IV Glow Drips Gain Popularity in Bengaluru's Beauty Scene
Videos of celebrities receiving IV drips while socializing or grooming have gone viral online, and advertisements for "glow drips" are increasingly common on social media platforms like Instagram. This practice, which involves injecting substances such as glutathione and collagen directly into the bloodstream, originated in major cities like Mumbai and Delhi and has now expanded significantly across Bengaluru's beauty clinics as a sought-after wellness and aesthetic option.
Personal Experiences and High Costs
Shruthi Iyer, a tech professional residing in Jayanagar, shared her experience with the treatment. "When I first heard about glutathione for fairness, I was hesitant because of the cost. It was not cheap at all — I spent a lot more than on any other beauty treatment before. But honestly, the glow and fairness it gave me were worth every rupee. I'm thrilled with the results; it is slightly painful, but it is amazing!" she said. While oral supplements like glutathione and collagen tablets, powders, and gummies have long been used for skin benefits, IV therapy operates on a similar principle but delivers nutrients directly into the bloodstream for potentially faster effects.
Medical Caution and Limited Evidence
However, medical professionals urge caution. Doctors highlight that there is limited scientific evidence supporting long-term skin or health benefits from IV therapy. They also warn that improper or unguided administration, especially outside regulated clinical settings, can lead to both short-term and long-term side effects. Risks include allergic reactions, nausea, headaches, vein irritation, infection at the injection site, electrolyte imbalance, and in severe cases, anaphylactic shock, multi-organ failure, or fluid overload.
Rising Demand and Clinic Insights
When visiting several clinics and salons across Bengaluru, staff reported receiving at least 10 clients daily on average, with numbers spiking during wedding and festive seasons. Beauty-focused infusions, such as glutathione and vitamin C, are marketed for skin brightening and collagen support. Clinic personnel addressed safety concerns by noting that doctors are available on board and that drips are produced in centralized manufacturing facilities.
At a popular spa and clinic on Kanakapura Road, multiple options are offered, starting with a hydration drip priced at Rs 10,000. The clinic manager explained, "Every day, at least seven people come in for drips. Earlier, most women in their 40s or 50s opted for anti-ageing drips, but now people of all ages visit us. Many walk in seeking glow, relaxation and stress relief, and we also receive requests during wedding seasons and house parties for hangover drips."
Variety of Treatments and Maintenance Requirements
Other commonly promoted options include clear-skin drips, fat-burn drips, PCOS support drips, hair-fall control treatments, and hangover recovery infusions. These wellness drips typically range from about Rs 5,000 to Rs 30,000 per session. Staff suggested that visible results usually require around 10 sessions spaced roughly 10 days apart, along with maintenance through diet and exercise. They warned that benefits may fade within a month if not sustained.
At another clinic in Jayanagar, an assistant manager emphasized, "It is important for a doctor to analyse the skin first and then recommend suitable drips. Brides approach us frequently ahead of weddings to look their best, and with summer approaching, we are also seeing more demand for hydration drips due to rising temperatures."
Expert Opinions on Safety and Nutrition
Dr. Priyanka Kuri, a consultant in dermatology at Aster Whitefield Hospital, stated, "Both glutathione and collagen can be better supported nutritionally than is commonly appreciated. Rather than being ingested, the body must utilise certain amino acids, vitamins, and minerals on its own to produce glutathione. No more than a healthy diet packed full of whole foods that include vegetables, fruits, proteins, and healthy oils is required for the stimulation of glutathione and collagen production."
Dr. Pankaj Singhai, HOD and consultant in internal medicine at Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, added, "IV drips can be safe when administered by a qualified medical professional in a proper clinical setting. Risks arise when they are given in unregulated environments, such as at-home services or by untrained individuals. At-home IV therapy is particularly risky due to lack of medical supervision, sterility concerns, and unregulated dosing."
Understanding Key Substances
Collagen is the body's natural glue that keeps skin firm, joints flexible, and bones strong. It declines with age, leading to wrinkles and sagging. Glutathione acts as the body's super antioxidant, protecting cells, detoxifying the liver, and maintaining skin brightness and health.
