Vitamin Injections: C, D, B12 and Glutathione Explained
Breaking down the benefits, uses, and differences of common vitamin injections for wellness and skin health.
Injectable vitamins are sometimes used to support health, energy, and recovery—particularly when oral supplements are poorly absorbed or when there’s a clinically identified deficiency. While not a replacement for a healthy lifestyle or balanced diet, certain vitamin injections may be helpful in managing fatigue, immune support, or post-treatment recovery. At DA Aesthetics, we provide injectable vitamins where appropriate and medically justified, always following a face-to-face consultation.
This article covers the most commonly requested vitamin injections—vitamin B12, D, C, and glutathione. Each offers a different purpose, benefit, and risk profile, and not all are supported for aesthetic use.
Vitamin B12 Injections
Vitamin B12 plays a vital role in red blood cell production, nerve function, and energy metabolism. Some individuals struggle to maintain adequate B12 levels due to dietary restrictions, gastrointestinal absorption issues, or medical conditions like pernicious anaemia. In such cases, B12 injections may be used to correct the deficiency directly, bypassing the digestive system.
These injections are typically prescribed for fatigue, brain fog, or documented deficiency. At DA Aesthetics, we review each case individually and do not provide B12 injections for general wellness unless there is a clear need. If we suspect deficiency, we may advise coordination with your GP or recommend appropriate blood testing before proceeding.
Vitamin D Injections
Vitamin D is essential for maintaining bone health, regulating immune function, and supporting skin and muscle recovery. Because sunlight is often limited in the UK, especially in winter, many people experience lower levels of vitamin D. Injections can be beneficial for individuals who have difficulty absorbing vitamin D through the gut or who struggle to reach adequate levels through diet and oral supplements.
A vitamin D injection typically delivers a high dose that lasts for several months. This can be useful for those with confirmed deficiency or for patients preparing for or recovering from aesthetic treatments, where immune support is valuable. At DA Aesthetics, we offer vitamin D injections as part of a personalised plan and only when clinically appropriate.
Vitamin C Injections
Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, supports skin health, collagen production, and antioxidant defence. It is water-soluble, which means it is not stored in the body and needs to be replenished regularly. Injections are sometimes used to enhance recovery after skin procedures or to support individuals with poor dietary intake or increased oxidative stress.
While vitamin C can be beneficial during periods of healing, we assess whether an injection is necessary on a case-by-case basis. Oral intake is generally sufficient for most individuals. However, when used, injectable vitamin C may support the skin’s natural repair processes, particularly following treatments such as microneedling or skin boosters.
Glutathione Injections
Glutathione is a naturally occurring antioxidant involved in detoxification, immune support, and regulation of melanin production. It is often promoted in the aesthetics industry for its so-called “skin brightening” effects, usually administered through intravenous (IV) infusions. However, evidence supporting these cosmetic claims is limited, and concerns have been raised about the safety and regulation of glutathione injections used in non-medical settings.
In the UK, several regulatory bodies have warned against the cosmetic use of glutathione IV drips for skin lightening due to the absence of standardised dosing, variable product quality, and potential adverse effects. These can include allergic reactions, liver strain, and electrolyte imbalance—particularly when administered by unqualified providers.
At DA Aesthetics, we do not offer IV glutathione for cosmetic purposes. While oral antioxidant support may be discussed during consultations, we prioritise safe, evidence-based practice. Treatments that lack strong clinical backing or present regulatory concerns are not part of our service offering.
Is It Safe to Get Vitamin Injections?
When carried out in a medical environment and only when clinically justified, vitamin injections are generally well tolerated. However, like all injectable procedures, they carry some risk. Local reactions such as tenderness or bruising can occur. Systemic side effects are rare but possible, especially if the injection is not appropriately dosed or monitored. For glutathione, the risks are higher—particularly when used outside of its intended medical context.
This is why vitamin injections should never be administered in salons, IV bars, or aesthetic settings without healthcare oversight. At DA Aesthetics, we only provide these treatments following a face-to-face consultation and full review of your medical history.
Why We Take a Clinical Approach at DA Aesthetics
Vitamin injections are sometimes marketed as quick fixes for fatigue, skin clarity, or “wellness” without proper assessment. At DA Aesthetics, we take a different approach. Treatments are based on your personal health, clinical indications, and what is medically appropriate. You won’t find IV drips or high-dose injections used for cosmetic claims without regulation. Instead, we focus on education, informed consent, and safe practice.
Whether you’re managing a deficiency, recovering from a skin procedure, or exploring injectable support under medical guidance, we offer honest advice and evidence-based care.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
For certain vitamins like B12 and D, yes. At DA Aesthetics, we may refer you for lab testing or recommend coordination with your GP if a deficiency is suspected.
No. They should only be used when there is a medical reason, not as a substitute for healthy nutrition. We may recommend injections when absorption is an issue, or where higher doses are clinically appropriate.
There is no reliable evidence supporting glutathione for cosmetic skin lightening. The treatment is not recommended by UK regulators and is associated with risks, especially when delivered intravenously in non-medical settings.
The frequency depends on the specific vitamin, your medical status, and treatment goals. B12 may be given monthly in deficiency; vitamin D may only be needed a few times a year. Each case is individually assessed.
In some cases, yes. For example, vitamin C may assist with skin healing post-microneedling. However, this depends on your health, treatment type, and overall care plan.