NAD Hype, Dry Hair, and Color Fade - episode 423

In episode 423 of The Beauty Brains, hosts Valerie George and Perry Romanowski tackle a range of beauty science questions with their trademark blend of humor and expertise. They begin with a behind-the-scenes look at Perry’s recent trip to a production facility for a large-scale formulation run, highlighting the challenges of scaling lab formulas to industrial tanks. The conversation then shifts to topical NAD skincare, with Perry expressing skepticism about Aramore’s high-priced NAD creams, noting a lack of robust clinical data and questioning the efficacy of topical NAD+ delivery. The hosts debate the effectiveness of leaving hair masks on longer, with Perry arguing that most conditioning benefits occur immediately upon application, while Valerie shares lab experience showing slight improvements under heat and humidity. A listener question about shampooing after hair coloring is answered with reassurance: the included shampoo removes excess dye safely without degrading the color. Finally, they debunk the myth that glycerin dries skin at high altitudes, explaining that humectants like glycerin draw moisture from the air and are safe even in dry climates, with formulation stability and occlusive ingredients being more critical for hydration. Key takeaways include: 1) Topical NAD+ products lack strong clinical evidence and may not justify their premium pricing; 2) Leaving hair masks on longer offers minimal benefit beyond immediate application; 3) Shampooing after hair color is safe and recommended to remove excess dye; 4) Glycerin does not dry skin in low-humidity environments and remains a reliable moisturizing ingredient; 5) The best hydration at high altitudes comes from rich, occlusive moisturizers, not glycerin avoidance. The episode maintains a positive, informative tone, balancing scientific rigor with accessible humor.