The anti-ageing trap: Inside the unregulated world of longevity medications

The sudden death of actor Shefali Jariwala, 42, known for the early-2000s hit Kaanta Laga, has put a spotlight on a growing yet poorly regulated health trend: the use of anti-ageing medications, intravenous (IV) infusions, and aesthetic procedures by young people, often without adequate medical oversight.

Jariwala reportedly died of cardiac arrest, possibly triggered by a sudden drop in blood pressure. Reports suggest she had been taking up to 8-9 health supplements daily, including anti-ageing compounds, while also managing epilepsy.

Her routine included intravenous glutathione infusions, a popular but controversial skin and anti-ageing treatment, reportedly while when she was fasting. This has raised concerns among the medical community about safety, dosage, and the lack of regulation around such practices in India.

WHAT ANTI-AGEING HAS BECOME

In today’s image-obsessed world, looking younger has become more than just a desire, it’s a full-blown pursuit. From social media filters to biohacking trends, a growing number of people, especially the young, are turning to quick fixes like anti-ageing supplements, vitamin drips, and injectables to roll back the years.

Among the most popular substances is glutathione, often marketed as a skin-brightening and detoxifying agent. It’s naturally produced by the body and made up of three amino acids — cysteine, glycine, and glutamic acid. However, the craze for youthful skin has led many to opt for high-dose intravenous (IV) infusions of glutathione, often without proper medical supervision.

Another commonly used treatment is Botox, which is seeing increasing demand not just among older adults but also among people in their 20s and 30s trying to “prevent” ageing before it starts.

“People don’t realise how risky injectable treatments like Botox can be if not done properly,” Dr. Deepali Bhardwaj, a dermatologist and cosmetic surgeon told IndiaToday.in. “Complications can include paralysis, blindness, and even skin necrosis—where the skin turns black and dies—if a blood vessel is accidentally blocked. These are serious side effects that happen when products are injected incorrectly or in the wrong setting.”

THE WELLNESS INDUSTRY BOOM AND THE DANGERS WITHIN

The global anti-ageing products market size was estimated at $52.44 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach $80.61 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 7.7% from 2025 to 2030, according to Market Analysis Report.

From NAD+ capsules to IV drips filled with vitamins and antioxidants, supplements have been rebranded as youth-boosting essentials. But these should not be mistaken for harmless wellness tools.

“You must eat before taking a vitamin drip,” said Dr. Bhardwaj. “It’s a sudden gush of nutrients into your bloodstream. If your body isn’t prepared, it can trigger anaphylaxis, a severe allergic reaction. There needs to be a strict protocol. The products should be medically approved, and the person administering them should be trained.”

She adds that glutathione was originally used to manage the side effects of chemotherapy. “Its skin-brightening effect was discovered later. It’s a powerful antioxidant with benefits for the heart, but it must be used cautiously. If your kidneys are weak, different forms of glutathione are used, based on a doctor’s assessment. And oral glutathione doesn’t absorb well in the body, only injections work, but they must be supervised. You can’t fast and then get a glutathione drip, it’s dangerous,” she added.

THE ALLURE OF THE “ANTI-AGEING PILL”

Online, influencers often promote supplements like NMN, NR, and quercetin as anti-ageing miracles. These compounds are said to boost cell repair, improve skin tone, and even extend lifespan.

But most of the evidence comes from animal studies. There’s little consensus among doctors about their long-term safety or efficacy in humans.

“Anti-ageing, in my view, is a holistic concept. It’s not just about one cream or one pill—it’s a cocktail of lifestyle choices. What you eat, drink, apply on your skin, how you sleep, and how you protect yourself from the sun—all of it matters. For me, anti-ageing starts with sunscreen. Most early signs of ageing, like fine lines and wrinkles, come from sun exposure. Smoking and pollution also speed up the process. So, the first step is wearing sunscreen daily and staying well-hydrated,” said Dr. Bhardwaj.

She believes supplements like NAD+ may help reduce internal cell damage, but adds, “Wrinkles are just a surface sign, ageing begins at the cellular level. So, do everything: eat well, laugh, exercise. That’s the real anti-ageing formula.”

UNREGULATED PROCEDURES ON THE RISE

India’s booming aesthetics market has also seen an increase in unregulated treatments.

Botox, dermal fillers, and drips are now often available outside clinics — at salons, spas, and even at home through informal networks. In 2024, the US CDC issued a warning after several cases of botulism-like symptoms were traced back to counterfeit Botox injections administered by uncertified practitioners.

Dr. Bhardwaj highlighted the risks of getting these treatments from unverified sources. “The danger isn’t just infection. It could be poor dilution, wrong dosage, faulty technique, or contamination. Just one mistake can lead to nerve damage or a full-body reaction,” she said.

A NEED FOR AWARENESS, NOT PANIC

There needs to be caution against blanket fear or misinformation. The goal is to raise awareness about the risks of unsupervised treatments and encourage a safer, science-backed approach to wellness.

People need to be asking: Who’s administering my treatment? Is this product approved? Do I need it? What are the risks? Being proactive about your health doesn’t mean doing more, it means doing it right.

• Consult a certified medical professional before starting any treatment, supplement, or infusion.
• Ask for full disclosure of the ingredients, possible side effects, and the source of the product.
• Avoid treatments in non-clinical settings like salons or spas offering injectable services.
• Do not mix therapies (such as IV infusions, fasting, and multiple supplements) without knowing the interactions.
• Get regular health screenings to monitor how your body is responding to lifestyle and medication changes.

As India’s wellness industry continues to boom, so does the need for responsible choices. Anti-ageing is a worthy pursuit, but it should go hand-in-hand with healthy lifestyle habits like eating well, exercising regularly, getting enough sleep, and nurturing your mental well-being.

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