NAD⁺ and autophagy are two fundamental pillars of cellular function that determine how effectively the skin repairs damage, produces collagen, and resists visible ageing.
NAD⁺ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) is a molecule every cell needs to produce energy, repair DNA, and maintain healthy function. But NAD⁺ levels decline sharply with age, including in skin cells. When NAD⁺ drops:
- Collagen production slows
- Repair mechanisms become less efficient
- Skin becomes thinner, duller, and more prone to damage
- Environmental stress (UV, pollution) causes more harm
Supporting NAD⁺ metabolism helps skin cells regain the energy required for repair, renewal, and healthy collagen synthesis, all of which directly influence firmness, elasticity, and skin resilience. In SkinSpan™ serum, this is addressed through RejuveNAD™, which helps activate the skin’s natural NAD⁺ cycle.
Autophagy is the process through which cells “clean out” damaged proteins and waste so they can function optimally. As autophagy slows with age:
- Cellular waste accumulates
- Texture becomes rough and uneven
- Radiance declines
- Skin loses its ability to regenerate efficiently
Reactivating autophagy essentially tells skin cells to renew themselves, improving smoothness, clarity, and overall vitality. SkinSpan™ serum supports this with Cellaigie™, a peptide that encourages a renewal-focused state similar to the benefits seen in cellular detox pathways.
Together, NAD⁺ and autophagy determine how well skin cells can:
- Repair daily damage
- Stay energized
- Produce collagen and elastin
- Maintain an even, healthy texture
- Resist environmental stressors
When both pathways decline (which naturally happens with age), visible aging accelerates. When both are supported, skin can behave more like it does in its younger years, renewing faster, repairing better, and maintaining healthier structure over time. This effect is further enhanced by supporting the skin with oral supplementation for a more complete inside-out approach.