Heard of NAD+ (full name nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide)? It’s one of the latest buzzwords in beauty and wellness – and it comes alongside a refreshing shift in perspective from ‘anti-ageing’ to ageing well. Something we’re wholly behind.
Inspired by the longevity trend, instead of figuring out how to reduce signs of ageing as they happen, experts are now studying the science of how to maintain skin health – and help it to resist age-related decline in the first place. That’s where NAD+ comes in.
So what is NAD+ and what can it do for your skin? More vital – and potentially more powerful – than any ingredient you can apply, it’s believed to be the key to skin rejuvenation.
Read on for everything you need to know about NAD+ for skin longevity and how to use it for youthful, healthier-looking skin – or jump to our FAQs for your NAD+ cheat sheet.
What is NAD+?
NAD+ is a coenzyme found in every cell of your body – and that includes your skin cells. It’s essential for energy production, cellular metabolism and repair.
Think of it as your cells’ battery source. They start fully charged, with plenty of NAD+ to power every process that your skin and body requires. But over time, you produce less NAD+ and those cells have less energy, so everything runs a little slower – like a well-used toy that needs its batteries changing.
Expect to hear a lot more about NAD+ from now on, too. It’s already caught the attention of A-listers including Jennifer Aniston and Hailey Bieber – who famously declared “I’m going to NAD for the rest of my life and I’m never going to age” on Keeping Up with the Kardashians.
Why is NAD+ important for skin health?
Just like a toy, your skin cells need a battery in order to work properly. NAD+ gives your skin cells the fuel they need to produce collagen, detoxify, repair, renew, and form a strong barrier – and it’s these cellular functions that keep skin healthy, inside and out.
Without them, your skin will start to look dull, dry and lacklustre, and show signs of ageing due to the damage and inflammation happening below the surface.
Benefits of NAD+ for your skin
All ageing really comes down to cellular energy. Keep those cells powered up and working optimally, and your skin will thank you for it with a smooth, radiant complexion that defies your years.
Reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
The ageing giveaway that most of us want to tackle is fine lines – and getting more NAD+ into your skin could be the answer.
With enough energy, your skin’s renewal process will work as it should, collagen will continue to be produced, and your barrier will be well supported. All leading to a smoother surface and plumped-up skin.
Strengthens your skin barrier function
Talking of your skin barrier – the uppermost protective layer of your skin – NAD+ helps to produce some of the many elements that keep it strong, like lipids and proteins.
Maintaining a resilient barrier is the number one priority for healthy skin, because it protects against damage and irritation while holding all the goodness in.
Boosts hydration and elasticity
By keeping that barrier strong, you’ll keep your skin well hydrated. That’s because transepidermal water loss (TEWL) will be reduced, and moisture will be trapped into the skin.
All that NAD+ energy will also help to power the production of collagen and elastin, keeping your skin’s structure strong and bouncy.
Protects against UV damage
Your skin acts like an always-on shield, protecting against environmental and UV damage – which is one hell of a drain on its battery. NAD+ helps to keep your skin fully charged and better able to defend itself, but it also helps to undo the damage by supporting sirtuin and antioxidant activity as well as DNA repair.
How to boost NAD+ levels naturally
The good news is that there are ways to up your NAD+ intake and boost the energy delivered to your skin cells.
Celebrities are already getting in on the NAD+ IV therapy trend – delivering it via a drip straight into the bloodstream to boost energy and focus. But there are more accessible ways to keep your levels up.
Diet is the most obvious. Look for foods rich in niacin (Vitamin B3) such as chicken, salmon, mushrooms, cow’s milk and avocado, because niacin can be converted into nicotinic acid mononucleotide (NAMN), which is then used to generate NAD+.
Unsurprisingly, exercise plays a part too. Working out requires NAD+ for energy, so when you go for that run or lift weights at the gym your body will respond by naturally producing more.
NAD+ in skincare
That was a lot of science. But you don’t need to know the ins and outs to benefit from NAD+ in your skincare. We’ve done the research for you, and while applying NAD+ topically isn’t believed to work, we have the next best thing.
Our new Age Confidence™ NAD+ Serum is one of our most advanced formulas yet, powered by biotechnology. This silky, gel-like serum contains Sunflower Sprout Extract – a nutrient-rich superfood which boosts the enzyme that’s crucial for maintaining healthy NAD+ levels in your skin cells. Put simply, their batteries are recharged, decelerating and even reversing the signs of ageing.
We’ve also included a powerful TriPeptide complex to help boost collagen production and plump the skin, alongside Cica – an exosome-rich active that’s bursting with even more peptides, antioxidants and plant growth factors to boost skin regeneration.
A recipe for skin rejuvenation at a cellular level, we put it to the test in independent trials and the results were jaw-dropping (or should that be jaw-lifting?).
Fine lines appeared reduced, skin was smoother and firmer, and looked instantly revitalised*.
FAQs about NAD+ and skin health
What does NAD+ do for your skin?
NAD+ helps your skin by supporting cellular repair, boosting collagen production, and protecting against oxidative stress. It plays a vital role in slowing visible signs of ageing and improving overall skin texture and resilience.
Can you apply NAD+ topically?
Yes, some skincare products contain NAD+ or its precursors like nicotinamide riboside (NR) or nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN). Early studies suggest topical NAD+ may help improve skin hydration, firmness, and cell turnover but generally it’s not thought to be the best way to increase NAD+.
Instead, our serum uses Sunflower Sprout Extract, a NAD+ amplifier, which tells your skin to produce more – and our formula is proven to minimise the appearance of fine lines and boost firmness and elasticity.
How fast do NAD+ supplements work for skin health?
Results vary by individual, but some users report improved skin tone and elasticity within four to 12 weeks of consistent use. Supplements work systemically, so skin improvements may take longer compared to topical treatments.
Is NAD+ safe for all skin types?
Generally, NAD+ is considered safe when used as directed, especially in topical forms. Our NAD+ serum is also clinically proven for sensitive skin (as are all of our products) and fragrance free, for complete peace of mind.
What’s the difference between NAD+, NMN, and NR in skincare?
NAD+ is the active coenzyme but it doesn’t always penetrate skin easily.
NMN and NR are precursors that your body converts into NAD+ and are more commonly used in skincare and supplements. These forms help boost your skin’s natural NAD+ levels from within or topically.
Shop our natural NAD+ and TriPeptide serum here
*Based on an eight week independent consumer trial of 100 subjects
