Many treatments and remedies are being tried to achieve glowing, youthful skin. IV hydration therapy is one of the new treatments in the skincare and wellness industry. This treatment was actually developed for medical reasons: to rehydrate patients and provide them with nutrients that went directly into the bloodstream.
But how does IV hydration therapy work, and what’s the science behind it being so great for the skin? Let’s take a look at the benefits of IV hydration therapy and how it can help make your skin look and feel more youthful.
Understanding IV Hydration Therapy
IV hydration therapy is a process of administering a tailor-made concoction of fluids, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants directly into the bloodstream via an intravenous drip. This bypasses the digestive system and allows your body to absorb the nutrients more quickly and in higher concentrations than possible through oral intake. Not only does IV hydration therapy work to hydrate the body, but the contents of the IV therapy also boast vitamins and minerals that are good for the health of your skin and its appearance.
Proper hydration is a warranty for healthy skin. Skin is the largest organ of the body and acts as a natural barrier to environmental injury. It becomes irritable, flaky, and develops fine lines when dry and dehydrated. When IV fluids are directly introduced into the blood system, they evenly hydrate skin tissues and cells. The better the hydration, the better the elasticity, plumpness, and radiance.
Unlike drinking water, which needs to pass through the digestive system before cell hydration occurs, IV therapy does its work of hydration very quickly and directly. The immediacy can be very helpful for people whose skin is severely dehydrated because of factors like alcohol consumption, travel, or even sickness.
The contents of an IV hydration cocktail can vary depending on the individual’s needs. Common components include:
Saline or Lactated Ringer’s Solution
For hydration of the skin and body.
Vitamin C
A powerful antioxidant that assists in collagen synthesis.
B-complex Vitamins
Necessary in cell metabolism and energy production.
Glutathione
Master antioxidant that is useful for bright skin.
Zinc
Wound healing and reducing inflammation are associated with its role.
The Science Behind Skin Aging
The idea behind how IV hydration therapy can revitalize the skin is only fully understandable if one is aware of the biological processes behind aging skin. As we get older, the skin loses its elasticity and hydration due to decreased production of collagen, reduced natural hyaluronic acid, and oxidative stress because of free radicals. The process accelerates with exposure to the sun, pollution, and a poor lifestyle.
The major contributors to skin aging are:
Dehydration
Poor hydration depletes skin elasticity and causes skin to appear dull and uneven in texture.
Oxidative Stress
Free radicals will steal from skin cells and break down collagen, which gives way to wrinkles and fine lines.
Nutritional Deficiencies
Failure to take in key vitamins and minerals actually delays the regeneration and repair of skin cells.
IV Therapy Can Increase Collagen Production
Collagen is a type of protein that provides structure and strength to the skin. It starts to degenerate with age. Vitamin C is one of the most used vitamins in IV hydration treatment and plays a very vital role in collagen synthesis. It serves as an antioxidant, which halts free radicals responsible for collagen breakdown, hence maintaining skin resilience and reducing the appearance of wrinkles.
Given intravenously, Vitamin C can be absorbed at levels far higher than through oral intake, thereby amplifying its effects on collagen production and skin repair.
The Role of Antioxidants in Skin Hydration
Antioxidants are generally considered the skin’s natural self-defense mechanism against oxidative stress. Most IV hydration treatments contain glutathione, one of the most potent types of antioxidants, which may also have the effect of lightening your skin through inhibition of melanin production, thus leading to a more even tone and reducing dark spots brought on by sun damage and aging.
Antioxidants also help protect the skin from further degeneration by neutralizing free radicals, reducing inflammation, and encouraging the repair of cells. All this protection delays the process of aging and leaves skin fresh and glowing.
If you would like to learn more about how IV hydration therapy can help to hydrate and rejuvenate your skin, call the offices of Nenergy Boost today at (424) 485-0626 to make an appointment!