NAD⁺ is a vital molecule that supports countless biological processes. It’s best known for its role in cellular energy production, fueling mitochondria to keep our cells functioning properly. But it also plays essential roles in DNA repair, gene expression, and inflammation regulation. As we age, NAD⁺ levels naturally decline. This drop is associated with increased cellular stress, slower tissue regeneration, and reduced metabolic efficiency. In the skin, this decline manifests as slower healing, more DNA damage from UV exposure, and decreased production of collagen and elastin, two proteins essential for youthful, firm skin.
At SO SO THIN, we recognize that supporting your skin from the inside out is just as important as what you apply externally. That’s why NAD⁺ therapy is part of the advanced wellness tools we highlight, offering potential benefits for those seeking a deeper, more cellular-level approach to anti-aging and skin vitality.
What Is NAD⁺?
NAD⁺ is a vital molecule that supports countless biological processes. It’s best known for its role in cellular energy production, fueling mitochondria to keep our cells functioning properly. But it also plays essential roles in DNA repair, gene expression, and inflammation regulation.
As we age, NAD⁺ levels naturally decline. This drop is associated with increased cellular stress, slower tissue regeneration, and reduced metabolic efficiency. In the skin, this decline manifests as slower healing, more DNA damage from UV exposure, and decreased production of collagen and elastin, two proteins essential for youthful skin.
Why Skin Health Depends on NAD⁺
Your skin is your body’s largest organ, made up of millions of cells that need energy, structure, and repair to stay healthy. NAD⁺ supports skin health in several key ways:
1. Cellular Energy for Skin Renewal
Healthy skin depends on regular cell turnover. Skin cells constantly die and renew themselves to maintain a smooth, radiant appearance. This process requires energy, and NAD⁺ is a core driver of that energy production. When NAD⁺ levels drop, cell renewal slows, leading to dull, rough, or uneven skin.
2. DNA Repair and Protection
Every day, your skin is exposed to ultraviolet rays, pollution, and oxidative stress—all of which damage DNA inside skin cells. NAD⁺ activates important enzymes involved in DNA repair, allowing skin to recover more efficiently from damage and reducing the risk of long-term cellular deterioration.
3. Anti-Inflammatory Defense
Inflammation is a hidden driver of aging. Low-grade, chronic inflammation, often called “inflammaging”, breaks down collagen, accelerates pigmentation changes, and worsens texture. NAD⁺ helps modulate inflammatory responses, supporting a calmer, more balanced skin environment.
4. Collagen and Elastin Maintenance
Fibroblasts, the cells responsible for producing collagen and elastin, depend on NAD⁺ to function effectively. Without sufficient NAD⁺, these cells become sluggish, and skin loses its firm, elastic quality over time.
What Is NAD⁺ Therapy?
NAD⁺ therapy refers to medical or wellness treatments designed to increase NAD⁺ levels in the body. It may include:
- IV infusions: NAD⁺ delivered directly into the bloodstream.
- Oral supplements: Precursors like NMN (nicotinamide mononucleotide) or NR (nicotinamide riboside) that convert into NAD⁺ in the body.
- Topical formulations: Skin care products infused with NAD⁺ or its precursors.
Therapy is often promoted for its systemic anti-aging effects, improving energy, cognitive function, and physical performance, but its benefits for skin health are gaining attention.
What the Science Suggests About NAD⁺ and Skin
While large-scale clinical trials are still limited, preliminary studies and lab research show promising results:
– Improved Skin Barrier Function
NAD⁺ supports the integrity of the skin barrier, which protects against environmental damage and moisture loss. A stronger barrier leads to better hydration and a more resilient appearance.
– Enhanced Repair of Sun Damage
Ultraviolet light is one of the most damaging factors for skin. NAD⁺ activates enzymes responsible for repairing sun-induced DNA mutations, potentially preventing long-term deterioration.
– Slowed Visible Aging
With better collagen production, reduced oxidative stress, and faster cellular turnover, skin may show fewer visible signs of aging over time, less sagging, fewer wrinkles, and improved tone.
– Support for Skin Conditions
Although still under investigation, some early reports suggest that NAD⁺ therapy may help with chronic inflammatory skin conditions by calming excessive immune responses.
