This celebrity and dermatologist-recommended IV drip has everyone’s attention
By Anjan Sachar
Social media often dictates the beauty and wellness trends of the season, and while most are fleeting, some stick around and gain momentum with stamps of approval from the experts as well. NAD (Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide) Therapy is one such skincare and wellness buzzword that’s got everyone talking, coming in hot with anti-ageing claims via regular IV drips. To make sense of it all, Anjan Sachar quizzed two skin experts—Rana Jaffari, Head of Aesthetic Nursing at Dripology in Los Angeles, and Dr. Madhu Chopra, MBBS, DORL, Cosmetologist and Managing Director at Studio Aesthetique in Mumbai—and got them to answer every possible question you may have about NAD. Read on to ensure you make an informed decision.
Anjan Sachar (AS): What’s the hype around NAD Therapy?
Rana Jaffari (RJ): NAD Therapy has really taken off because people are becoming more proactive about ageing and wellness, and there is growing public interest in longevity and biohacking. They want deeper, cellular-level rejuvenation.
Dr. Madhu Chopra (MC): As a coenzyme found in every single one of our cells, NAD plays an important role in the maintenance of mitochondrial health, DNA repair processes and the encouragement of cellular rejuvenation. The amount of NAD declines naturally with age, causing symptoms such as tiredness, memory degradation, and signs of ageing. Rebuilding NAD in the body enhances life vigour, better mental sharpness, and a refreshed skin look. It also plays a role in regulating the secretion of insulin as well as maintaining blood sugar levels, and this is critical in curbing metabolic disorders.
AS: What are the pros of signing up for NAD Therapy?
Dr. MC: NAD supplementation through IV infusion or other delivery forms increases mitochondrial function, helps rejuvenate cells, and combats oxidative stress, which is critical for maintaining youthful skin for the long term. It is essential for better health because it improves cognition, accelerates metabolic processes, and strengthens the immune system.
RJ: Most feel a noticeable increase in energy and clarity within a few sessions. It can improve skin tone and radiance over time, support metabolism, sleep, and mental health, and is non-invasive.
AS: Are there any cons to NAD infusions?
Dr. MC: It is necessary to undergo this therapy under a qualified doctor after a thorough health check. Infusion sessions might cause mild symptoms like nausea, headaches or local flushing on some occasions in some patients. It is also expensive and requires multiple sessions to see long-term benefits.
AS: How many IV sessions do you need to see results?
RJ: Most of my clients begin with a series of 4 – 6 sessions over two weeks, which we call the ‘loading phase’. From there, monthly maintenance is typical. Results can vary, but you can expect more energy and less fatigue after just 1 – 2 sessions. Improved mood, sleep, and focus occur around the 3rd or 4th session mark. Skin benefits like a healthy glow, smoother texture, and better hydration start to become noticeable after a few weeks. Some clients with chronic stress or burnout also report significant relief.
AS: Are serums and creams featuring NAD as effective as the IV infusions?
RJ: Yes, there are topical products out there with NAD+ or its precursors like NMN. In my practice, I often recommend these as supportive skincare, but it’s important to know they don’t penetrate as deeply or act as quickly as IV or oral forms. They may help with fine lines, hydration, and tone, but for more noticeable results, especially if you’re looking for cellular rejuvenation, we use NAD intravenously or suggest oral supplements for at-home maintenance.
AS: Do NAD and collagen have the same benefits? Or are both essential to skin health?
Dr. MC: The main effects of collagen supplements are feeding amino acids to the skin’s scaffold to enhance firmness, hydration, and fine-line reduction. On the contrary, NAD+ (the oxidised form of NAD) Therapy operates at the cellular level to enhance energy production, repair DNA and slow the process of ageing, which leads to healthier and stronger skin. Medically, collagen is effective because it offers critical ingredients used in the construction of skin, whereas NAD+ improves the functioning and life of cells that make collagen. It is possible that combining both collagen and NAD+ into a balanced well-being programme could be the best solution to skin and general well-being.