THE SCIENCE OF SYNERGY: NAD+, PDRN & PEPTIDES COMBINED
When precision meets purpose, individual ingredients become more than the sum of their parts. This is the principle of synergy - where clinically-studied actives work together to amplify cellular benefits beyond what each could achieve alone.
In this article, we explore the peer-reviewed research behind combining three of the most studied ingredients in modern skincare: NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide), PDRN (polydeoxyribonucleotide), and peptides.
UNDERSTANDING SYNERGY IN SKINCARE
Synergy occurs when multiple ingredients interact to produce effects greater than their individual contributions. In dermatological science, this means:
• Enhanced cellular uptake and bioavailability • Complementary mechanisms of action • Amplified clinical outcomes • Reduced need for higher concentrations
The combination of NAD+, PDRN, and peptides represents a multi-pathway approach to skin health - addressing cellular energy, tissue regeneration, and structural signaling simultaneously.
NAD+: CELLULAR ENERGY METABOLISM
Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) is a coenzyme essential for cellular energy production and DNA repair. Research shows:
• NAD+ levels decline with age, contributing to cellular dysfunction (Verdin, 2015) • Topical NAD+ precursors support mitochondrial function and ATP synthesis • NAD+ activates sirtuins, proteins linked to longevity and cellular repair
Clinical Evidence: Studies demonstrate that NAD+ supplementation improves cellular metabolism, reduces oxidative stress, and supports DNA repair mechanisms critical for maintaining skin integrity.
PDRN: TISSUE REGENERATION & REPAIR
Polydeoxyribonucleotides (PDRN) are DNA fragments derived from salmon that promote tissue regeneration through:
• Activation of adenosine A2A receptors • Stimulation of fibroblast proliferation • Enhancement of collagen and elastin synthesis • Anti-inflammatory and wound-healing properties
Clinical Evidence: Peer-reviewed studies show PDRN accelerates dermal repair, improves skin elasticity, and reduces inflammation - making it a clinically validated regenerative ingredient (Khan et al., 2022).
PEPTIDES: BIOMIMETIC SIGNALING
Peptides are short chains of amino acids that act as cellular messengers, instructing skin cells to perform specific functions:
• Signal collagen and elastin production • Support barrier function and hydration • Reduce visible signs of aging through targeted communication
Clinical Evidence: Research confirms that peptides like palmitoyl tripeptide-1 and acetyl hexapeptide-8 demonstrate measurable improvements in wrinkle depth, skin firmness, and overall texture (Gorouhi & Maibach, 2009).
THE SYNERGISTIC EFFECT: THREE PATHWAYS, ONE OUTCOME
When NAD+, PDRN, and peptides are combined, they address skin aging through complementary mechanisms:
- NAD+ restores cellular energy and supports DNA repair
- PDRN activates regenerative pathways and stimulates collagen synthesis
- Peptides signal structural proteins to maintain firmness and elasticity
Together, these ingredients create a multi-dimensional approach to skin health - supporting metabolism, regeneration, and structure simultaneously.
CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS
The synergy of NAD+, PDRN, and peptides offers:
• Enhanced efficacy compared to single-ingredient formulations • Multi-pathway support for cellular aging • Clinically-backed mechanisms of action • Reduced reliance on high concentrations of individual actives
This combination represents the future of evidence-based skincare - where precision formulation meets biological performance.
REFERENCES
• Verdin, E. (2015). NAD+ in aging, metabolism, and neurodegeneration. Science, 350(6265), 1208-1213.
EXPLORE THE DERMA-CODE™ DIFFERENCE
Our formulations combine NAD+, PDRN, and peptides at clinically-relevant concentrations - designed for maximum synergy and biological performance.
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Learn more about our formulation philosophy: PRECISION | TRANSPARENCY | TRUST
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