While topical creams and aesthetic procedures, like microneedling, both claim to be the best way to achieve youthful, glowing skin, they only address surface-level skin changes. They are effective for hyperpigmentation, texture irregularities or hydration problems, but don’t restore cellular health.
The most effective path to reversing the effects of aging on skin health begins within, at the cellular level.
One molecule, often overlooked in skincare conversations, plays a pivotal role in cellular function and resilience: nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide, or as you may know it, NAD⁺.
Backed by decades of biochemical and clinical research, NAD⁺ is emerging as one of the most promising allies in the science of skin rejuvenation.¹ Far beyond aesthetics, this coenzyme fuels the very processes that keep skin firm, luminous and healthy.8
If you have found yourself wanting science-backed solutions for radiant skin, consider NAD+ IV Drip and NAD+ IM Shot Therapy. A Nurse Practitioner will be able to advise you on the best options for your needs.
TL;DR:
- NAD⁺ supports cellular energy, DNA repair and skin resilience.
- As NAD+ levels decline with age, skin can be more prone to fine lines, dullness and loss of elasticity.
- Boosting NAD⁺ helps clear senescent cells, reduce inflammation and support collagen and elastin production.
- NAD+ levels can be restored using topical creams, oral supplements and NAD+ IV Drips and IM Shots. IV and IM Shots are the most direct methods for delivering large doses of NAD+ in one go.
- Niagen® (NR) is a precursor of NAD+. As our bodies are more accustomed to large doses of NR compared to NAD+ itself, NR offers a more effective method to improve NAD+ levels, with fewer unpleasant side effects.
- NAD⁺ Therapy complements skincare treatments like Red Light Therapy, Neveskin™ Facials and Marini Glycolic Resurfacing Peels.
What is NAD⁺ & Why Does it Matter for Skin?
NAD⁺ is a critical coenzyme found in every cell of the body.
Enzymes like Sirtuins and Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerases (PARPs) rely on NAD+ to perform chemical reactions in the body that support critical biological functions.12 These include energy production, DNA repair, cellular detoxification and defense against oxidative stress.²,³
Together, these enzymes and NAD+ participate in cellular processes that determine the appearance of the skin. Sirtuins regulate collagen production and skin integrity, while PARPs support DNA repair mechanisms that protect against aging.12 That’s why it’s not surprising that low levels of NAD⁺ have been linked to visible signs of aging, such as dullness, fine lines and loss of elasticity.⁴,⁵
As we age, NAD⁺ levels naturally decline in the body. This can slow down the activity of these enzymes as their function critically depends on NAD+ levels in the body.8 Clinical studies also suggest that improving NAD+ availability should be a key consideration for therapeutic applications that aim to effectively reverse signs of aging.3,12
Benefits of NAD+ for Skin Transformation
Addressing the underlying cellular mechanisms that contribute to skin aging is important for attaining youthful-looking skin.13
NAD+ IV Drip and NAD+ IM Shot Therapy both show promise in improving the quality of skin from the inside out. Here’s how they can help:
1. Accelerate DNA Repair & Cellular Protection
Every day, skin cells are bombarded by environmental stressors from UV rays, pollution and toxins. These stresses lead to the formation of harmful Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) in the mitochondrial unit of our skin cells. These ROS attack the cells’ DNA and proteins, causing cellular damage.14
NAD+ plays a key role in helping our bodies repair this damage. It energizes enzymes such as Sirtuins and PARPs to perform cellular repair processes effectively. 2,15
Clinical studies also show that restoring NAD⁺ levels enhances the skin’s natural ability to repair itself, reducing DNA damage that contributes to wrinkles and discoloration.¹,⁶
2. Target Aging Cells
As we age, intrinsic stress can naturally damage cells, causing them to enter the stage of cellular senescence.13,16 These senescent cells accumulate in the skin and remain in the tissue, even when they are no longer able to perform key functions like repairing themselves.7,8,16
Despite their cellular dysfunction, they can send out inflammatory signals, contributing to chronic inflammation and breakdown of collagen.⁷,⁸ This can lead to thinning of the skin barrier.Continuous exposure to factors like UV light, oxidative stress and DNA damage can further accelerate this process.16
How does NAD+ play a role? Low NAD+ levels further promote cellular senescence, whereas restoring it to adequate levels reduces the burden of such cells.8
Improving the levels of NAD+ in the body with IV Drips or IM Shots can activate pathways that support the clearance of these aged cells and stimulate the production of fresh, healthy ones, renewing the skin at a foundational level.⁷,⁸
3. Energize Skin Cells With Mitochondrial Support
The skin’s ability to regenerate and repair itself requires cellular energy, known as Adenosine Triphosphate (or ATP).
