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Journalism of Courage
By now, many have seen viral videos of actors Janhvi Kapoor and Sara Ali Khan in their vanity vans attached to IV drips. This is a new infusion therapy whereby key nutrients, vitamins, antioxidants and minerals are directly passed into the bloodstream so that they can be absorbed quicker. These perk up the body’s immune system and energy, brighten and hydrate the skin as well as slow down the effects of ageing.
“In an appearance-conscious society, these drips come with Vitamin C, zinc, magnesium but also with proteins like collagen and antioxidant compounds like glutathione,” says Dr Chandani Jain Gupta, dermatologist and aesthetic physician, Elantis Healthcare, New Delhi. “Collagen, Vitamin C and glutathione are much better absorbed through drips. Only a small percentage gets absorbed through the oral route,” she adds.
Glutathione is a powerful antioxidant that our bodies produce naturally. It helps detoxify the liver, battles cell damage and lightens the skin by reducing the production of melanin, the pigment responsible for skin colour. Glutathione is made up of three amino acids: cysteine, glutamic acid, and glycine. It is found in every cell in the body but as we age, our bodies produce less glutathione, which can lead to a variety of health problems.
As for collagen, it helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles on the skin, is anti-ageing and lubricating, the last helping with joint pains.
These work by delivering a high concentration of compounds directly into the bloodstream. This allows the body to absorb them quickly and efficiently. The effects last from several weeks to months depending on individualised dosage. Collagen infusion therapy usually lasts longer than a year.
Top-up treatments are recommended to maintain the improved appearances.
They are safe procedures if done by qualified healthcare professionals. But the risk of IV glutathione cannot be ignored. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not approve its use for cosmetic skin lightening. It is not available with long-term safety data, and potential side effects include allergic reactions, kidney injury and interference with the body’s natural antioxidant balance. Various health authorities even warn against its use for vanity purposes.
The issue is the number of adolescent girls who are going for IV glutathione just to have fairer skin. This way of thinking, which has been influenced by peer pressure and social media influencers, reinforces an unhealthy beauty ideal, that fairness is beauty. Perfectly healthy young people already make enough glutathione naturally.
Research on the cosmetic effects of all IV infusions is limited. While some anecdotal evidence suggests positive results, these are often based on individual experiences rather than rigorous studies.
No. In fact, established clinics should ensure nobody less than 21 years old takes them. Teenagers ought to invest in feeding their bodies with antioxidant-rich diets, drinking plenty of water, ensuring a healthy sleep pattern, applying sunscreen daily and practising gentle skin care. These are much more long-lasting and healthier for healthy skin.
