NAD Skin Benefits: Can It Slow Aging?

How NAD+ Affects Skin and the Aging Process

You may have seen NAD+ showing up in wellness conversations alongside anti-aging supplements and IV drips. But what actually is it? And why does it matter to your skin?

NAD+, which stands for nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide, is a coenzyme (meaning a helper molecule) found in every cell of the body. It plays a role in cellular energy production, metabolism, and DNA repair, processes that researchers study for their potential relationship to skin health.

However, by the time we reach our 50s, NAD levels can drop to roughly half of what they were in our 20s. This decline has been linked in some research with slower cell turnover, reduced ability to repair UV-related DNA damage, and changes in structural proteins such as collagen and elastin that contribute to skin firmness and elasticity.

This is why NAD+ has caught the attention of researchers and skincare enthusiasts alike: the theory is that maintaining NAD+ levels may support cellular processes involved in skin maintenance.

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NAD and Skin Health: What the Research Says

The science here is still developing, but here are the early findings.

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Collagen and Elasticity

NAD+ activates a family of proteins called sirtuins, proteins involved in regulating cellular stress responses and metabolic processes. Sirtuins play a role in maintaining collagen production and protecting against the enzymes that break it down. 

Some research suggests that supporting sirtuin activity through NAD+ precursors (compounds that the body converts into NAD+, such as NMN or NR) may influence cellular processes associated with skin structure. However, human-specific research on skin outcomes is currently very limited.

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Oxidative Stress and Sun Damage

Oxidative stress occurs when there’s an imbalance between free radicals (unstable molecules that damage cells) and the body’s ability to neutralize them. UV exposure is one of the biggest drivers of oxidative stress in skin, and it’s a leading cause of premature aging, including dark spots, loss of firmness, and fine lines. 

NAD+ is involved in cellular pathways related to antioxidant activity and DNA repair. However, this doesn’t mean NAD+ replaces sunscreen, but it is sometimes discussed alongside other skin health practices as part of a broader skin health approach.

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Cell Repair and Turnover

Skin renews itself through a process called cell turnover, in which old cells are shed, and new ones replace them. As NAD+ levels decline, this process has been suggested in some studies to slow down, potentially leaving your skin looking dull and uneven. Yet, NAD+ is involved in cellular pathways related to DNA repair and metabolic function. 

At the same time, researchers continue studying how these processes may relate to skin health.

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How to Get NAD+ for Skin Benefits

There are a few different ways to incorporate NAD+ into your routine. Here are the most common ones.

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Oral Supplements

NAD+ precursors such as NMN (nicotinamide mononucleotide) and NR (nicotinamide riboside) are the most accessible options. Instead of taking NAD+ directly, which the body can’t absorb efficiently on its own, these compounds are converted into NAD+ once inside the body. 

Oral supplements are widely available, though absorption rates and outcomes may vary between individuals.

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IV Therapy and Injections

For those seeking more direct delivery, NAD+ IV infusions and injections bypass the digestive system entirely, delivering NAD+ directly into the bloodstream. This method is typically used under medical supervision in clinical and wellness settings.

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Topical NAD+ Products

Topical NAD+ skincare, such as serums and creams, is a newer category. The idea is to apply NAD+ or its precursors directly to the skin, though research on their penetration through the skin barrier is still limited. As such, they’re generally considered a complementary option to other skincare products.

Not sure which treatment approach is right for you? After you complete a brief online intake, Eden connects you with a licensed healthcare provider who will review your health history and goals to help determine the best path forward.

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NAD+ vs. Other Skin Health Approaches

Retinoids, vitamin C, peptides, and collagen supplements are also associated with maintaining skin health at any age. Rather than an either/or choice, NAD+ is best thought of as one potential layer in a broader skin health approach. 

However, when determining the right routine for you and your skin, it may be helpful to consult with a dermatologist. They can evaluate your current skin health and provide recommendations unique to you and your situation.

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Final Thoughts

NAD+ is gaining attention in the skincare world. However, with limited research, no proven benefits have been confirmed. With research still emerging, this could change in the future.

As with any wellness approach, individual results vary, and what works well for one person may not be the right fit for another. A licensed healthcare provider can help you determine whether NAD+ is appropriate for your specific situation.