IV infusions are the latest wellness craze; they don’t just boost your body. Combined with a radiance-making facial - you can be glowing from the inside out, says editor Trudi Brewer.
The team at Lab Pharmacy and editor Trudi Brewer having IV Infusion Therapy.
That famous saying beauty comes from within speaks to this wellness trend. Celebrities such as Hailey Bieber, Chrissy Tegan and Kendall Jenner religiously swear by the results from IV Infusion Therapy and claim they are more than skin deep. So does pharmacist Hayden Seung Hee Lee from Lab Pharmacy, who is also hooked. Short for intravenous infusion therapy involves a small plastic needle inserted into your veins to deliver pharmaceutical-grade nutrition. After blood tests, the cocktail Seung Hee Lee recommended was a blend of vitamins B, C, magnesium, and glutathione, which takes 45 minutes to complete. Combined with a skin-brightening Medik8 facial (it's also a great way to speed up the downtime), it was relaxing and comforting. Globally this medi-beauty offering is widespread, and according to Seung Hee Lee, it's about to take off here in New Zealand too. Here he shares the facts.
What is IV Infusion therapy, and where did the idea come from?
Nutritional Infusions are popular in the United States and Asia, especially South Korea. You can walk into any medical practice and request an infusion anytime in South Korea, where I got inspired to offer this service while training there. I realised all the dermatology clinics were providing nutritional IV therapy while their clients were undergoing facial treatments, including facial massage. Of course, I do not recommend everyone to get an IV infusion and strongly advise that oral supplement intake should be the first line. But in some instances and specific population groups, nutritional IV infusion is the only way to restore and supplement your body's requirement or demand rapidly.
How does it work?
Just like the oral supplements, such as vitamin C, B, magnesium, glutathione (helpful in tissue building and repair, as well as boosting your immune system function), and alpha lipoic acid (found in every cell in the body, it helps turn glucose into energy), intravenous pharmaceutical-grade products are also available. By avoiding gut metabolism, IV Nutritional or Infusion Therapy has proven to have 100 per cent absorption directly into your bloodstream. These drugs have been carefully studied in clinical trials and are shown to be safe and effective.
What are IV Infusion cocktails do you offer at Lab Pharmacy?
We offer Vitamin C and B Complex, Myers cocktail (a blend of B and C vitamins with minerals such as magnesium and calcium), magnesium, glutathione and alpha lipoic acid infusions. Before IV Therapy, a consultation and blood tests are mandatory for these services. We also offer medical infusions, such as iron, electrolyte and antibiotic infusions too.
What are the benefits of the IV Drip or Infusion and facial at the same time?
You can feel great inside and out by combining our facial therapy. Essentially, IV therapy creates a powerful synergistic effect.
What can an IV infusion do for your body and skin?
IV nutritional infusions have many proven benefits, such as collagen synthesis, rehydration, support fatigue, providing an immune boost, while supplementing any vitamin or mineral deficiency in the body.
How often should you have an IV Infusion?
Everyone has different needs. Our clinicians take blood tests to determine your correct infusion and that what you receive is safe and effective. Then they can tailor ongoing individualised protocols.
What should you do post your IV Infusion?
Post any IV infusion, I suggest top rest well and keep well hydrated.
the Medik8 Radiance Facial
While the IV Infusion works magic for my immunity and energy levels, the Medik8 treatment is designed to give your skin intensive rejuvenation. Not to mention how relaxing the experience is for your soul. This facial is skin illuminating thanks to an enzyme peel and super thanks to the Hydro8 B5 serum. It was designed to brighten dullness, boost moisture levels and rehydrate the skin. This active skin facial, which includes a divine massage, is an excellent distraction for anyone who is needle shy but wants the benefits of these vitamin cocktails but, like me, doesn't like downtime. My IV Infusion was a blend of Vitamin B, C and Combining the high-tech active antioxidant skincare ingredients with IV Infusion Therapy means you leave with glowing skin, and the energising effects are felt for weeks. The Medik8 facial while having IV Infusion Therapy costs, $90.
Editor Trudi Brewer shares IV Infusion Therapy combined with a radiance-making Medik8 Facial at Lab Pharmacy, on Auckland’s North Shore.
How much do IV Infusions with a facial cost?
IV Infusion Therapy, cost $150. Both the glutathione infusion 600mg and Myers Cocktail are $250. There is also an Energy Boost, which is $200 and the Cinderella Infusion, designed to replenish, restore and revitalise the body and your skin costs $300.
How to layer texture and colour to create a sleeping haven.