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Once known only in cellular biology, NAD+ is now making waves in the beauty world as a key component of cutting-edge skincare research. Learn about this powerful coenzyme and what it can do for your skin.
Aging is a ‘malleable’ process, meaning it can be accelerated, slowed or potentially even reversed. Now more than ever, the boundaries between skincare and wellness have blurred, as people become increasingly aware of the connection between skin aging and internal aging. Nurturing the body from within could therefore be key to glowing, youthful skin.
Longevity science in skincare is a growing area of research, focussing on supporting the skin’s long-term health and resilience. Instead of just focussing on reversing the already visible signs of aging (clinical level), it aims to enhance the skin’s natural repair and renewal processes (non-visible levels). This novel product category, named ‘longevity cosmeceuticals’, differs from conventional anti-aging products by addressing the molecular hallmarks of aging (1).
Longevity-inspired ingredients such as resveratrol, CoQ10, and nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN)-once only associated with dietary supplements - are now appearing in topical formulations designed to support cellular energy, renewal, and repair. Among these, one molecule in particular has gained significant attention: NAD⁺. In this article, we delve into what NAD⁺ is, how it functions within the skin and its crucial involvement in skin longevity.
NAD+ stands for Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide - a vital coenzyme found in every cell of the body. A coenzyme is an essential non-protein organic molecule which assists an enzyme in catalysing a biochemical reaction. In simple terms, NAD+ helps other critical processes within your cells to function effectively, acting like a “cellular battery” that keeps them charged and operating efficiently.
Once known only in cellular biology, NAD+ is now a central focus of cutting-edge skincare research. Its core biological roles include:
As NAD⁺ levels naturally decline with age, skin vitality lessens (2). This drop reduces the skin’s ability to repair and regenerate, leading to dullness, loss of elasticity, slower healing and more visible fine lines. External stressors such as ultraviolet (UV exposure and pollution can also accelerate NAD⁺ depletion (2). By neutralising free radicals, NAD+ can reduce oxidative stress and inflammation – key contributors to premature aging - while promoting smoother and more resilient skin.
In the skin specifically, NAD+ promotes collagen synthesis and strengthens the skin barrier, improving moisture retention and elasticity (3). This dual action improves firmness and texture, making NAD⁺ an exciting focus in research revolving around skin rejuvenation and wound healing.
Although NAD+ supplements have been around for a while, due to the challenges in delivering the molecule through the skin and instability, its inclusion in skincare products is limited. This is why precursor compounds can be delivered instead. These smaller molecules, with better stability, are converted in the body into NAD+. Examples include:
Finally, NAD⁺ essentially acts as fuel for enzymes called sirtuins, which are often referred to as “longevity proteins”. These enzymes regulate inflammation, stress responses and DNA repair, all critical for healthy skin. By supporting sirtuin activity, NAD+ helps to restore the skin’s ability to defend, repair and rejuvenate from within.
As NAD⁺ is naturally present in the body, it is not a synthetic or foreign ingredient when in skincare products. Applied topically, it has the ability to ‘power youth from within’, helping to energise skin cells and restore their optimal function. Interventions that increase NAD⁺ can help slow certain aspects of the aging process. These include both topical skincare and lifestyle factors that support NAD⁺ levels over time. A consistent approach combining the two could, in practice, significantly enhance skin vitality and resilience.
Topically, skincare formulations containing NAD⁺ or its precursors can help replenish depleted levels. NAD⁺ precursors are compounds that the body converts into NAD⁺. Pairing NAD⁺ skincare with antioxidant serums or daily SPF can create a synergistic effect against oxidative stress, providing broader protection from environmental damage.
From a lifestyle perspective, NAD⁺ levels can also be supported through restorative sleep, balanced nutrition and regular exercise. A diet rich in niacin (Vitamin B3) can help to sustain natural NAD⁺ production. Regular exercise has also been shown to enhance mitochondrial efficiency, indirectly supporting NAD⁺ recycling and cellular energy (4). Likewise, consistent sun protection prevents unnecessary NAD⁺ depletion caused by UV exposure.
Together, these internal and external strategies help to maintain NAD⁺ levels, leading to firmer, youthful-looking skin.
The Medik8 Advanced Pro Collagen+ Peptide Cream is an example of longevity-based skincare. This moisturiser not only targets the visible signs of aging but also supports long-term cellular health. Its formulation combines advanced peptides, growth factor technology, and a unique NAD⁺ Longevity Booster.
The innovative NAD⁺ Longevity Booster works to replenish cellular NAD⁺ levels, enhancing skin renewal, resilience, and barrier strength to delay visible signs of aging. When paired with collagen-stimulating peptides and hydrating agents such as polyglutamic acid, the cream provides instant moisture and long-term skin rejuvenation.
Each ingredient in the formula plays a specific role:
Together, these components transform the skin’s texture and tone, helping to restore elasticity and youthfulness from within. Clinically proven results show that Medik8 Advanced Pro Collagen+ Peptide Cream can (5):
Overall, as research in cellular longevity advances, NAD⁺ stands out as a key player to enhance skin health. By supporting cellular energy, repair, and resilience, NAD⁺- focused skincare could result in a radiant, revitalised complexation from within.