NAD+ is responsible for all cellular mitochondrial functions, including ATP synthesis.15 Having adequate NAD+ levels impacts the level of energy available for cells to perform essential functions that have a direct impact on the appearance of skin, like collagen production and cell renewal.
Studies have found a strong correlation between falling NAD+ levels and natural aging.9 As those levels fall naturally with time, restoration of NAD+ levels, using available therapies, can help cells generate enough energy to repair themselves.15
The result? A complexion that looks brighter, firmer and more resilient.²,⁴,15
4. Preserve Collagen & Elasticity
Collagen and elastin are the proteins that keep skin smooth, firm and supple.
NAD⁺ not only supports their synthesis but also enhances autophagy, a cellular detox process that clears out damaged proteins and cellular waste.15 This helps prevent glycation, a reaction where excess sugar molecules bind to collagen and make it stiff, causing the skin to lose its firmness, sag and develop fine lines over time.8
NAD+ also supports fibroblasts, the skin cells responsible for collagen production.8 By keeping these cells healthy and active, NAD⁺ Therapy may help skin stay stronger, more elastic and less prone to textural changes.8
5. Shield Skin From Photoaging
UV exposure is one of the most aggressive accelerators of skin aging.
Research indicates that NAD⁺ supplementation improves the skin’s defense mechanisms against sun-induced DNA damage, supports recovery and reduces inflammation post-exposure, making it a potent strategy for long-term skin preservation.¹,⁷
6. Improve Symptoms of Psoriasis
Although there is no conclusive factor that causes psoriasis, its occurrence is linked to oxidative stress, chronic inflammation and abnormal keratinocyte activity.11 NAD⁺ plays a central role in regulating these processes by supporting sirtuin and PARP pathways that restore cellular balance and repair.11
Clinical research has shown that supplementing NAD+ can reduce oxidative stress and suppress the body’s immune responses, reducing inflammation and easing other psoriasis-related symptoms.11
How to Use NAD+ for Skin
Although several topical creams and oral supplements claim to boost NAD+, their ability to deliver it to the cellular level can be limited.
Topical products may not penetrate to a cellular level and bring an inside-out change.
Being a large molecule, NAD+ can’t be ingested directly by our bodies, so oral supplements have to rely on our bodies converting precursors into NAD+ instead. This may affect the effectiveness of this delivery system. These precursors include forms of vitamin B3, such as niacin, niacinamide, nicotinamide riboside (NR), and nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN).15
Intravenous therapy is known to be the most direct method for increasing NAD+.10
NAD+ Direct Injections Are More Effective
While NAD⁺ levels decline with age, they can be restored with NAD⁺ IV Therapy and NAD+ IM Shots, which deliver this essential molecule directly into the bloodstream or muscle. This route bypasses the digestive system, ensuring rapid cellular benefits.⁵
Clients who have received these treatments often notice improvements in skin hydration, radiance, tone and elasticity, alongside enhanced overall energy and clarity.⁵
Added benefits of these treatments include:
- Fast-Acting Absorption: IV and IM Shot delivery ensures NAD⁺ reaches target tissues quickly, optimizing its cellular impact.⁵
- Synergistic with Skincare Treatments: NAD⁺ enhances the results of microneedling, laser and other aesthetic procedures by accelerating healing and reducing inflammation.¹,⁷ It can be used safely in conjunction with other skincare and wellness treatments, especially those that incorporate niacinamide like our Hydropeptide Moisture Infusion Facial, Premium Hydrafacial and Platinum Hydrafacial. Hyaluronic Acid, when combined with NAD+ precursors, helps boost epidermal hydration: all Restore Hyper Wellness Skin Health facials include Hyaluronic Acid in one of the products.
- Total Body Benefits: NAD⁺ doesn’t just rejuvenate skin. It supports cognitive function, metabolic balance and immune resilience.²,³ Studies have shown that increasing NAD⁺ levels with precursors like nicotinamide riboside (NR) or nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) led to a significant improvement in overall health and function in animals for aging and age-related diseases, many of which closely mirror human biology.3
What to Expect: When You’ll See Changes in Your Skin
Both types of NAD+ Therapy procedures can look different in their approach.
The intravenous method is one of the most effective ways to deliver nutrients like NAD+ directly into the bloodstream. Each session of NAD+ IV Therapy can last anywhere from one to four hours. An optional loading dose is recommended before starting monthly maintenance doses of up to 3,000 mg. Healthy adults may or may not feel immediate effects after the treatments, but will notice the reparative benefits of the service after a few sessions.
