NAD+ and Skin Health: Anti-aging benefits

Energy boosts and anti-aging are the bread and butter for NAD+, and for good reason. This natural molecule works wonders for our cells, and unlocks anti-aging potential that generating tons of buzz throughout the medical community alongside the general populus.

So it's reasonable to ask - what about the skin? As we age, our skin's natural ability to repair damage and regenerate slows down, and leads to wrinkling, scars, and spots in areas that were previously full of youth.

Scientists have discovered that NAD+ plays a critical role in these processes. By working to power the mechanisms that drive skin regeneration, we can indirectly help the skin appear more youthful. Lets see what NAD+ does in theory, and how that applies to real life skin results.

New to NAD+? Be sure to read our NAD+ 101 primer first for the basics on this vital molecule. Complete Beginner's Guide to NAD+

1. Repairs UV Damage and DNA

Every day, our skin is bombarded by ultraviolet (UV) rays from sunlight and other environmental stressors that can harm cells.

NAD+ powers enzymes (like PARPs) that mend DNA strands broken by UV exposure. This means having healthy NAD+ levels may help skin cells correct sun damage before they turn to wrinkles. Once they've already turned to wrinkles, it may be much more difficult for NAD+ to help because the skin has already lost its elasticity.

It's more effective to take NAD+ to prevent further UV-related skin damage, though we always recommend sunscreen before all else. By supporting DNA repair, NAD+ also plays a role in preventing skin cancer, which forms from the same UV-related damage to DNA strands.

Dermatologist note that NAD+ helps repair DNA and "promotes collagen regeneration, and may help prevent skin cancer"

A clinical study found that people who took a form of vitamin B3 (niacinamide, a precursor to NAD) twice daily had 23% fewer new skin cancers after one year compared to those on placebo. This protective effect is likely due to the niacinamide boost to NAD+ in skin cells, enhancing their ability to repair UV-induced DNA damage. We await further details on NAD+ specific testing, but the early data is promising!

2. Preserves Collagen and Firmness

Collagen is well known as the protein that gives skin its firmness and elasticity. As we age, colalgen production slows down, leading to thinner, less elastic skin.

NAD+ supports enzymes called sirtuins (specifically SIRT1 and SIRT6) that help regulate collagen and keep tissues firm. These NAD+ dependent proteins are like guardians of youth within skin, and the rest of the body. However, when NAD+ levels drop (like in aging), sirtuins become less active and collage maintenance falters. Research indicates that older skin has lower NAD+ and correspondingly lower sirtuin activity, contributing to wrinkles and loss of elasticity.

The good news is that restoring NAD+ can help. Experiments show that replenishing NAD+ levels supports skin regeneration and helps maintain the cells that produces collagen. In Short, NAD+ preserves the skin's youthful structure by sustaining the collagen and elastin production, which keeps skin firm and resilient in turn.

3. Boosts Skin Cell Renewal and Healing

You ever get a cut and think to yourself, "I must be getting old because this thing is taking ages to heal". Well that might just be your body's response to a lowering NAD+ level as you age.

Your skin is constantly renewing itself. We shed and replace millions of skin cells each day. It's no surprise that the stem cells in our skin are working tirelessly to supply those new skin cells. Well NAD+ fuels the stem cells responsible for generating fresh skin.

When NAD+ is in good supply, the cells can more effectly replace old or damaged skin with new and healthy skin. Wounds heal faster, and complexion stays more vibrant.

In studies involving older animals, giving NAD+ precursors can significantly enhance wound healing and skin regeneration. NAD+ acts as a catalyst for cell turnover, or the replacement of cells. Younger people (with large NAD+ stores) or people who recently received an NAD+ boost may notice they heal quicker from cuts or skin irritation.

4. Calms Inflammation and Redness

Beyong just wrinkles and sun damage, NAD+ also modulates inflammation in the skin.

When skin is inflammed, whether it be from chonic issues like eczema and psoriasis or everyday irritation, NAD+ might help dial down that inflammation. How? NAD+ is involved in cellular pathways that modulate the immune and inflammatory response. A recent study on people with psoriasis found that raising NAD+ levels curbed the Th17 inflammatory pathway, which was associated with the condition. This suggests NAD+ could have a soothing effect on overactive inflammation.

Dermatologist Dr Rajani Katta notes that NAD+'s role in skin health may include regulating inflammation and even helping prevent certain precancerous changes.

NAD+ fuels process that keep the skin barrier strong. A health skin is vital in retaining moisture, and preventing outside irritants, meaning less redness and sensitivity. Early research indicates NAD+ therapies might reduce skin inflammation and improve chronic conditions like eczema and psoriasis.

It's important to inlcude that this reserach is still in preliminary stages, and NAD+ is not used as a singular cure to any of these skin conditions, but it may serve as a strong adjunct to managing inflammatory skin conditions and overall skin health.

Conclusion

NAD+ is promising for skin health, and may lead to overall improvement in skin healing and elasticity through DNA repair, collagen maintenance, and inflammation control.

But be realistic, this isn't directed skin treatment, and won't make huge sweeping changesto the complexion of your skin. The differences will be subtle, and may need years to make a meaningful impact on your overall appearance. But with it's other large impacts on energy and anti-aging, having improved skin is just the cherry on top.

Think of it as a complement to other skincare routines, like a helpful boost.