Did you know that the World Health Organization (WHO) officially recognized aging as a condition in its 2018 sickness report? This is why the number of individuals seeking treatment for age-related diseases increases in tandem with the average human lifespan. The nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) plays a crucial role in many cellular processes, including metabolism, DNA repair, cell development, and cell survival, and nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) is one of its primary precursors. It has been demonstrated scientifically that NMN can be converted into NAD+ and increase NAD+ activity in the body through a series of chemical events in the body. NAD+ is an essential molecule for proper cell function.
The body swiftly deteriorates without NAD+. There has been a seemingly never-ending stream of study on the anti-aging effects of nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) since it was discovered to enhance the growth of NAD+ in the body; some have even called it a “longevity medication.”
Well-documented advantages of NMN for skin health include better complexion and fewer indications of aging.
Recent research has demonstrated that NMN supplementation can enhance the look of the skin by lowering inflammation and boosting collagen formation. NMN has also been demonstrated to protect the skin from UV-induced damage. The activation of sirtuins by NMN protects against various skin aging-related disorders, including wound healing, wrinkles, UV exposure, and skin malignancies. SIRT3 is the sirtuin most strongly associated with skin problems and skin malignancies. NMN and NAD+ trigger this protective mechanism.
Topical Anti-Aging Properties of NMN:
Aging skin is associated with a diminished NAD pool. Researchers interested in counteracting skin aging have focused on NMN supplementation as a means of kicking off NAD synthesis. Supplementation with NMN has been shown in studies of human cells to increase replicative cellular lifetime while decreasing senescence. But what about the topical application of NMN for anti-aging benefits?
In Mice:
Anti-Aging Properties: In the early stages of development and testing of Nicotinamide Mononucleotide, the stated topic was obviously posed (NMN). In laboratory tests, giving NMN orally to mice for 12 months enhanced their anti-aging properties to the maximum level. (1) (2)
Supplementing NMN may be an effective nutraceutical anti-aging intervention, with beneficial effects on various physiological functions.
Radiation Damage: The use of NMN has also been proposed as a treatment for skin aging. Recent mice research has shown that when an oral supplement of NMN is coupled with the gut bacteria Lactobacillus fermentum TKSN041, the skin of mice is safeguarded from ultraviolet B irradiation damage, the leading cause of premature skin aging. NMN’s high water solubility means it cannot cross the skin barrier. Hence the effect was seen even when the drug was administered orally.
Inflammatory Skin Disease: According to a study published in the journal International Immunopharmacology, NMN, a chemical capable of increasing cellular nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) levels, may help with the inflammatory skin illness eczema in mice models. In addition, oral NMN therapy decreases skin water loss, a frequent aging skin sign that leads to dryness. These results indicate that topical NMN can restore not only eczema symptoms but also normal skin aging.
Oral Mucositis: Oral mucositis, a common side effect of cancer treatments, breaks down the mouth and stomach mucosa, limiting therapy and worsening prognosis. Nicotinamide, which is available in a topical cream, gel, and oral form, has been demonstrated to treat oral mucositis. In research done by Harvard Health, the group administered topical NMN had a statistically significant decrease in the duration of ulcerative mucositis. Upon examination of NAD+ levels, the topically treated group had greater NAD+ concentrations.
| NMN uses for the Skin of Mice | Effects |
| Topical uses of NMN |
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| Oral Supplemental uses of NMN |
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In Human:
Several credible research studies have demonstrated that NMN supplements have a significant anti-aging effect. It increases the formation of NAD+ (Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide), a coenzyme that is vital for human survival. NMN has been demonstrated to function in mice and other animals, and there is reason to suspect that it may act in a similar way in humans. Researchers found that NMN given orally might reduce the effects of aging by influencing the activity of genes involved in the aging process. Your skin, hair, and general health may all improve as a result of using NMN.
For Wrinkles and Puffiness: 2021 research on humans evaluated skin wrinkling, puffiness, weariness, and dark circle appearance in healthy Asian and African-American volunteers who received a cosmetic topical formulation containing 2% NMN. After 28 and 56 days of twice-daily use, the product was assessed in contrast to a reference cosmetic formulation utilizing clinical scoring under dermatological supervision. Its results are yet to be posted.
Reduces Skin Aging: In another research on NMN’s efficacy for postmenopausal women, journal Science, oral supplementation with NMN offered metabolic advantages. After eight weeks of treatment with NMN, the subjects’ AGE levels decreased. Since greater levels of AGEs are associated with advanced skin aging, the decrease in AGEs indicated that NMN is beneficial to aged skin. Results add to the growing body of research suggesting that NMN supplementation can benefit metabolic, hormonal, and skin health.
Hyperpigmentation Due to Aging: NMN topical therapy effectively suppressed melanin synthesis in human skin containing old melanocytes that had been regenerated. NMN used as a topical agent, is therefore a human-friendly anti-melanogenic agent with the potential to help in the treatment of hyperpigmentation due to aging.
Elevates Glutathione Levels: Another research discovered that supplementation with oral administration of NMN restored glutathione levels via normalizing oxidative levels associated with NAD+ during UV irradiation of skin cells. It indicates that NMN reduces lipid peroxide buildup via GPX4 by stimulating glutathione synthesis.
Alopecia/Hair loss: A small study also studied the benefits of NMN on alopecia. With the help of microneedle technology, this study intended to examine the results of treating individuals with androgenetic alopecia with the addition and topical NMN to a Growth Factor Cocktail (GFC). Over the course of 12 weeks, patients got six treatments every two weeks. This study resulted in a positive approach for NMN topical application for the treatment of alopecia. More extensive research in controlled clinical settings is needed in future studies.
Clinical tests conducted by Procter & Gamble and the American Academy of Dermatology demonstrate the anti-aging effectiveness of topical NMN in cosmeceuticals. These studies and others have demonstrated the following results:
- Anti-wrinkle treatment
- Lightening of hyperpigmented spots
- Enhancing the skin’s moisture levels
- Enhanced brightness, symmetry, and color of the skin.
As of 2022, research has been conducted to determine the effects of NMN on human skin. In mice, however, the supplement improved metabolism prevented illness, and had a general anti-aging effect. Therefore, experts hypothesize that NMN may also promote human health and lifespan.
However, it should also be highlighted that current regulations and guidelines governing the categorization of NMN in cosmetics are far from ideal and that more scientific study and exploratory data are needed to fully understand the impact that NMN compounds have when applied topically. Researchers will receive a far more comprehensive understanding of the effects of NMN supplementation on the body as a whole if they conduct their studies on human subjects.
| NMN uses for Skin/ Human | Effects |
| Topical uses of NMN |
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| Oral Supplemental uses of NMN |
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While the Fountain of Youth remains a fantasy story unlikely to be materialized in the near future, the science behind anti-aging drugs and the use of topical NMN continues to develop. Maybe one day, you’ll be able to swallow a miraculous medication and relive your youth. Until then, NAD and NMN supplements offer significant benefits for slowing the ravages of cellular aging.
