limitations in relation to both skin and general health. For example, if your concerns aren’t rooted in a vitamin or mineral deficiency, you may not see dramatic results. This is where you’ll benefit more from “implementing a consistent medical-grade skincare plan to ensure your skin looks fresh and radiant,” says Dr Ioannis Liakas, Medical Director at Vie Aesthetics. In short, while IV infusions can help you see skin improvements, it’s best not to rely on them as a sole treatment.

Why do celebrities swear by NADH IV?

However, one IV treatment that proves particularly popular amongst celebrities is NADH, standing for Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide (NAD) and Hydrogen (H). NAD is a coenzyme that already exists in the body. “It generates energy within the mitochondria to combat fatigue, promote cellular healing and DNA repair, as well as enhancing brain power, metabolism and physical endurance,” says Dr Desai.

Thought to help the body eliminate toxins and boost collagen synthesis for healthier-looking skin, intravenous methods “can be incredibly effective as the chemical is sourced directly to your bloodstream, meaning no chemicals are lost in the digestive process as commonly found with oral supplements,” adds Dr Liakas.

How much do IV infusions cost?

For one single IV session, prices range anywhere from £30 to £250, depending upon the cocktail used and how long each treatment lasts. On average, a NADH IV treatment can take up to four hours, while others can be administered in 20-60 minutes. Each treatment will typically require a consultation with a nurse or doctor to ensure the right nutrients are administered.

Ioannis Liakas, Medical Director

Dr Ioannis Liakas is a shining gem in the aesthetics world. Prior to becoming an industry leading practitioner, he worked...

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