NAD+: The Skin Health Game Changer You Need to Know

NAD+ skin benefits

In the skincare world, new ingredients often claim to work miracles. However, NAD+ (Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide) is different. Its effectiveness is supported by emerging science. NAD+ is increasingly recognized for its powerful role in cellular health, skin rejuvenation, and anti-aging. Let's take a closer look at how NAD+ is changing skin health and why it could be the key to your skincare routine.

What is NAD+ and Why Does It Matter for Skin Health?

NAD+ is a coenzyme found in every cell of the body, critical for energy metabolism and maintaining overall cellular health. It acts as a key player in fundamental processes like DNA repair, mitochondrial function, and regulating the body’s circadian rhythms. Declining NAD+ levels, which naturally occur as we age, can lead to impaired cell function, reduced energy production, and ultimately, visible signs of aging like wrinkles, sagging skin, and dull complexion. 

According to research, NAD+ is essential for maintaining mitochondrial health. Mitochondria are responsible for the energy supply of cells, including those in your skin. When NAD+ levels drop, mitochondrial function declines, leading to less effective skin cell turnover and repair. Restoring NAD+ levels has been linked to healthier, more resilient skin, making it a significant ingredient for promoting skin rejuvenation and anti-aging from within.1

How Does NAD+ Benefit Your Skin?

NAD+ offers several powerful benefits to skin health by directly improving cellular functions, making it an essential component of anti-aging skincare:

1. DNA Repair and Anti-Aging:

NAD+ plays an important role in DNA repair by activating enzymes known as sirtuins. Sirtuins are responsible for regulating biological processes, including the response to DNA damage. Studies reported that NAD+ supplementation activates sirtuins, enhancing DNA repair and reducing the damage that leads to visible aging signs like fine lines and hyperpigmentation. 1

2. Enhanced Skin Barrier Function

NAD+ is also crucial for the skin barrier, a protective layer that helps lock in moisture and keep out harmful irritants. By boosting ceramide production—key lipids involved in maintaining the skin’s barrier—NAD+ can improve hydration and skin resilience. This was evidenced by a study in Experimental Dermatology, which found that topical NAD+ increases ceramide levels, significantly enhancing skin moisture retention.1

3. Collagen Synthesis and Skin Firmness

Collagen is a key protein that keeps the skin firm and youthful. Studies show that NAD+ directly supports fibroblast activity—the cells responsible for collagen and elastin production. A study demonstrated that fibroblast activity increases with NAD+ supplementation, which helps maintain skin elasticity and reduces sagging. 1

4. Oxidative Stress Mitigation

Our skin is constantly exposed to oxidative stress, mainly due to UV radiation and pollution, which accelerates aging. NAD+ mitigates this stress by supporting antioxidant defenses. In a study NAD+ was found to neutralize free radicals and lower oxidative damage in skin cells, thus reducing inflammation and preventing premature aging. 1

NAD+ vs. Niacinamide: The Connection

You may have seen niacinamide, a form of vitamin B3, as a key ingredient in many skincare products. Interestingly, niacinamide is a precursor to NAD+ and helps boost its levels in the skin. Unlike direct NAD+ application—which can be challenging due to stability and absorption issues—niacinamide is easily absorbed, promoting NAD+ synthesis internally. A study by Bogan and Brenner (2008) in Annual Review of Nutrition explains that niacinamide enhances NAD+ biosynthesis, aiding in cell repair, reducing redness, and improving overall skin tone.1

How to Increase NAD+ Levels for Skin Health

To effectively boost NAD+ levels in the skin, there are several options:

1. Topical Applications: 

Using skincare products containing NAD+ precursors like Nicotinamide Riboside (NR) or Nicotinamide Mononucleotide (NMN) can help support skin health. Studies have shown that topical application of  NMN improved skin elasticity and hydration. 1

2. Supplements

Oral NAD+ supplements are becoming increasingly popular for their systemic effects on cellular health. Research has shown that supplements like Nicotinamide riboside can raise NAD+ levels in multiple tissues, including the skin, promoting enhanced repair and rejuvenation.1

3. Lifestyle Changes

Lifestyle factors can also influence NAD+ levels. A recent study found that regular physical exercise, particularly high-intensity interval training (HIIT), naturally boosts NAD+ production in the body.1

Additionally, consuming foods rich in NAD+ precursors—like broccoli, avocado, and peanuts—can contribute to higher levels of NAD+.

Conclusion: NAD+ as a Cornerstone of Future Skincare

As the science of skin health advances, NAD+ stands out as a true game changer. Unlike typical anti-aging ingredients, NAD+ addresses skin health at the cellular level, tackling the root causes of aging rather than just the symptoms. With growing research and new NAD+ products hitting the market, it's clear that NAD+ may hold the key to healthier, more resilient skin—truly making it a breakthrough worth the attention.