Trending in Skincare: What is NAD+, and Can it Really Transform Your Skin?

One of the most noticeable areas to show visible signs of aging is the skin or face, where side effects, such increased prevalence of wrinkles and fine lines, dry skin and sagginess can appear over time. Thus, it’s important to develop an anti-aging skincare routine, applying the right set of products regularly for the most effective, sustainable results in improving health and appearance as well as preventing and treating side effects.

Many skincare agents contain powerful anti-aging properties, including NAD+ (also known as, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide), which has gained popularity for its ability to promote more youthful and healthy skin. NAD+ is a coenzyme that’s naturally found in body cells and plays a pivotal role in maintaining energy production and cellular repair.

While the body naturally produces NAD+ on its own, the levels of production decrease with age, making supplementation particularly useful for benefiting overall skin health, appearance and maintenance as well as slowing the aging process to reduce onset of symptoms. Basically, it’s like “fuel” for our skin cells and supports several processes, including cell regeneration, repair and collagen production. That’s where the NAD+ trend comes in—a boost can go a long way.

“When we give our skin more NAD+, it promotes anti-aging by enhancing collagen production, firmness, elasticity and hydration, all of which are crucial for keeping skin youthful looking and refreshed,” explains Dr. Anna Chacon, MD, FAAD, board-certified dermatologist based in Miami.

Taking NAD+ helps to stimulate skin cell regeneration, repair oxidative damage and increase collagen production, which combats anti-aging side effects and promotes youthfulness. Here’s everything to know about NAD+ and how it works in the body and in skincare along with best tips for using it in a routine and product recommendations.

What is NAD+ in skincare? 

“Topically, NAD+ works by boosting the skin’s ability to renew itself and strengthen its barrier, so you’ll often notice in skin a smoother texture, better bounce and improved hydration over time,” Chacon says. “In skincare, it helps boost skin cell regeneration, repair oxidative damage and support collagen production, which are crucial in slowing visible signs of aging,” Chacon adds.

Its role and assistance in skin cell regeneration and repair helps slow the aging process and regulate energy production in skin cells to promote healthy and resilient skin, tone and texture. Enhanced elasticity and tautness work to reduce sagginess, fine lines and wrinkles, which will keep skin firm in texture and fresh looking for an even, balanced tone and supple glow. NAD+ also contains antioxidants, which help fight free radical damage, oxidative stress and exposure to UV ray damage and pollution, which contribute to aging and prevalence of symptoms. Try it in a daytime antioxidant moisturizer to shield skin from sun damage and burn.

How to use NAD+ in skincare

NAD+ can be taken in various forms, including orally (as supplements), IV therapy and topically, often used in skincare products like creams and serums. Certain foods also offer NAD+ but diet alone won’t directly target the skin, which is why alternative methods are popular.

Still, getting a dose of NAD+ in the diet can’t hurt, so a few examples of NAD+ rich foods to consume regularly are fish, chicken and whole grains, plus green vegetables, which contain niacin to help the body produce more NAD+ naturally. However, for skincare and cosmetic results, topical use, such as using NAD+ in serums and creams, for instance, is generally the most effective approach.

“While IV and supplementation may help with systemic benefits like energy and cellular repair, topical NAD+ is targeted for skin health and can directly improve tone, hydration and texture,” Chacon explains, suggesting to use NAD+ in skincare once daily for optimal results.

“You can apply it once a day, either as a serum (lighter and fast-absorbing) or as a cream (more nourishing and hydrating),” Chacon says. “Morning use helps defend the skin, while nighttime application helps with repair as your skin regenerates during sleep,” Chacon notes.

Both day and night use are just as effective, so simply choose which time of day is best in terms of preference or what feels easiest and most practical for you when implementing it in a routine. The key is being consistent in use and daily practice. Pairing NAD+ with other essential skincare ingredients known to promote skin health and anti-aging will also help maximize benefits further.

A few examples to note and pair with NAD+ in your daily skincare regimen and array of products include niacinamide, vitamin C, hyaluronic acid and collagen. These are all great for brightening skin tone and reducing dark spots, hydrating skin and locking in moisture, softening skin tone for a dewy and fresh appearance, preventing wrinkles and tightening skin structure. Combine these ingredients in serums, toners, moisturizers or creams and cleansers.

“NAD+ and niacinamide are related, as niacinamide is a precursor that helps the body produce NAD+, so using both can amplify skin benefits,” Chacon says. “Vitamin C pairs well with NAD+ since it provides antioxidant protection and brightens skin, while a few other complementary ingredients include hyaluronic acid (for hydration) and peptides (for firming),” Chacon adds.

Best NAD+ skincare products to try

Generally, it’s best to look for ingredients that work in tandem with NAD+ to benefit skin health and appearance, which can be found in many creams, moisturizers and serums. While typically safe to use, if you have sensitive skin you may want to check with your dermatologist first before using for a green light. Plus, it’s smart to perform a patch test when trying a new product for any skin type or individual. If adverse reactions occur, cease use immediately.

One downside to NAD+ topicals is the cost, as some products can be rather expensive, but it’s possible to find some real gems with excellent ingredient profiles and reliability without emptying your wallet. Here are two excellent products to get started with.

Maison Rouge NAD+ Nourishing Face Cream

This cream combines NAD+ with niacinamide, resveratrol, hyaluronic acid, collagen and both vitamins C and E. “It’s a well-rounded formula that nourishes, hydrates and supports collagen while also providing antioxidant protection, making it a strong choice for daily use and anti-aging care,” Chacon says.

Maison Rouge NAD+ Firming Face Serum

This serum is lightweight and designed to penetrate deeper layers of skin. “Its NAD+ complex works synergistically with hydrating and firming ingredients to boost elasticity and firmness while enhancing skin smoothness, making it ideal for layering under a moisturizer,” Chacon explains.