Can NAD+ Help Your Skin Age Better?

By
Alan Health
4 minutes

Aging Is More Than Skin Deep

We all want healthier, more resilient skin—but the secret might start inside your cells. NAD+ is a molecule that’s been making waves in the longevity world, but what does it have to do with your skin?

As it turns out: a lot.

From energy production to cellular repair, NAD+ plays a behind-the-scenes role in keeping your skin looking—and functioning—its best. Let’s explore how it works and what it means for your routine.

What Is NAD+, and Why Does It Matter for Skin?

NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) is a coenzyme found in every cell of your body. It helps convert food into energy, supports DNA repair, and keeps your cells running smoothly.

As you age, your NAD+ levels decline—by as much as 50% by your 40s or 50s. And your skin feels it.

Low NAD+ means:

  • Slower skin recovery
  • More visible fine lines and dullness
  • A weakened barrier (aka more sensitivity)
  • Reduced collagen production

“What I love about NAD+ is that it’s not about surface-level results—it helps your skin function like it did when you were younger.”
— Dr. Nicole Ruth, Board-Certified Dermatologist

3 Ways NAD+ Helps Your Skin Age Better

1. Energizes Your Skin Cells
Thinkof NAD+ as fuel for your skin. It helps your cells generate ATP (energy), which is essential for collagen production, repair, and overall glow.

2. Supports Daily Repair
From sun exposure to pollution, your skin takes a hit every day. NAD+ helps power enzymes that fix damaged DNA and keep your skin functioning properly.

3. Reinforces the Skin Barrier
Healthy skin holds onto moisture and blocks out irritants. NAD+ helps support the proteins and lipids that strengthen your barrier—key for soft, hydrated, resilient skin.

Is Topical NAD+ Effective?

While NAD+ is naturally produced in your body, applying it directly to the skin is still a newer frontier. Early research and clinical use suggest that NAD+ (and its precursors like niacinamide) can:

  • Improve skin firmness and tone
  • Enhance barrier recovery after treatments
  • Boost antioxidant defense
  • Reduce visible signs of aging over time

How to Add NAD+ to Your Routine

You don’t need a complicated routine. Look for serums or creams that contain NAD+ or its precursors—especially if you’re already investing in skin treatments or longevity supplements.

Our NAD+ Face Cream with 10% NAD+ was designed to support cellular health and barrier strength with clinically backed ingredients. It’s great for daily use, especially post-treatment or during seasonal skin stress.

The Bottom Line

Skincare trends come and go—but NAD+ is backed by real science and tied to one of the most fundamental aspects of skin health: how your cells function.

If you're interested in graceful aging, cellular repair, and getting the most from your skincare, NAD+ may be the missing link.

Resources
Rajman, L., Chwalek, K., & Sinclair, D. A. (2018). Therapeutic potential of NAD-boosting molecules: the in vivo evidence. Cell Metabolism, 27(3), 529–547. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cmet.2018.02.011

Kim, Y., et al. (2019). Topical nicotinamide enhances cutaneous NAD+ and ameliorates photoaging. Scientific Reports, 9, 14756. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-019-51011-x

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