Delivery Methods: How NAD⁺ Enters the Body
1. IV NAD⁺ Therapy
Often offered in wellness clinics, NAD⁺ IV therapy delivers high doses directly into the bloodstream. Supporters claim it provides rapid results in energy and skin radiance. However, this option tends to be costly and requires multiple sessions.
2. Oral NAD⁺ Precursors
Supplements like NMN and NR are widely available and used to support NAD⁺ levels through daily dosing. They are convenient, but results may take longer and vary depending on individual metabolism.
3. Topical NAD⁺ Products
Some skincare brands now include NAD⁺ or its derivatives in serums and creams, claiming improved texture and elasticity. The challenge is that NAD⁺ is a large molecule, and its ability to penetrate the skin barrier is still being studied.
What to Expect from NAD⁺ Therapy for Skin
Visible Benefits (Over Time)
- More radiant, hydrated skin: Thanks to improved cell turnover and moisture retention.
- Smoother texture and tighter feel: As collagen production improves.
- Brighter tone: Due to reduced inflammation and oxidative damage.
- Fewer fine lines over time: From ongoing support of skin structure.
Internal Benefits That Reflect Externally
Even when you don’t see overnight changes, your cells are likely working more efficiently. That means improved mitochondrial health, stronger skin immunity, and a better foundation for long-term aging resistance.
How Long Until You See Results?
NAD⁺ therapy is not an instant skin fix. Unlike topical treatments that exfoliate or plump temporarily, NAD⁺ works at the cellular level, building resilience over time. Most users report initial skin improvements within 4 to 8 weeks of consistent use, with more pronounced changes appearing over 3 to 6 months.
Results may depend on age, existing skin condition, and lifestyle habits such as diet, sleep, sun exposure, and skincare routine.
Can You Combine NAD⁺ Therapy With Other Skincare?
Yes, and in fact, it’s encouraged. NAD⁺ therapy is most effective when used alongside other skin-supportive strategies, such as:
- Daily SPF to prevent further UV damage
- Retinoids to stimulate cell turnover
- Antioxidants like Vitamin C or E to fight free radicals
- Peptides to support collagen and firmness
- Hydrators like hyaluronic acid to maintain moisture balance
When NAD⁺ supports the skin from the inside, these topical products work better on the outside.
Who Is NAD⁺ Therapy Right For?
NAD⁺ therapy may be especially helpful for:
- Adults in their 30s and beyond noticing early signs of skin aging
- People exposed to high levels of UV or environmental stress
- Anyone looking for internal support to complement external skincare
- Those interested in longevity and cellular wellness
However, NAD⁺ therapy may not be necessary for everyone, especially younger individuals with already robust skin metabolism. As always, speak with a licensed provider before beginning any therapy, especially IV or high-dose regimens.
Are There Side Effects?
NAD⁺ therapy is generally well tolerated. Some individuals report mild side effects during IV infusions such as:
- Flushing or warmth
- Mild nausea
- Headache
- Lightheadedness
These are usually temporary and dose-related. Oral NAD⁺ precursors tend to have fewer side effects, though long-term studies are ongoing.
Final Thoughts: NAD⁺ as a Supportive Strategy, Not a Magic Bullet
NAD⁺ therapy represents an exciting intersection of longevity science and skin health. By targeting aging at the cellular level, it supports the systems that keep your skin strong, clear, and youthful.
But it’s not a one-step solution. You won’t wake up with dramatically younger skin overnight. Instead, NAD⁺ therapy should be seen as a foundational, supportive layer, one that enhances all your other efforts and builds resilience over time.
If you’re committed to aging well and want to explore deeper ways to support your skin from within, NAD⁺ therapy may be worth considering.
At SO SO THIN, we spotlight cutting-edge wellness tools like NAD⁺ therapy as part of a broader commitment to helping individuals feel confident in their skin and empowered in their aging journey. NAD⁺ isn’t just about looking younger. It’s about supporting your skin’s natural ability to regenerate, protect, and thrive over time.
It’s one more tool in your anti-aging toolkit, and one that works from the inside out.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting any supplement or wellness routine.