IM Shot Therapy can be a good alternative if you want the nutrients to be delivered to the body in five minutes rather than hours. You can feel the effects of IM Shots either immediately or several hours after the procedure.
Ways to Boost NAD+ Skin Therapy
Although food, supplements and exercise alone can’t adequately replenish depleted NAD+ levels as we age, they can certainly help maintain those.
Consuming tryptophan-rich foods like poultry, eggs and dairy can help your body meet the daily requirements for NAD+ formation, especially when combined with 15mg of niacin.18 Taking the amino acid tryptophan or some forms of vitamin B3 supplements can also stimulate the formation of NAD+ in the tissues.18
Depending on your wellness or skincare goals, NAD+ may work better when combined with other suitable wellness practices like Cryotherapy or a HydroPeptide Custom Facial. Contact us and we’ll put you in touch with our medical team to advise you on how to get to your wellness goals most effectively.
If you want superior effects of NAD+ Therapy in less time, consider Niagen® (NR) IV Drips.
Why Niagen® (NR) May Be Even More Effective Than NAD+
While NAD⁺ IV or IM administration is quick at delivering large doses of NAD+ into the bloodstream, Niagen® offers greater results. It has been shown that Niagen (NR) provides 20% more NAD+ than baseline, with fewer negative experiences.
This is because high doses of NAD+ aren’t naturally found in the body. Our bodies convert precursors like NR into NAD+ instead. An influx of large doses of NAD+ can sometimes cause side effects like headache or nausea, but you don’t have the same risks with Niagen (NR).
It also doesn’t require a loading dose, like NAD+ IV Drips do, and can be administered 75% faster.
You also benefit from:
- Superior absorption: NR is more readily absorbed by the body and converted to NAD+ than NAD+ taken orally or through IV injections.
- Sustained NAD⁺ boost: Studies show NR supplementation provides longer-lasting increases in NAD⁺ compared to direct NAD⁺ intake.3
- Proven clinical benefits: NR has been shown to improve mitochondrial function, support brain health, enhance skin vitality and reduce inflammation.
The Bottom Line
Skin with that youthful glow isn’t just well-moisturized. It’s well-energized at the cellular level.
NAD⁺ is a scientifically validated, deeply restorative molecule that transforms skin health from the inside out.¹,² With NAD⁺ IV Drips or IM Shot Therapy you can access this powerful, evidence-based solution to elevate your skin's vitality—and overall wellness—in a way that no topical cream ever could.
Ready to see the difference for yourself? Book your appointment today to get started.
FAQs
1. Is NAD+ Better Than Collagen?
Collagen and NAD+ target different aspects of skincare. While collagen treatments primarily focus on skin structure, NAD+ Therapy also promotes overall cellular functions, including the amount of energy produced in cells, cellular repair and more.
In fact, NAD+ also promotes collagen production. With NAD+ Therapy, you get added athletic and cognitive benefits that might not be possible with collagen treatments alone.
2. Can Everyone Consider NAD+ for Skin?
NAD+ therapies are generally safe and beneficial for most adults. However, individuals with liver or kidney issues, or those who are pregnant or breastfeeding, are instructed to consult a healthcare provider before starting treatments.
This is why we require our clients to complete medical forms and consult a Registered Nurse Practitioner before starting any medical service, including NAD+ or Niagen® (NR) IV Drips.
3. At What Age Should You Start Using NAD+?
NAD⁺ levels naturally start declining in early adulthood and continue to decrease gradually with age.19 While there isn’t a specific starting age, you can start NAD+ as early as the signs of aging emerge, usually late 20s or early 30s. Supplementing NAD⁺ earlier in life may help maintain cellular health as the decline progresses.
4. Are There Any Pre-Treatment and Post-Treatment Precautions You Must Consider?
We advise fasting for four to six hours before starting IV Therapy. As the process involves using a small catheter, we want you to feel as little discomfort as possible during the process. Most of our clients say they experience less discomfort in a fasted state.
Alcohol consumption is also not advisable during the loading stages of NAD+ using the intravenous method, as alcohol counteracts the cleaning effects of NAD.+
IM Shot Therapy requires no specific pre-procedure precautions.
A Nurse Practitioner will advise you on any specific after-care instructions you need to follow for any of these therapies.
Medical services are provided by an independently-owned physician practice. Some services may require medical clearance and a prescription. We reserve the right to refuse service to anyone. Services, therapies, nutrients and prices may vary per location. The content on our site, blog posts, educational materials, app, promotional newsletters, and any other written content is not intended to replace an evaluation with a qualified healthcare professional and is not intended as medical advice.
