Stef In The City: NAD + Therapy at Hydrate IV Bar
Stef in the City is a monthly column by Stefanie Jones. Stefanie moved from London to be a co-host of the nationally syndicated TV show Daily Blast Live which films in Denver. Starting in 2012, Stefanie was the host of Fashion One Television, an international channel focusing on beauty, glamour, style, luxury, and viewed in more than 120 countries worldwide. A regular correspondent for international fashion weeks and at red carpet events around the world, Stefanie used her VIP access to report on some of the industry’s most exclusive parties. She has interviewed fashion’s most well-known insiders, including Anna Wintour. Every issue, Stef will share her fashion and beauty insider tips with our readers.
PHOTOGRAPHED BY ESTHER LEE LEACH
The beauty issue of any magazine is always a really big deal for me. I’m mid-thirties and starting to see signs of aging (which I blast away immediately every quarter - thank baby Jesus for botox), wear a TON of makeup for my on-camera TV gig and my skin breaks out should anything remotely disagree with me. I show my face daily on a nationally broadcast show so trust me, when it comes to skincare, makeup, and generally looking/feeling good I’d be lying to say I don’t care… I do a lot.
For the feature of this month’s issue, I wanted to try something outside of the box. I was searching for something that would be the unicorn of treatments, a magical treatment that would make me feel just as internally good and show on the outside too. Life since Covid has been pretty darn stressful, remaining healthy is so important and I’m a lot warier of what I will (or won’t) put into my body. It’s no shocker that I’m a huge fan of laser treatments, fake tans, and general pampering but I want something that’ll make me glow from the inside out. Big ask I know. HUGE… but, I think, I might have possibly found the holy grail.
I’m well versed now in IV therapy. For jet lag, a pick me up after a heavy night out, or simply to hydrate and despite my despise in needles, I’m willing to offer up my limbs to the nurses over at Live Love Lash / Hydrate IV to refuel my body whenever it needs it. I heard a few months ago about NAD+ therapy when the co-founder Amy said she had been trying the treatment out to find out if it was worth investing in. It sounded interesting, she was sold and told me it was well worth a shot. Fast forward to this week and here I am… writing to tell you guys… I think it really is.
Look, a doctor I am not. I have no clue about all of the scientific knowledge stuff, but I can tell you how I feel and the changes it's made to me - I’m now 3 days out post-treatment and genuinely am rather taken aback. In a quick round-up, Nurse Moe (who’s a total babe FYI - seriously she was so attentive and made the whole thing so easy it was unreal) told me the possible benefits of NAD+, what I may experience during treatment and how long I'd be sat there. Warning - you’re going to have to set aside between 2-4 hours per treatment. Did that initially put me off, erm yes, but I now understand why.
So what is NAD+? NAD+ is naturally present in every cell of your body and plays a significant role in several cellular processes, including the repair of DNA. However, as we age, we lose about 50 percent of our NAD+ levels, impeding our body’s ability to repair cells and prevent degenerative health issues. All things I’m sure we can agree that majorly suck. Having NAD+ administered directly to your bloodstream means it immediately is distributed to cells throughout your body and begins the repair process. Okay, science class is dismissed, let’s get to what is important - what the results are that make this such a big deal. NAD+ promotes cell regeneration, better sleep, mental clarity, focus, and energy, the regulation of dopamine and serotonin levels, and stimulating sirtuins (proteins), which have anti-inflammatory properties. Here are the parts of the checklist that I was most curious about: stabilizing hormones and improving mood. Look, what can I say, PMS is REAL for me (ask my poor boyfriend). I’m more up and down than a yoyo at a yoyo national championship and get really tired and grouchy, real easy (I know, I sound just like a dream right).
Anyway - safe to say I was curious. I wanted to give it a whirl and see if this magical injectable liquid gold would in turn work its wonders on me. Nurse Moe warned me that I may have some strange sensations during the IV ranging from feeling nauseous, stomach cramping, feelings of euphoria, and being in a dream-like state. Within the first hour, I had experienced them all. Weird. The lights around me seemed REALLY bright and I felt drunk. Nurse Moe was a total legend and took care of me, tucking me up in a blanket and brought me tea (told you she was a mega babe). Two hours later my body had guzzled everything up and within 15 seconds of the IV being removed, I thought okay…. I now feel nothing. Was that it? I left and continued with my day, as usual, went to bed that night wondering if I had just wasted two hours on yet another Californian fad hype? Ugh.
I woke up the next day at 6 am. Wide awake, raring to go, as though just had the best night's sleep ever… thinking about it, I did. I usually wake up at least 3-4 times with hot flashes (I know I’m 34, WTF) and I hadn't woken up all night. I’m super groggy until at least 8 am and it’s safe to say I am not exactly a little ray of sunshine until at least noon. I was raring to go with my trainer at 7 am (which is unheard of) and even did extra sets in the gym - I felt so refreshed as though it was mid-day, it was WEIRD. My boyfriend was watching me in utter disbelief. Who is she? I don’t know but bloody hell I LOVE HER.
So, where does this leave me? Well, I had one dose. Four treatments are within two weeks. My trainer couldn’t believe my newfound energy and my skin is looking cute. I’m feeling it. Darlings, do yourselves the biggest favor and go give it a whirl. Two hours for three days of feeling just wonderful?! I’ll take it!
@hydrate_ivbar //www.hydrateivbar.com // 2717 E 3rd Ave, Denver CO 80206
Stay fabulous and follow me at @steffrjones
