As a beauty editor, I’m naturally curious about anything that can help extend longevity and youthfulness, especially when it comes to my skin. While I’ve used and loved things like NAD as a whole-body supplement (my favorite is Elysium’s energy-boosting formula), I’ve recently discovered a few advanced skincare brands that use it in their formulas. Wondering what NAD is? Do not worry! I explain everything you need to know about this youth-boosting molecule with an expert, Invity founder Eugene He, ND. Let me tell you, if you haven’t tried anything from the brand yet, you’re definitely going to want to change that. The brightening, softening, and plumping sheet masks are one of my all-time favorite skincare products, and I always have them in my arsenal. Read on below for everything he had to say about this magical ingredient that increases longevity.
What is NAD?
First he explained exactly what NAD is and what it can do for your body as a whole. “Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) is one of the essential molecules for our cells,” he says. “It is mainly involved in the production of cellular energy, which is required for many cellular events. Insufficient NAD levels would negatively affect these events, resulting in aging of cells, tissues and organs, including the skin. Studies have shown that NAD can control numerous cellular events. hallmarks of aging such as genomic instability, epigenetic changes, disabled autophagy and cellular senescence. By replenishing NAD stores in the cells, this would lead to optimal cell functioning, resulting in skin rejuvenation and proper maintenance of youthful skin. “
How can NAD work in skin care?
While NAD supplements are a little more widely known and discussed in the wellness community, he told me there is less research when it comes to their use in skin care. “Topical NAD is a relatively new field, and preliminary studies have found great potential in conditioning the skin, supporting the skin barrier, improving skin conditions and increasing cellular efficiency,” he explains.
“NAD works at the cellular level to address numerous hallmarks of aging by maintaining skin youthfulness through energy, DNA repair, antioxidants, collagen, sirtuins and gene regulation. NAD stimulates cellular energy production and rejuvenates the skin by improve cell renewal and collagen production. Essential for DNA repair, NAD prevents mutations caused by UV radiation and oxidative stress, thus maintaining skin health [also] fights oxidative stress and free radicals and protects the skin against premature aging. It promotes collagen production, which maintains skin elasticity and a youthful appearance. NAD also activates sirtuins, proteins associated with longevity and skin resilience.
“At Invity, we look beyond just the benefits of NAD, but harness it synergistically with other ingredients through epigenetic science to create an environment where we can break the current boundaries of what skin care can do for the skin. Part of our R&D pipeline at Invity is finding the most efficient and effective ways to increase NAD and optimize cellular functions through topical applications of natural compounds, including NAD and NAD precursors. Our products currently contain both NAD and natural compounds that have been shown to be effective in replicating some of the benefits of increased NAD in cells, including sirtuin activation and mitochondrial efficiency. In addition to NAD, we are involved in other areas of longevity science including cellular aging to discover more methods that can improve can improve the health of our skin.”
Invitation
SuperNAD Youth Activating Face Mask
These are my all-time favorite sheet masks. They are moisturizing, gentle and non-comedogenic. My skin is extremely sensitive and these masks never break me out. They soothe any redness and I wake up the next day with the most incredible glow.
Invitation
Youth-activating essence
This essence infuses the skin with hydration and improves cellular activity in the skin with NAD, polysaccharides and phosphates.
Invitation
Youth activating cream concentrate
If you like a richer moisturizer, this multi-purpose cream hydrates dry or dehydrated skin and provides protection against environmental damage and glycation.
Invitation
Youth-activating cream cleanser
This gentle cream cleanser is infused with NAD, natural AHAs, prebiotic inulin, and botanical extracts to remove impurities and makeup and prepare skin for the rest of your routine.
More youth-boosting products we love
L’Oréal
Revitalift 1.5% pure hyaluronic acid facial serum
L’Oréal’s Revitalift is a classic drugstore option that really helps brighten, firm, and hydrate the skin.
Symbiome
The answer serum
I’ve loved this serum since I reviewed it last year because it’s one of the best youth-enhancing options on the market. It’s packed with growth factors, peptides, postbiotics and exosomes to help skin regain its vibrancy. Yes, it’s pricey, but it’s one of the few high-end serums that I think are actually worth the money.
The usual
Granactive retinoid 2% emulsion
This retinoid complex from The Ordinary is a great retinoid for beginners and works well for sensitive skin.
Peter Thomas Roth
Peptide Skinjection Amplified Wrinkle-Fix Refillable Serum
With a 19% peptide complex of fortified Matrixyl and Argireline, this serum helps significantly reduce fine lines and wrinkles. It is designed to support anyone receiving injectables between appointments.
Sunday Riley
Good Genes all-in-one AHA lactic acid treatment
This AHA serum from Sunday Riley is one of the brand’s most popular offerings. It uses lactic acid to target the appearance of enlarged pores, hyperpigmentation and fine lines.
Innbeauty project
Extreme cream anti-aging, firming and lifting refillable moisturizer
This extra luxurious moisturizer from InnBeauty Project contains lifting peptides, bio-retinol and ceramides to strengthen the skin’s natural moisture barrier and give it a natural glow.
