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If you've been keeping up with the latest trends in aesthetic medicine, you might have heard some buzz around NAD+ (oxidized Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide). It's getting a lot of attention in the wellness, anti-aging, and biohacking communities—and for good reason. But what exactly is NAD+, and why is it being hailed as a potential game-changer in the world of aesthetics?
Let’s dive in, in simple terms, and see what all the hype is about.
What is NAD?
NAD is a coenzyme that's found in every cell of your body, and it's crucial for a bunch of things that keep us alive and functioning. From helping turn food into energy, to repairing damaged DNA, to supporting brain function—this molecule is pretty much a multitasking powerhouse. But like most good things, NAD levels decrease as we age, and that’s where things get interesting for aesthetic medicine.
What is coenzyme? Coenzyme is a molecule required by an enzyme to carry out the catalysis of a chemical reaction.
Signs and Symptoms of Skin Aging
Reduced production of collagen and elastin causing skin sagginess, fine lines and wrinkles formation
Reduced regenerative capacity causing slower wound healing
Uneven skin tone and pigmentation
Broken capillaries and redness
Reduced epidermal thickness causing thinning of skin
The Role of NAD+ in Skin Aging
As we get older, our levels of NAD+—a vital molecule in our cells—start to decline. This drop is a big deal for skin aging because NAD+ plays a key role in helping our cells repair damage. One of the main reasons our skin shows signs of aging (like wrinkles and loss of firmness) is because of DNA damage caused by things like sun exposure. NAD+ helps power the enzymes that repair this damage, so when its levels drop, our cells can't repair themselves as well.
There are a few critical enzymes, like PARP1 and SIRT1, that need NAD+ to function properly. Without enough NAD+, DNA damage piles up, which leads to issues like cellular senescence—when cells stop working properly but don’t die off. These senescent cells hang around in the skin and cause more problems, such as inflammation and collagen breakdown, leading to thinner, less elastic skin, and impaired skin barrier function.
NAD+-dependent enzymes (like SIRT1) are linked to keeping collagen intact and helping the skin regenerate after injury. They even help with wound healing. But again, when NAD+ levels drop with age, these processes slow down, leading to visible signs of aging.
When skin cells like fibroblasts (which make collagen) and keratinocytes (which help with skin barrier function) become senescent, they stop doing their jobs. This means less collagen production, weaker skin structure, and slower healing. Worse, these senescent cells release inflammatory substances that harm the surrounding healthy cells, causing even more damage. If we can get rid of these “zombie” cells or prevent them from becoming senescent in the first place, we can improve skin health and appearance.
NAD in Aesthetic Treatments
So how exactly is NAD+ being used in aesthetic medicine today? Here are a few ways it’s making its mark:
IV Infusions: NAD IV therapy has become a popular treatment for clients looking to boost energy, improve mental clarity, and yes—reduce the signs of aging. Some patients report feeling more youthful and energetic after just a few sessions, although, like with most things, the science is still catching up to the claims.
Oral supplements: By supporting cellular repair, NAD+ supplementation could help the skin heal faster, potentially leading to better results. NAD+ might also play a role in speeding up recovery after aesthetic procedures like lasers or microneedling. Nicotinamide riboside (NR) and NMN (Nicotinamide Mononucleotide)have been recognized as preferable NAD+ precursors for NAD+ supplementation therapy.
Topical Applications: There are also emerging products that include NAD precursors (like nicotinamide riboside) in skincare formulations. These products aim to boost NAD levels directly in the skin, supporting repair and regeneration.
The Science: Does It Work?
Let’s be clear: while the potential benefits of NAD+ in aesthetics are exciting, we’re still in the early stages of understanding exactly how effective it is. Much of the research so far has been done on animals or in small human studies, and while the results are promising, it’s always best to approach with cautious optimism. That said, more and more people are reporting positive outcomes from NAD+ therapy, particularly in terms of energy, mental clarity, and overall skin vitality .
The Future of NAD+ in Aesthetics
The world of aesthetic medicine is always evolving, and NAD+ is just one example of how the field is moving towards treatments that focus on cellular health. As research continues, we may see more personalized NAD-based treatments that target specific concerns like fine lines, pigmentation, or skin laxity.
In the meantime, the buzz around NAD is real, and while it may not be the fountain of youth, it could be a useful tool in anti-aging toolkit. So, whether you're curious about giving it a try or just interested in the science behind it, NAD is definitely a trend worth keeping an eye on in the world of aesthetics. Stay tuned—there’s more to come!
References:
1.Conlon, N. J. (2021). The role of NAD+ in regenerative medicine. Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, 150, 41S-48S. https://doi.org/10.1097/prs.0000000000009673
2.Iqbal, T., & Nakagawa, T. (2024). The therapeutic perspective of NAD+ precursors in age-related diseases. Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications, 702, 149590. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bbrc.2024.149590
3.Okabe, K., Yaku, K., Uchida, Y., Fukamizu, Y., Sato, T., Sakurai, T., Tobe, K., & Nakagawa, T. (2022). Oral administration of nicotinamide mononucleotide is safe and efficiently increases blood nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide levels in healthy subjects. Frontiers in Nutrition, 9. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnut.2022.868640