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NAD+, Peptides, and the Longevity Glow: Skincare’s Next Frontier

Menopause in the workplace, free hits of dopamine + 5 types of wealth, longevity in your morning brew and a last chance VIP invite 🎉

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Jackie's Take: What's on My Mind in Women's Wellness ✍️ 🤔 📰 

🧬 When Beauty gets in bed with Longevity: The Future of Glow Is Cellular

You’ve probably noticed it. One minute your feed is full of collagen powders and retinoid creams. The next, it looks like a biotech startup exploded all over your algorithm. Suddenly it is NAD+ serums, scalp peptides, and supplements with names that sound like they came from a science fair project.

What we are seeing now is the collision of two industries: aesthetics and longevity. For midlife women like us, it matters because the story is shifting from “how do I erase aging” to “how do I age better.” That’s a very different conversation.

The Shift From Quick Fixes to Healthspan

For decades, the beauty industry has been built around youth preservation. Firming creams. Brightening serums. Magic potions that promised to rewind the clock. But right now the tone is changing. The new focus is not just on looking younger, it is on improving function—keeping skin cells energized, hair follicles active, and repair mechanisms switched on.

This is the language of healthspan, not lifespan. Healthspan is about the quality of your years, not just the number. In beauty terms, it asks: how long can your skin keep repairing itself, how well can your hair resist thinning, how resilient can your cells stay as you move through midlife?

That is why longevity science is sliding into your serum bottle. Gone are the days of promising eternal youth (we all called BS on that!). The new kids on the block are all about the cellular support that helps you age well.

NAD+: Why Everyone Is Talking About It

Let’s pause on NAD+ because it is everywhere right now. NAD+ stands for nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide. It is a coenzyme found in every cell of your body, and it is essential for energy production, DNA repair, and keeping your mitochondria—the “powerhouses” of your cells—running smoothly.

Here’s the kicker: NAD+ levels decline as we age, and by midlife we are working with a lot less of it. That decline shows up not only in fatigue or slower recovery, but also in the skin. Collagen production drops, repair processes slow, and you start to see visible changes like dullness and sag.

The reason NAD+ is showing up in skincare is simple: if we can support cellular energy, we may be able to keep skin functioning more like it did when we were younger. Some serums use NAD+ directly, others use precursors like niacinamide that help your skin produce more of it. Will it replace sunscreen and protein? Absolutely not. But does it fit the longevity story? Yes.

The Buzz Around Senolytics

Alongside NAD+, you may also start hearing about senolytics. These are compounds designed to target “zombie cells,” which are old, damaged cells that no longer divide but still stick around releasing inflammatory signals. Too many zombie cells can accelerate aging in tissues, including skin and hair.

The science is early, but the idea is fascinating: what if you could clear out these sluggish cells so your body functions more youthfully? Right now senolytics are more experimental, but keep your eye on this space because it shows where the beauty industry is headed—toward true longevity science, not just better moisturizers.

Why This Matters for Midlife Women

Midlife women are at the center of this shift. We are the ones actually buying the products. We are also the ones living the reality of hormonal changes, metabolic slowdowns, and hair and skin changes that do not respond to a single magic cream.

This is why I get both excited and cautious. Excited because we finally have access to formulas that are rooted in science. Cautious because the market loves novelty, and novelty can be expensive and distracting. The truth is this: NAD+ and peptides can add value, but only if your foundation is strong. That means strength training, sleep, protein + healthy fats, hormone balance, and stress management.

No serum can outrun a fried nervous system or a 4-hour night of sleep. But with the basics in place, these new tools can give you an edge.

My Shortlist of Longevity Beauty Products

You know I don’t recommend everything. Here are a handful of products I believe actually earn consideration for a spot in your routine:

1. Allies of Skin Peptides Firming Eye Cream
The skin around the eyes is the thinnest and often the first to show changes. Peptides here act like little messengers, telling your skin to keep producing collagen and elastin. I like this one because it is targeted and minimal.

2. OS-01 Hair Peptide Scalp Serum
Scalp care is not optional anymore. Hormonal shifts affect hair density, shedding, and texture. This peptide serum supports the follicles directly. Think of it as strength training for your scalp.

3. Codeage Maison Rouge NAD+ Face Serum
This one plays into the NAD+ story. While the science is still unfolding, it makes sense as part of an antioxidant and hydration routine. I treat it as an enhancer, not a miracle.

4. Cymbiotika Healthy Glow 
Spermidine is a fascinating compound that supports autophagy, the process where cells “clean house” and recycle damaged parts. Taking it internally supports the same renewal process that so many topical products are trying to mimic.

