IV Therapy or Gummies: Which is Better for Achieving a Glowing Skin?

Last Updated Oct 28, 2024

IV therapy and gummies can both be great additions to your skincare treatment. However, the ideal choice for you will depend on factors like your personal preference, budget, and how fast you want to see results.

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Image of a nurse doing an intravenous infusion (IV therapy)

Key takeaways:

  • IV therapy and the use of gummies are some methods that may be used to achieve flawless, glowing skin.
  • Factors such as cost and convenience are things to keep in mind when making a decision. 
  • Both options typically don’t cause any serious side effects, and are backed by medical research.

Glowing skin is the rave everywhere you go on social media, from influencers flaunting their seemingly flawless skin to skincare brands promising to give you radiating skin in the shortest possible time. 

IV therapy and gummies are becoming popular supplementation options in the skincare industry, and this article will help you determine which is best for you. 

How does IV therapy or gummies help your skin?

A balanced diet is usually enough to provide the body with the nutrients it needs to maintain healthy skin. However, supplements can be used to fill in any potential gaps and also in situations where there is poor absorption of nutrients from your diet due to an underlying medical condition. 

IV therapy or gummies can be formulated to deliver nutrients that are critical for skin health, such as vitamin C. Providing your skin with these nutrients can help:

  • Reduce wrinkles and fine lines
  • Improve skin elasticity and firmness
  • Enhance complexion tone
  • Reduce skin blemishes
  • Keep the skin hydrated 

What is IV therapy?

IV therapy is also known as IV hydration therapy, IV drip, IV immuno nutrition therapy, IV infusion, or vitamin IV therapy. Don’t be confused, as they all mean the same thing. 

IV means intravenous, i.e., administered through the vein. So, IV therapy refers to the intake of essential vitamins and nutrients your skin needs through the vein. 

These nutrients are in liquid form and are usually administered by a health professional who regulates dosage and monitors the body’s reaction during administration.

 IV therapy acts quickly to restore fluid volume and deliver nutrients. It may also help you to relax, sleep better, boost your immune system, increase your energy levels, and improve your general well-being outside of skin effects. 

An IV therapy session usually lasts 30 minutes to 1 hour. It should ideally be done monthly or bi-monthly to allow for a reasonable time frame to evaluate progress after the initial session.

The growing popularity of wellness and beauty treatments and the advantages of IV therapy is predicted to grow the IV therapy market size by compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.97% from 2023 to 2030 from its value of  USD 2.3 billion in 2022.

The cost of IV therapy depends on location and practitioner. IV therapy administered by a home nurse is typically going to be more expensive compared to doing it at a spa. This is because a home nurse will charge more for the convenience and personalized attention they offer. 

What are gummies?

Gummies are gel-like solids with a chewy texture. They are often used as supplements or vitamins. Gummies typically contain water, pectin or gelatin, corn syrup, and additives or nutrients, depending on their intended use. 

They come in various options: vegan, colored, sweetened, or plain. Most gummies are sweetened with sugar. As a result, they can contribute to excessive sugar intake if you consume too much. However, they are generally healthy. 

Gummies that promote healthy skin usually contain at least one or more of the following: collagen, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins A, C, E, D, and K. These nutrients and vitamins have been shown to enhance skin health and beauty. 

Differences between IV therapy and gummies

There are several key differences between IV therapy and gummies. They include:

  • Mode of Intake: IV therapy is administered intravenously, while gummies are taken orally, i.e., through the mouth. The invasiveness of IV therapy is a concern for people who don’t want a needle inserted into their skin.
  • Bioavailability: IV therapy has a rapid action since it enters directly into the bloodstream, thereby increasing its bioavailability, while gummies have a slower action since they undergo complete digestion after swallowing to become bioavailable for use.
  • Cost: IV therapy can be more expensive than gummies, especially if you need multiple sessions. The fee for professional administration is also added to the cost of each session.
  • Convenience: You can take gummies on the go whenever you need them. On the other hand, IV therapy can only be administered by a trained professional, and you will need to sit or lie down while it's being administered.
  • Safety: Gummies are typically safer than IV therapy as the risk of complications is quite low when compared to IV infusions.

How to choose between  IV therapy or gummies for glowing skin

Now that you know how IV therapy and gummies can help you achieve radiant skin, the next thing is to decide which is best for you. There are a few factors to consider before you make a decision:

  • Risks: Risks associated with IV therapy, such as bruising and infections, do not occur in gummy use. There’s also less likelihood of overdosing with IV therapy than with gummies due to controlled dosing in the former. 
  • Preferences: Do you prefer needle insertion to chewing? Some people are afraid of needles, and subjecting yourself to repeated pricking may increase the risk of an infection.
  • Time frame: IV therapy can produce better results within a shorter time frame due to higher bioavailability and targeted delivery. 
  • Cost: If you’re on a tight budget, gummies are the way to go. IV therapy and its associated costs can cost hundreds or thousands of dollars.  

Wrap up

Taking supplements is a great way to ensure you get the nutrients you need to keep your skin healthy. However, it shouldn’t be your sole focus. 

Healthy lifestyle practices such as eating a balanced diet, staying hydrated, and exercising regularly are equally necessary if you want beautiful, radiant skin. 

Please consult your doctor before taking any skin supplements. Some of these products contain ingredients that can interact with medications, and some are not safe for pregnant or nursing women. 

References

  1. Juliet M Puller at al (2017) The roles of vitamin C in skin health 
  2. Ernstmeyer K et al (2021) National Library of Medicine, IV Therapy management
  3. Silke K Shagen et al (2012)  Discovering the link between nutrition and skin aging