Biohacking has entered the skincare chat, with some of the most advanced and effective formulas ever. While taking care of the skin can be as basic as washing your face, applying moisturizer, and protecting with SPF, new scientific innovations are allowing us to up the ante with ingredients that target skin health on a cellular level—and NMN is one ingredient to look out for.
NMN (aka Nicotinamide Mononucleotide) is a naturally occurring molecule in our bodies that plays a key role in cellular energy production. Because of that, it’s caught the attention of skincare enthusiasts wanting to promote visible signs of longevity through topical formulas and supplements.
What Does NMN Do?
“NMN serves as a precursor to NAD+, a coenzyme that plays an important role in cellular energy production and repair,” says Marisa Garshick, MD, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist. “By helping support NAD+ levels—which otherwise decline with age—NMN may help promote healthier cellular function, support the skin’s natural repair processes, and potentially contribute to improvements in skin quality, including overall radiance.”
Jennifer Nicole Bianchini, MS, RD, IFNCP, a functional dietitian and founder of Body to Soul Health, says NMN is “thought of as the beauty from within supplement,” since it can support the skin on a cellular level by improving cellular energy to renew, repair, and stay more resilient. To encourage skin radiance Dr. Garshick mentions, Bianchini says NMN skin benefits include improved hydration and elasticity, as well as support for healthy aging.
NMN Supplements vs. Skincare
NMN is available as a supplement as well as skincare products. These two formats “work in different ways and are viewed as complementary,” says Dr. Garshick. She explains that topical skincare targets the skin directly, which can have benefits such as hydration, antioxidant protection, and stimulation of collagen production. Whereas NMN supplements go beyond the skin’s surface and “help support the cells underneath the surface that are responsible for skin repair, renewal, and resilience,” says Bianchini. “Since our skin cells need energy to function well, NMN [supplements] help support healthy skin at a deeper cellular level.”
Because they target the skin from different directions and are considered complimentary of each other, Dr. Garshick says those interested in adding NMN to their regimen benefit from a combination of both NMN supplements and skincare.
Who Benefits From NMN Supplements?
While topical skincare is beneficial for targeting the complexion, those who want to support the skin from within might consider starting with NMN supplements. “Anyone who is starting to notice dullness, dryness, fine lines, loss of elasticity, or just feels like their skin is not as vibrant as it used to be may benefit from NMN supplements,” says Bianchini. Since NAD+ levels naturally decline with age, Bianchini adds that taking an NMN supplement can be a more proactive skincare approach with noticeable benefits if taken consistently.
Additionally, Bianchini recommends NMN supplements for those interested in biohacking their wellness rituals for healthy aging and longevity, since skin radiance isn’t just about what you put on your face. “It is also about your cellular health, inflammation, stress, sleep, hydration, blood sugar, and how well your body is functioning from within,” she adds.
The Takeaway
With all of the incredible benefits of NMN supplements, it might seem like they’re the fountain of youth. However, Bianchini and Dr. Garshick both confirm that it isn’t magic, nor a replacement for an intentional skincare routine. Instead, it’s a supportive addition to a healthy diet and lifestyle.
