7 min read · 16 June 2026

NAD+ and Skin Aging: What the Research Actually Says

NAD+ is one of the most interesting molecules in longevity science — and one of the most over-promised. A measured read.

What NAD+ does

Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide is a coenzyme present in every cell. It shuttles electrons in energy metabolism and acts as a substrate for two families of repair and signalling enzymes — the sirtuins and the PARPs — that are directly involved in DNA repair and stress response.

Tissue NAD+ levels fall with age, and they fall faster under chronic UV exposure, poor sleep and inflammatory load. Because PARP activity consumes NAD+ during DNA repair, sun-damaged skin is metabolically expensive to maintain.

What the evidence supports

In laboratory and animal models, restoring NAD+ availability improves mitochondrial function and cellular repair capacity, and topical nicotinamide has good human evidence for barrier function and photodamage markers.

Human data on intravenous NAD+ specifically is still early. Many clients report improvements in energy, mental clarity and perceived skin quality, and those reports are worth taking seriously as experience — but they are not the same as controlled outcome data. We say this plainly because the alternative is marketing.

What it is not

NAD+ is not a wrinkle eraser and not a substitute for sun protection. No infusion outperforms daily broad-spectrum SPF for visible skin aging — that comparison is not close.

It also is not appropriate for everyone. Infusion rate matters: pushed too fast, NAD+ commonly causes chest tightness, flushing or nausea, which is precisely why administration belongs with a trained nurse rather than a wellness counter.

A reasonable expectation

Think of NAD+ as support for the repair machinery your skin already runs, delivered alongside collagen cofactors and hydration. Measured against that expectation, most people are satisfied. Measured against anti-aging advertising, nothing would be.

This information is for general education and is not a substitute for medical advice. Eligibility for IV nutrient therapy is confirmed by a licensed clinician after reviewing your history. Read our medical disclaimer.