For years, collagen has been the star of the healthy aging conversation, celebrated for its role in keeping skin firm, plump, and youthful. But there’s another molecule making waves in both the science and beauty worlds—one that works even deeper than collagen itself. It’s called NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide), and it’s found in every living cell of the body. Think of NAD+ as the fuel your cells run on—it powers energy production, repairs DNA, supports metabolism, and keeps your skin and body functioning at their best.
The challenge is that NAD+ levels naturally decline as we age. By middle age, our reserves have dropped so significantly that it affects how we feel and how we look. Low NAD+ is linked to fatigue, brain fog, disrupted sleep, slower recovery from stress, and that creeping sense of “slowing down” that many notice in their 40s and 50s. On the surface, it can show up as sagging skin, fine lines, and a dull, tired complexion. In other words, the decline in NAD+ is part of what makes aging feel harder on the inside and look more visible on the outside.
Raising NAD+ levels gives your body the energy to repair, renew, and function more like it did when you were younger. Clinical research supports this idea. A landmark study published in Nature Communications demonstrated that nicotinamide riboside (NR) supplementation safely boosted NAD+ in humans and improved cellular health (Trammell et al., 2016). Another precursor, nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN), has shown equally exciting results. In a randomized, double-blind trial, 250 mg/day of NMN for 12 weeks improved muscle strength and reduced fatigue in older adults (Irie et al., 2022). Another human study found that 300 mg/day of NMN for 60 days increased the NAD+/NADH ratio in healthy adults aged 40–65, suggesting enhanced cellular metabolism (Liao et al., 2023). Studies on NR have shown that 300–600 mg/day can raise NAD+ levels by 40–60%, while higher doses, up to 1,000–2,000 mg/day, sometimes doubled NAD+ levels (Martens et al., 2018).
It’s no wonder the beauty and wellness industry has taken notice. Celebrities like Hailey Bieber have openly praised NAD+, saying she plans to “do NAD for the rest of [her] life and never age.” Jennifer Aniston has called it the future of anti-aging, while Gwyneth Paltrow, Joe Rogan, and even professional athletes have joined the conversation, touting NAD+ for its effects on energy, recovery, and focus. What was once confined to research labs is now one of the buzziest trends in beauty and longevity—and for good reason.
In our practice, NAD+ therapy fits perfectly with our philosophy of regenerative aesthetics. Treatments like Radiesse or Sculptra help stimulate collagen and rebuild the skin’s scaffolding, while NAD+ energizes the very cells that produce and maintain that collagen. The combination gives patients not just visible improvements in firmness and radiance, but also deeper, longer-lasting cellular support. It’s about addressing aging at its root, not just treating surface changes.
When it comes to supplementation, there are several NAD+ brands on the market, each with its own unique approach. Tru Niagen is perhaps the most widely recognized and clinically studied brand. It uses Niagen, a patented form of nicotinamide riboside (NR), which has been shown in multiple human trials to effectively raise NAD+ levels in the blood. For patients who want something with robust scientific backing and clear dosing guidelines, Tru Niagen remains a trusted choice. Elysium Basis, on the other hand, combines NR with pterostilbene, a polyphenol similar to resveratrol. The idea here is to not only boost NAD+ but also add an antioxidant layer that helps protect against oxidative stress, giving it a slightly different focus—longevity support beyond NAD+ alone. Nuchido NAD+ offers another unique approach. Instead of focusing only on precursors like NR or NMN, Nuchido combines a broader formulation designed to not only boost NAD+ but also slow its breakdown inside the body. This dual mechanism—helping your body make more NAD+ while preserving the NAD+ you already have—makes it attractive to patients looking for a more comprehensive longevity strategy. Finally, there are NAD+ IV infusions, which deliver NAD+ directly into the bloodstream. These are popular in wellness clinics and often produce an immediate boost in energy and focus. However, they tend to be expensive, and while patient experiences are often positive, large-scale clinical evidence is still catching up to the hype.
Beyond beauty, NAD+ also activates sirtuins, sometimes referred to as “longevity genes,” which regulate inflammation, DNA repair, and stress resistance. That means NAD+ therapy isn’t just about glowing skin—it’s about helping your body age more gracefully while maintaining vitality in the long run. When patients ask why they should consider NAD+ therapy, my answer is simple: because it gives you back more than just a refreshed face in the mirror. It supports your energy, mood, sleep, metabolism, and skin health from a cellular level. It’s not vanity—it’s self-care, longevity, and beauty all in one.
So, whether you’re chasing more energy for your busy days, sharper focus for your career, or that glow that makes people ask, “What’s your secret?”—remember this: NAD+ may just be the molecule that helps you age not only gracefully, but beautifully.
