We\u2019ll say it first: NAD-boosting IVs are the new under-eye patches. You can\u2019t scroll your feed without an influencer or celeb bio-hacking their bodies with NAD+ replacement therapy. But, what is NAD+? Is it really the fountain of youth that unlocks health and longevity? Does it really dial up glowy, radiant skin from the inside out? We turned to experts to break down science behind NAD+ and for details on the best way to infuse it into our skin and wellness regimens.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Featured experts:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) is a co-enzyme found in every cell of the body. Shao says, “It plays a vital role in energy production, DNA repair, and maintaining healthy cellular function.” <\/p>\n\n\n\n Barnish breaks it down like this: \u201cThink of NAD+ as the spark plug in an engine. Food provides the fuel for your body, but without the spark plug, your cells can\u2019t start the process of turning that fuel into power\u201d (aka, food is the fuel that our bodies and cells use to create the critical energy needed for cellular repair).<\/p>\n\n\n As NAD+ declines, so does cellular energy production and DNA repair. “In fact, a decline in NAD+ is associated with changes in vitality and contributes to the development of age-related conditions.” Like most cellular processes that decline with age (read: collagen), Shao says lifestyle habits can speed up NAD+ decline. “Chronic inflammation, oxidative stress, lack of physical activity, and stressors like excessive sun exposure, poor sleep, alcohol consumption, environmental factors, can accelerate this process.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n “The decline of NAD+ in our bodies as we age is one reason why NAD+ has become a focus in the fields of healthy aging, metabolic health, and performance optimization,\u201d Barnish says.<\/p>\n\n\n\n “The skin undergoes continuous renewal and repair processes that require substantial cellular energy and efficient DNA repair mechanisms,” Shao tells us. “Environmental factors such as ultraviolet (UV) radiation, pollution, and normal aging can compromise these processes, leading to visible signs of aging, including wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, loss of elasticity, and impaired wound healing. Since NAD+ is fundamental to cellular repair and energy metabolism, its declining levels with age may contribute to accelerated skin aging and reduced capacity for recovery from environmental damage.“<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Barnish says, \u201cA recent study examined the effects of intravenous (IV) NAD+ treatment on cognitive performance in healthy individuals. Participants received either five days of IV NAD+ or saline and were tested on attention, memory, reaction time, and reasoning. The results showed that the NAD+ group saw significant improvements in most cognitive areas, whereas the saline group showed smaller gains. These findings suggest that IV NAD+ could potentially enhance cognitive abilities, offering promise for treating conditions involving cognitive impairment, such as Parkinson\u2019s disease.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n “For those seeking more immediate or intensive benefits, supplementation through intravenous administration bypasses the gut to provide a rapid, targeted NAD+ support,” Shao says. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cFor systemic longevity and skin health, oral or IV supplementation of NAD+ precursors may be more effective in boosting intracellular levels\u2014but this should always be approached cautiously and under medical supervision,\u201d Kopelman says. \u201cAs a dermatologist, I\u2019ve seen growing excitement around NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) in both skincare and longevity medicine\u2014and for good reason,\u201d Kopelman says. \u201cNAD+ plays a critical role in cellular energy production, DNA repair, and regulating oxidative stress\u2014all processes that are intimately tied to skin health and aging. When natural NAD+ levels decline significantly, it contributes to visible signs of aging like fine lines, dullness, loss of elasticity, and slower wound healing.\u201d And what about NAD+ skin creams, or NAD+ skincare in general? Kopelman says, \u201cNAD+ is a relatively large molecule, so its ability to penetrate the skin effectively on its own is questionable.\u201d This is similar to hyaluronic acid\u2019s different molecular weights. Larger hyaluronic acid molecules don\u2019t penetrate through the layers of skin as efficiently as smaller molecules. \u201cThat\u2019s why you\u2019ll often see derivatives or encapsulated delivery systems in NAD+ skincare formulations,\u201d Kopelman says.<\/p>\n\n\n\n NAD+ derivatives are small-molecule versions of NAD+ that our cells convert into NAD+. Two well-known NAD+ derivatives are NR (nicotinamide riboside) and NMN (nicotinamide mononucleotide). These are forms of vitamin B3 that the body converts (or uses to make) into NAD+. This is similar to how retinal creams<\/a> and retinol serums are formulated: a retinoid derivative like retinol is applied to the skin. It then converts into retinal, and converts one more time into retinoic acid\u2014the active form of vitamin A that supports so many functions in our body, including boosting collagen for more youthful, renewed skin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n NAD+ derivatives are most likely what you\u2019ll find in supplements and in skincare because they\u2019re more stable when formulated in creams and can pass through the skin easier due to their smaller size.<\/p>\n\n\n\n While more research still needs to be done, excitement surrounding NAD-boosting therapies is spawning clinical trials to validate it\u2019s benefits when applied to skin. “NAD+ ingredients are gaining buzz in skincare because they tap into core biological pathways that help skin stay healthier, younger-looking, and more resilient,” says Shao. “Skin is simultaneously one of the most metabolically demanding tissues, while also being one that is most routinely exposed to environmental stressors, like UV light and pollution, that accelerate skin aging. NAD+ is essential for cellular repair, mitochondrial function, and energy metabolism in skin cells\u2014functions that decline with age and contribute to visible skin aging<\/a>.”\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Kopelman says, \u201cThe hype around NAD+ is rooted in legitimate science, especially when it comes to its foundational role in healthy aging. But as with many “miracle” ingredients, formulation, dosage, and delivery method all matter. It\u2019s a promising frontier in both dermatology and wellness.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What is NAD+?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
What causes NAD+ levels to decline?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
What happens to the skin and body structurally when NAD+ declines?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
How do NAD+ infusions benefit the body?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Are NAD+ infusions the only<\/em> way to reap any NAD+ benefits?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
However, infusions can be a no-go for many of those who are interested. From needle-phobes to the general cost of an infusion, NAD+ I.V.s aren\u2019t the easiest or most accessible option, which is why supplements and skincare are two categories seeing rapid NAD+ growth.<\/p>\n\n\n\nWhat are some NAD+ benefits for skin?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIn dermatology, we\u2019re especially interested in how NAD+ decline impacts the skin barrier, collagen integrity, and inflammatory responses,\u201d Kopelman says. \u201cWhen NAD+ levels fall, the skin becomes more susceptible to environmental stressors like UV radiation and pollution. This can accelerate extrinsic aging and worsen conditions like hyperpigmentation and dryness.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\nWhat are NAD+ derivatives?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Are NAD+ skin creams and NAD+ skincare worth the hype?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n