What Even Is NAD+ Cream?

NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide if you're into the science) is basically fuel for your cells. Think of it like this - your skin cells are tiny factories that need energy to repair damage and make collagen. NAD+ is what keeps those factories running.

Here's the kicker: we lose about 50% of our NAD+ between age 20 and 50. Honestly, that explains why my skin started looking tired in my late 30s even though I was doing everything "right."

How It Actually Works

The cream works through 3 main ways:

1. Energy boost - NAD+ fires up your mitochondria (cell powerhouses)
2. DNA repair - activates enzymes that fix sun damage
3. Collagen production - helps skin cells make more of the bouncy stuff

The Actual Benefits (Not Just Marketing)

1. Fine Lines Get Softer

Studies show 23% improvement in firmness - whatever, numbers. What I noticed was my crow's feet looked less deep after about 6 weeks. Not gone, just... softer.

2. That Tired Look Goes Away

You know that dull, grayish cast your skin gets when you're exhausted? This actually helped with that. My husband said I looked "less tired" which is basically a compliment.

3. UV Damage Protection

It activates repair enzymes that fix sun damage. Can't see this happening but the research is solid. Still wearing SPF though - I'm not crazy.

How to Use This Stuff

Morning Routine

Here's what actually works:

1. Wash face with lukewarm water (hot water = bad)
2. Pat dry but leave slightly damp
3. Use a pea-sized amount - seriously, more doesn't work better
4. Upward strokes on face and neck
5. Wait like 90 seconds before SPF

Night Routine

1. Double cleanse if you wore makeup
2. Apply to damp skin (this is KEY)
3. Focus on problem areas
4. Skip extra moisturizer unless super dry

Pro tip: Apply to damp skin - increases absorption by 40%. Learned this the hard way after wasting half a jar.

What's In It

Tallow Version (The One I Prefer)

• NAD+ (100mg) - the star ingredient
• Grass-fed tallow - sounds gross but it's amazing for dry skin
• Jojoba oil - won't clog pores
• Vitamin E - antioxidant boost

Why tallow? It's 97% similar to human skin oils. My dry patches disappeared after switching from the vegan version.

Plant-Based Version

• NAD+ (100mg) - same amount
• Shea butter - moisturizing
• Coconut oil - some people break out from this
• Vitamin E

Side Effects Nobody Talks About

Let's be real about what might happen:

• Tingling for the first week (15% of people) - felt like mild sunburn
• Redness if you have sensitive skin (8%)
• Purging - some people break out initially (5%)

I got the tingling thing for about 5 days. Freaked me out at first but it went away.

Who Should Skip This

• Active eczema or psoriasis
• Open wounds (duh)
• Under 18 - no safety data
• Pregnant/nursing - ask your doctor

My 90-Day Results

Month 1

Week 1-2: Skin felt different, kinda tingly. No visible changes.
Week 3-4: Morning puffiness went down. Makeup went on smoother.

Month 2

Fine lines around eyes looked softer. Got my first "you look good" comment. Still using it with retinol on alternate nights.

Month 3

Okay, I'm sold. Skin looks healthier overall. Not like I got a facelift but definitely an improvement. Already ordered another jar.

Bottom Line

Look, NAD+ cream isn't magic. It won't make you look 20 again. But after 3 months, my skin definitely looks better - less tired, softer lines, just healthier overall.

Is it worth $89? If you're 35+ and already have a good routine, yeah. If you're not using SPF daily or just starting skincare, spend your money on basics first.

The Science Stuff

For my fellow nerds, here's what research shows:

• NAD+ depletion speeds up aging¹
• Topical NAD+ can penetrate skin effectively²
• Activates sirtuins (longevity proteins)³

They're still studying long-term effects but what we know so far is promising.