Which IV treatment is right for your skin?

They say you are what you eat – and when it comes to our skin, they’re not wrong. A healthy diet goes hand-in-hand with a healthy complexion. But sometimes, reaching the optimum levels of vitamins, minerals, and nutrients is easier said than done. Whether it’s lifestyle, stress, travel, sickness, or a general opposition to vegetables, plenty of things can stand in between us and our glow.

Thankfully, there’s a quick – and effective – way to top up our supplies: IV drips. These have long been used to combat issues such as exhaustion or hair loss, but they’re also a handy tool for taking care of our skin. To discover which one we need, we spoke to the experts at selfologi – the ultimate digital destination where you can discover and book cosmetic treatments. Here’s their guide to the best of the best.

How do IV treatments work?

Before we get into the specifics, here’s the logic behind IV treatments. IV stands for ‘intravenous’ – which, for the non-scientific among us, means ‘in the veins’. A needle is used to directly insert a small tube. Even if you’re needle-phobic, this step is quick and easy – and if you’re worried, you can even ask for some numbing cream or spray ahead of time.

The tube is hooked up to a bag containing your IV infusion, which is then delivered straight into your body. This direct access is what makes IV treatments so powerful. Yes, there’s always the option to take supplements, or bite the bullet and eat more healthy foods. However, these vitamins are only partially absorbed into our bloodstream, while IV guarantees 100 per cent absorption.

This process is the same for every IV treatment; it’s the infusion that differs from person-to-person. Some stick to one ingredient, while others cocktail a few to tackle multiple concerns. The only question is, which one is (or which ones are) right for you?

Vitamin B-12

Best for: an overall boost

Arguably one of the most confusing vitamins of all. Your body desperately needs B-12 to do everything from forming red blood cells to boosting our metabolism, yet it doesn't produce it itself. Instead, we need to absorb it from foods such as red meat and eggs – or, if you need a quick fix, an IV treatment.

For our skin, the benefit lies in B-12’s role in cell turnover and collagen production. Topping up your B-12 levels can have a positive impact on both, leading to faster recovery from concerns such as hyperpigmentation, acne, or dullness, as well as fine lines. A true multitasker.

Vitamin C

Best for: dull skin

Free radicals – AKA the unstable molecules that break down collagen and elastin – can wreak havoc on our skin. Fine lines, dark spots, and looser skin are all common consequences over time. The solution? Antioxidants, especially vitamin C.

Injected via IV, there’s strong evidence that vitamin C can brighten hyperpigmentation and signs of sun damage. This makes it ideal for dull, tired-looking skin, or just any complexion in need of a boost. While there are plenty of vitamin C-exclusive IV treatments to choose from, you can also reap bonus benefits by opting for an antioxidant cocktail.

Zinc

Best for: acne and eczema

Like all vitamins, zinc serves much bigger purposes than taking care of our skin. One of its greatest strengths is calming chronic inflammation. From a health perspective, that’s vital for tackling indigestion, treating infections, and healing open wounds.

But for our skin, it can also be a key weapon against acne and eczema. Higher zinc levels have been linked to fewer breakouts. As it helps protect the cells responsible for producing collagen, it can also manage the amount of damage caused by free radicals. As a happy bonus, it can also strengthen the hair and nails.

Glutathione

Best for: hyperpigmentation

There are antioxidants, and then there’s the ‘master antioxidant’: glutathione. Our body produces this in spades, and it plays a role in nearly every system of the body. The skin wasn’t thought to be one of them – until scientists made the accidental (but happy) connection between large doses and lower levels of melanin.

Technically speaking, this happens because ​​​​glutathione blocks the enzyme responsible for making melanin. However, all you really need to know is that when it’s delivered intravenously, it can help even out darker patches of skin, whether that’s post-inflammatory pigmentation, sun spots, or melasma. Plenty of skin glow IV drips utilise this ingredient, often combining it with the likes of vitamin C and other antioxidants.

Booking my IV treatment

Whatever you’re looking for, get your boost today at selfologi.com. Once you’ve chosen the best IV treatment for your skin concern, you can browse the biggest collection of clinics in the region, read reviews, compare prices, and book your treatment directly on the platform. Even better, you pay nothing until the day of your treatment. Quick, easy, and flexible.