Could IV Drips Really be the Fountain of Youth?

IV therapy has transitioned out of the murky realm of hangover cures into the light of mainstream health and wellness.

While IV therapy in itself is nothing new, it has rapidly become more accessible to a wider market. IV therapy is said to boost the skin’s glow, increase energy levels, strengthen the immune system, and improve overall mood. Nowadays, the wonder solution has become a fountain of youth for those looking to stop aging in its tracks.

What exactly is IV therapy anyway?

Short for ‘intravenous,’ it typically comes in two forms: the more common is a drip, whose speedier sister is called a ‘push.’ Both drips and pushes are administered via a catheter, a small plastic tube that typically contains a mixture of vitamins and antioxidants specifically formulated to meet whatever concern you came in to address. There are different mixtures for different needs. These mixtures are called cocktails—cute, right?

Drip vs. push

An IV drip typically contains around 500 to 1000mL of fluid and takes anywhere from 30 to 45 minutes to fully infuse. An IV drip will give you a vitamin boost as well as a hydration boost. An IV push, on the other hand, usually comes in a 60cc syringe, with a higher vitamin concentration instead of a focus on fluid hydration. An IV push takes only around 10 to 15 minutes on average to administer. Regardless of what you choose as the best option for you, you’re looking at 100% direct absorption of vitamins and minerals into your bloodstream, as opposed to the average 40% absorption when taking your vitamins and minerals orally. Seems like a pretty good way to spend an hour of your time, all the prep and pre-therapy consultation included.

So what’s going into your bloodstream?

The particular formulation and frequency of IV therapy is determined on a patient-to-patient basis, depending on individual health concerns and personal goals. Clinics that offer IV drips typically offer consultations in this regard. However, beauty and wellness junkies with normal heart, liver, and kidney functions can go for preventative and maintenance IV therapy without the need for a blood test. The most common health booster cocktails typically consist of a potent mix of Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Vitamin B3, Vitamin B5, and Alpha Lipoic Acid. Collagen and Glutathione are also added to the mix for that healthy glow from within.

When will you see results?

Though the cocktail of vitamin and mineral goodness is directly absorbed into the bloodstream, the effects are not always immediate, so don’t be discouraged if you leave the clinic looking and feeling as you did before you came in. It’ll take some time, usually a couple of hours, for the vitamins and minerals to fully circulate through your entire system. Take a selfie before your first session and take note of your problem areas, both inside and out, so you can better note them later. Did the fine lines under your eyes smoothen out? Are your cheeks rosier? How are your energy levels? Did your sniffles disappear?

You’ll start seeing and feeling the effects of your IV cocktail within the day. There won’t be a dip in your energy levels where there usually is, so you can skip the caffeine or sugar fix since your energy and alertness will still be up and running. Your skin will retain its healthy, rested glow for several days, so prepare yourself for the “You’re positively glowing! In love ka ba?” comments that will inevitably come your way. The vitamins stay in your system and maintain your ideal levels for around 1 to 3 weeks, making the results more long-lasting than your typical spa facial.

Is IV therapy for you?

Some people have started to integrate IV drips and pushes into their beauty and wellness routines. Others turn to IV therapy for special occasions, when they need that boost for an upcoming event. Either way, IV therapy is quickly establishing itself as a mainstay in the mainstream. If IV drips and pushes have piqued your curiosity in the past, there’s no time like the present to finally give it a shot—pun intended.

We recommend:
Express Beauty Drip (Glutathione + Vitamin C) by CocktailsMD Wellness Lounge now P1,000 OFF, 600mg Glutathione OR Collagen B6 IV Push + 5ml Vitamin C by La Jeunesse Aesthetic Lifestyle Center at P3,250 OFF, and Gluta IV Drip by GLOW by Excelsior at P2,500 OFF.

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