Cymbiotika Healthy Glow

How to Approach This Without Losing Your Mind

  • Stay curious but discerning. Ask: does this align with my needs, or is it just buzz? 🤔 

  • Start small. Pick one or two products that match your goals. Let them prove themselves before adding more. 🧴 

  • Keep perspective. No peptide serum can replace protein, strength training, or good sleep. Think of these as bonus layers, not foundations. 😴 

  • Check your progress. Every few months, reassess. Is your skin firmer, your hair thicker, your glow more consistent? If not, simplify. 🗒️ 

My Take

I love that beauty is finally speaking the language of longevity. But let’s be clear: the best longevity plan is not found in a serum bottle. It is in the consistent habits you commit to and the smart add-ons that actually serve your biology.

So yes, try the NAD+ serum. Support your scalp with peptides. Add spermidine if it feels right. But do not let the shiny new words drown out the basics. True glow is not about chasing youth harder. It is about living midlife with more power, more vitality, and more joy. Because beauty, at its best, is just the visible expression of your health. 🌺 

Creatine for a Sharper Mind and Stronger Body

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The Tea: What's Trending in Women's Wellness & Culture 🍵 📰 

Many of you have asked me about microdosing, and if you’ve been following along in past newsletters (or caught my reel), you know it’s something I’ve been exploring with women in midlife. This article frames GLP-1 microdosing as unproven, but in my practice I’ve seen it work remarkably well for patients who want the metabolic and cognitive benefits without the side effects of full-dose therapy. (WaPo)

This piece on a proposed menopause law got me thinking: if we actually treated perimenopause properly in medicine, would we even need to legislate it at work? I’m conflicted, because while I deeply believe women deserve support without shame, the workplace has always been a tricky arena for that conversation. Layer in the stigma around aging, and you can see how complex it becomes to create policies that truly help without backfiring. (Forbes) 🤔 

A new study shows that coffee doesn’t just perk you up—it may activate AMPK, a longevity pathway linked to better metabolism and reduced disease risk. As someone who is fiercely protective of her morning cup, I’ll happily call this science-backed justification to keep sipping. (Women’s Health)

Women’s Health

A Special Note from Jackie 🖇️ 

Remember when you had boundless energy and drive? When you could power through long days and still have enthusiasm for evening plans? 🏃‍♀️ 

Now you find yourself questioning if you've lost your edge, wondering if this is how it's going to feel for the rest of your life. The motivation that built your career and your wonderful life seems to have vanished overnight.

You've tried everything: more coffee, better time management, motivational podcasts, expensive supplements.

But can I tell you a secret? 🤫 Your biochemistry is working against you. Declining hormones, chronic inflammation, and nutrient deficiencies are literally hijacking your motivation at the cellular level.

It's not willpower you need; it's the right biological foundation.

And there's a good chance your provider isn't going to help you fix this. 🙇‍♀️ 

That's why I'm leading a small cohort of women through my signature framework, using AI-powered analysis of your unique biomarkers. Together, we'll identify exactly what's sabotaging your drive and build a personalized protocol to get it back.

Over the course of 6 weeks, you'll create your own personal health copilot that monitors, predicts, and optimizes your energy and motivation in real-time.

Introducing…. 👇️ 👇️👇️

This is your last chance to claim your spot on the VIP Waitlist and transform your drive in the boardroom, the bedroom and the exam room IN 6 WEEKS 🥳 

The Group Chat Edit 📲 👯‍♂️ 

👀 To Try: Here are ten, $0 Dopamine hits proven to work for anyone looking to feel better asap. LMK if you try any of them!

👂️To Listen: Seemingly overnight, Americans have become obsessed with pumping as much protein as possible into every drink, snack and meal. This episode of The Daily podcast dives into the origins of this latest nutrition craze.

📖 To Read: I’m excited for Sahil Bloom’s new book The 5 Types of Wealth because it flips the script on success, reminding us that true wealth isn’t just financial—it’s health, time, relationships, and growth, which is exactly the reframe midlife calls for. 😀 

Saddle Up & Spread the Word 🏇💨

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With gratitude always,

Jackie Giannelli, FNP-BC, MSCP

Founder, In the Saddle

Medical Disclaimer:
The content provided in this newsletter is for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Nothing contained herein should be construed as medical guidance or the practice of medicine. You should always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking care because of something you read in this newsletter. Use of the information provided is at your own risk. No clinician-patient relationship is formed through this content.

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