IV Vitamins & Skin Care

We have long known the important relationship between proper diet and skin health. Vitamins, minerals, amino acids, proteins and antioxidants culled from nutritious, wholesome foods have a direct bearing on the health and appearance of the skin. Research into bioavailability has shown that there could be a long waiting line for the skin to receive important vitamins and nutrients, even when supplemented with vitamin pills.  IV therapy has been used since the 1970s to deliver vitamins directly into the bloodstream as a way to bypass the digestion system and its subsequent gatekeepers.  Today, IV therapy is a $2 billion business, estimated to reach $10.98 billion by 2027. Here, we will look at IV Therapy, its benefits and its application in the skin care market.

Intravenous (IV) therapy is a treatment where nutrients are delivered directly into the bloodstream.  The body’s ability to absorb vitamins and nutrients is dependent on many factors, such as sodium dependent multivitamin transporters (SMVT) important transmembrane proteins responsible for transportation of vitamins and other essential factors such as biotin, pantothenic acid and lipoic acid. These transporters have a limited amount of ability to transport these important factors, much like a crowded train.  Other factors that affect absorption include the presence of other inhibitors, which can be physiological, biochemical or high molecular weight.

In addition, factors such as poor gut health can affect absorption rates, as well as poor habits such as high alcohol consumption or smoking.  Because IV therapy bypasses the digestive system, it is said to have a higher absorption rate, making it more bioavailable. These treatments sometimes called “vitamin infusions” can be used for a variety of concerns, including asthma, fibromyalgia, migraines, chronic fatigue syndrome, pain, rehydration after sports activities, to improve skin conditions and even as a hangover cure.

IV therapy is also used to help boost the immune system, restore hormonal balance and aid in the removal of toxins from the body as well as for treating flu symptoms, jet lag, and exercise fatigue. It is provided at hydration bars and lounges, spas, and wellness centers, and some businesses even offer at-home and mobile services. This therapy has come into focus in the media, reportedly touted by celebrities such as Madonna, Adele, Chrissy Teigen, Rihanna and Brad Pitt.

IV Therapy has been around for many years, but came into focus as an alternative health and wellness treatment with the advent of the Myer’s Cocktail.

Named after John Myers, MD, who developed this therapy in the 1970s, this consisted of a mixture of magnesium, calcium, B vitamins, and vitamin C. The solution is bright yellow, and was known colloquially as a “banana bag”, containing  37 mL of  high doses of water-soluble vitamins and minerals and sterile water.  A recent study using the Myer’s Cocktail found that it did help mediate the effects of fibromyalgia.

Today, the process is simple and fast. Customers fill out a health profile form, relax in a recliner, choose from a menu of infusions or “cocktails,” and then receive the mixture of vitamins, herbs, and fluids via an IV line. It takes 45-60 minutes, and the cost ranges from $80 to $400.

According to Dr. Natalya Fazylova, DNP, Co-Owner of ReBalance Integrative Medicine and Anti-Aging Center in NYC, who has a menu of 25 IV Infusions she performs at her facility, the true beauty of this therapy is that it can be customized to suit every client.

Treating the Skin Inside and Out

Factors such as stress, poor diet, hormonal imbalances and other medical conditions as well as environmental factors such as UV light and pollution all affect the appearance and health of the skin.  New research, for example, has found that imbalances in the microbiome of the stomach and digestive system can have significant impact on inflammatory skin disease. It is for this reason that skin care experts believe that the most effective and beneficial skin care treatments need to help work internally and externally to correct imbalances and deficiencies.

IV Therapy provides a unique time to perform facial and body treatments that help to restore the client inside and out.  ReBalance, for example, offers five 60 minute IV Therapy Infusions in conjunction with specific, seaweed-based skin care treatment protocols to address skin care concerns both external.

Seaweed is known for its hydrating and properties, and is one of the richest sources of natural anti-oxidants such as phlorotannins, sulfated polysaccharides, fucosterol and fucoxanthins. They have anti-oxidant properties, scavenge free radicals, are anti-inflammatory, have chelating activity and protect against oxidative stress.  Seaweed also contains essential fatty acids that help maintain our skin’s barrier, and polysaccharides such as Alginic Acid, which help to lock moisture into our skin. It is also known to help increase cell proliferation.  Specific species, such as Laminaria Digitata and Ascophyllum Nodosum, are complete sources of nutrients, containing 42 trace elements and minerals, 18 amino acids, and 12 vitamins.

In skin care, specific seaweeds can be used to create a number of beneficial cosmetic effects including decreasing the appearance of oil, diminishing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, exfoliating the skin for a more luminous looking complexion and moisturizing the skin to make it feel and look soft and smooth.