The Truth About NAD+: Beauty Hack or Buzz Word?

7/7/2025 • By STAFF

Believe it or not, reliving your youthful years isn't as far-fetched as one might think. Meet: nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide, or NAD+, a key player in how your body regulates the systems that help you look and feel young.

If you’ve been hearing this new industry buzzword bounce around your circles lately, but aren’t quite sure as to why, join me in peeling back a few microscopic layers! Before you know it, you and your clients will be reverse-aging faster than you can say nicotinamide adeni—…nevermind. You get the point.

What Is NAD+?

NAD+ is a coenzyme that acts as a helper molecule for a handful of your body's chemical reactions, like your circadian rhythm and stress resistance. The primary goal of NAD+ is to assist enzymes (or proteins!) in doing their jobs properly. NAD+ also helps keep your body's energy production running smoothly by shuttling electrons during metabolic processes—especially in the mitochondria, your cells’ energy factories. ¹ Now, I know what you might be thinking: But if your body already handles NAD+ production and usage, there’s nothing to worry about, right?

Not quite.

Unfortunately, all good things must come to an end, even inside your body! According to the National Library of Medicine, NAD+ levels naturally decline with age, despite its pivotal function, impacting various physiological processes.² Aside from the corrosive sands of time, things like poor sleep and excessive alcohol consumption can also negatively impact NAD+ production.

That said, numerous beauty professionals and their clients alike are turning to various methods of NAD+ therapy in hopes of replenishing the body’s slow (but sure) dwindling of NAD+.

What is Reverse-Aging?

As the name suggests, reverse-aging is the process of slowing, halting—or in some interpretations, even reversing—the visible and internal signs of aging. And it’s not just about looking younger. Reverse-aging focuses on restoring cellular health and improving vitality from the inside out.

Unlike traditional anti-aging approaches that often target the surface (think: wrinkle creams and dermal fillers), reverse-aging is more holistic.

More well-known reverse-aging practices might include stem cell therapies, collagen supplements, and active lifestyle changes designed to optimize how the body functions at a cellular level. The potential benefits of these treatments are said to include better energy, faster cell repair, improved cognitive function, and stronger resilience to stress.

NAD+’s Role in Beauty

So what does a molecule responsible for energy production have to do with beauty? Turns out—quite a lot.

As we mentioned, our natural levels of NAD+ decline over time, which contributes to signs of aging like fine lines, dullness, and reduced skin elasticity. Why does this happen? Well, it's because NAD+ is closely tied to cellular repair, mitochondrial function, and inflammation control—all key factors in how youthful (or not) we appear on the outside.

By replenishing NAD+ levels in the body, many believe we can support skin regeneration and even improve the skin’s natural barrier. Some beauty insiders have dubbed it the “anti-aging powerhouse molecule,”³ and while that’s a bold claim, the early research is promising.

Beyond just the skin, NAD+ may also support healthier hair and nails by improving overall cellular function and nutrient absorption. In short: it’s not just about looking younger,it’s about helping the body operate like it used to.

How NAD+ Therapy Works

One of the most talked-about delivery methods is IV therapy, where NAD+ is administered intravenously for maximum bioavailability. These sessions are often done in med spas or wellness clinics and can last anywhere from 60 to 90 minutes. It’s marketed as a way to "recharge at the cellular level," often leaving clients feeling more energized and clear-headed.

Other methods include:

Intramuscular injections: These are quicker than IV drips and can be administered weekly or as recommended.
Oral supplements: While more accessible, these tend to have lower absorption rates compared to direct methods.
Topical skincare: Yes, NAD+ is now popping up in serums and creams too. While its ability to effectively penetrate the skin barrier effectively is still being studied, it’s already being hailed as the next big thing in anti-aging skincare.
IV Drip: This method is favored for its direct and efficient delivery of NAD+, promoting enhanced energy levels and mental clarity.

Of course, it’s worth noting: while NAD+ therapy is gaining traction, more large-scale, peer-reviewed studies are still needed to fully back some of the claims. Keep in mind, the common sentiment among dermatologists is that while NAD+ via IV is often used for general wellness and potential anti-aging benefits, its direct impact on the skin isn’t fully established. So, caution is advised to those thinking about NAD+ topical application as a treatment.

There are other, more reliable and evidence-based treatments for overall skin health. But that hasn’t stopped biohackers, wellness devotees, and beauty lovers alike from adding it to their routines.

What YOU Can Do To Capitalize on the NAD+ Movement

If you're a beauty pro, now’s the time to lean into the NAD+ motion. As interest in longevity and cellular wellness continues to skyrocket, so does the demand for products and services that align with these values.

For brands and formulators: Consider incorporating NAD+ or NAD+-boosting ingredients like niacinamide or NMN (nicotinamide mononucleotide) into your product lines. And educate your customers on the science behind it! Transparency and innovation go hand in hand.

For estheticians and med spa professionals: Offering NAD+ IV therapy or partnering with licensed practitioners can open new revenue streams. At the very least, being able to talk confidently about NAD+ and its potential skin benefits will position you as a trusted source in the age of bio-beauty.

For influencers and content creators: The “reverse-aging” niche is still fresh. Educating your audience on the difference between superficial fixes and cellular rejuvenation is a unique way to stand out in a saturated beauty space.

For everyday consumers: Staying informed is step one. As with any wellness trend, not every product will be created equal. Look for clinical backing, consult with licensed professionals, and remember—longevity is a lifestyle, not a miracle in a bottle.

NAD+ is an entry point into the future of proactive beauty and preventative care.

NAD+ and The Future of Beauty

The beauty industry has always had a fascination with the future—whether it be ground-breaking tools or the latest holistic ingredients. But NAD+ is different. It represents a fundamental shift toward cellular-level wellness, where beauty isn’t just skin-deep—it’s biological.

As more consumers seek treatments that deliver long-term results (not just instant gratification), the demand for science-backed, longevity-focused solutions like NAD+ will only continue to grow. And as time goes on, NAD+ is fast becoming a symbol of the next generation of beauty: intelligent, informed, and inner-first.

That said, not everyone is sold on the hype just yet. As with many ingredients that make the leap from clinical science to commercial skincare, NAD+ faces its reasonable share of scrutiny. Some experts urge a balanced perspective, reminding us that popularity doesn’t always equal proof.

Dr. Anjali Mahto, Consultant Dermatologist and author of The Skincare Bible, notes that while incorporating NAD into skincare is a personal choice, “the scientific evidence supporting its topical use is not robust enough and it might be considered more of a trend than a proven necessity” (Mahto, 2023).⁴

While we’re still in the early stages of research, the momentum is undeniable. And whether you're booking your client's first NAD+ IV session or looking for an infused serum at the store, one thing’s clear: the future of beauty starts inside your body.

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