Ageing is an inevitable natural process, but did you know that there are solutions to slow down or even reverse some of the effects of time on the skin? NAD , an essential coenzyme for cellular metabolism, is proving to be one of the keys to maintaining young, healthy skin. Let’s discover together how this miraculous molecule can transform the appearance of your skin and boost its health.
What is NAD?
Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide (NAD ) is a coenzyme present in all living cells. It plays a crucial role in metabolic processes such as the production of energy in the form ofATP and the regulation of enzymes responsible for cell repair. As we age, levels of NAD decrease, leading to a reduced capacity for cell regeneration, a key factor in skin ageing.
What are the effects of NAD on skin ageing?
The decrease in NAD is a natural phenomenon observed with ageing. This reduction contributes to the acceleration of the visible signs of ageing, such as wrinkles, loss of elasticity and skin dryness. NAD is essential for several DNA repair mechanisms in the skin, including those activated by exposure to UV rays.
Restoring NAD levels helps reverse these signs by strengthening the skin’s ability to regenerate and protect itself against external aggressors. This can be particularly effective in repairing collagen and elastin fibres, which are responsible for the skin’s firmness and elasticity.
How does NAD promote cell regeneration?
NAD activates two families of critical enzymes: sirtuins (SIRTs) and poly(ADP-ribose) polymerases (PARPs). These enzymes are involved in the processes of cell repair and longevity. Sirtuins, for example, are known for their role in regulating cell lifespan and their ability to reduce age-related inflammation.
Another major aspect of NAD is its role in maintaining mitochondria, the energy factories of our cells. With age, mitochondria become less efficient, leading to an accumulation of damage and accelerated ageing. NAD intervenes by supporting energy production and improving mitochondrial regeneration, helping to maintain firmer, revitalised skin.
How can NAD levels be restored?
There are several ways to restore NAD levels in the skin and improve its appearance:
- Dietary supplements: NAD precursors such as nicotinamide riboside (NR) and nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) are frequently used to increase NAD levels throughout the body, including the skin.
- Topicals: Creams containing NAD formulations are available for topical application, directly enhancing skin cell regeneration.
- Injection therapies: For a more targeted action, injections of NAD can be administered to treat the areas most affected by ageing, thereby promoting cell repair.
What are the benefits of NAD for the skin?
Studies show that restoring NAD to the skin brings visible and measurable benefits:
- Reduction in fine lines and wrinkles: By increasing collagen production, NAD helps to fill in wrinkles and improve skin elasticity.
- Repair of UV damage: DNA repair mechanisms, supported by NAD , are essential for reducing the effects of photoageing caused by exposure to the sun.
- Reduced inflammation: NAD helps modulate inflammatory responses in the skin, which can prevent rashes and other inflammatory conditions.
Sources
- The Role of NAD in Regenerative Medicine, Published online 2021
- Sun C, Wang K, Stock AJ, et al. Re-equilibration of imbalanced NAD metabolism ameliorates the impact of telomere dysfunction. EMBO J. 2020
- Laughlin T, Tan Y, Jarrold B, et al.. Autophagy activators stimulate the removal of advanced glycation end products in human keratinocytes. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. 2020
- Exogenous Nucleotides Improve the Skin Aging of SAMP8 Mice by Modulating Autophagy through MAPKs and AMPK Pathways, Nutrients 2024
