As a nearly 40 year old woman, my energy is running low. It has been for years now. I feel beat down, worn out, and the only thing that gives me the dopamine I crave is purchasing art on Etsy (while telling myself it’s because I’m being a rebel and breaking the boring, beige trend.)
So I’ve been trying a few different things lately, including upping my B vitamins as well as trying these patches from Kind. I spell it out here below, how I liked them, how long it took for them to make a difference, how big of a difference it was.
Here’s my Kind Patches review for the NAD+ and Dopamine patches.
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I’m not an influencer
Here’s the dealio. I’m not an influencer. I’m not going to try to sell you these. I’ve started taking all my affiliate links off my site. (Yes, the disclaimers are still there, just to cover my butt.)
But I don’t believe in getting reviews from people who are trying to sell you that thing. You go looking for real information whether this product will work for you, and you end up being duped by some random person on the internet who tells you it’s the best thing ever, just to gain a commission.
It’s the modern day equivalent of a snake oil salesman, and it’s scammy as f*ck.
Science?
I’m not a scientist, but I’ve used these products for one month now. I think I have gather enough information to share with other people my experience. I’ll update this article after I’ve been using them a little longer.
So I’m trying to be generally scientific. I’m going to tell you about the supplements in the patches, what they’re supposed to do, and then I’ll share my personal experience with the product, based on mood and how I feel that day. I’m not going to the doctor to measure my blood sugar levels, levels of vitamins, etc.
What are Kind Patches?
Now that that’s out of the way, let me explain what Kind Patches are, and where I found them.
Kind Patches are a sticky patch that you put on your skin for 8 hours, and they deliver a small amount of various compounds and supplements to your body.
The company itself was founded by
How do Kind Patches work?
Kind Patches are transdermal patches. They work because your skin absorbs the supplements and they’re delivered straight into the bloodstream. This bypasses the digestive system, which is how most supplements work (you swallow them).
Bypassing the digestive system allows for a more direct route into the bloodstream. This can be especially important if you have digestive disorders like IBS, Crohns, or something else that can affect the absorption of nutrients.
This method is used for things like the nicotine patch, or even more commonly as creams like progesterone cream or wild yam cream (speaking from experience here).
Let’s Talk More about Transdermal Patches for a Moment
Yes, transdermal patches are a real thing, and they actually work. But their effectiveness is dependent upon certain factors.
First, your skin permeability must be good. That’s part of why they recommend you put the patches on soft and thin skin that has little to no hair. That’s places like your belly, your inner arm, your thigh. Places that aren’t as effective are the top of your arm, your back, or anywhere your skin is thick.
Your skin must also be well-hydrated and free from other creams or solutions that may prevent absorption.
The molecules passing through the patch must be small in size! (I’ve researched them all below!) We’re looking for molecules with a weight in Daltons less than 500.
Fat based (lipophilic) molecules pass through the skin better than water-based (hydrophilic). (I think I’ve gotten that right. I haven’t had biology since I was in 10th grade, so please correct me if I’m wrong.)
Cost
Here’s what I find interesting. Because the patches deliver ingredients topically, the amount you’re getting is much different than what you would expect to ingest.
For example, with Lion’s Mane (one of the ingredients in both Kind Patches below), when you ingest it, the typical serving amount is about 250-2,500 mg.
Because of this difference in amount, the cost goes way down compared to when you get an ingestible supplement (usually between $30-$40).
Kind Patches are only $15 for a month’s supply, which I think is pretty good. It’s a low cost, low risk way to get those supplements to increase your mental health and skin health.
So will Kind Patches Work?
Theoretically, there’s no reason Kind Patches shouldn’t work. Of course, there’s little information out there about the amount of certain substances needed in a patch compared to an oral dose, so as patches become more common, there may be more research done.
NAD+ Patches
What’s NAD+? NAD+ is a coenzyme that is found in all cells in your body. It’s responsible for creating cellular energy and is essential for the health of the cell.
When you start to age, the amount of NAD+ in your cells naturally decreases. Finding ways to increase the NAD+ in your cells is a way to combat the symptoms that comes with aging. Unsurprisingly, exercise and diet make a huge difference in naturally increasing the NAD+ in your cells, but there are also supplements to help your body make more.
Essentially, these patches don’t give you NAD+ directly, but they have ingredients that are proven to help your body increase the amount of NAD+ it makes. Make sense?
How long will this take?
This means that it might take you a while before you see the results that you want. Especially at 40, my body works slower than it used to.
On the company site, here are the effects you can expect to see in a given timeframe:
2 weeks- Improved energy levels, better sleep, better focus and mental clarity, and faster recovery after a workout.
1 month- Boost skin and metabolic health, supports collagen production and enhances metabolism.
3+ months- Anti-aging and energy. Feel stronger, overall wellness, joint health, muscle mass and bone density.
Basically, you’re in this for the long haul.
If you can’t invest in at least 3 packages of patches, use them every day, and wait for the results, this product isn’t for you.
I fully expect that it might take 3-5 months before I see the results I’m looking for, and that’s only if I’m also able to keep up with my exercise routine and strict diet.
NAD+ Ingredients
Nicotinamide Mononucleotide (NMN)
Nicotinamide Mononucleotide is important in the mitochondria of the cell and it is a compound that decreases as we age. Boosting this in our bodies can help combat cognitive issues and decline associated with age.
There’s 6mg of NMN in these patches. NMN molecule size is 334 Da, which means that it’s small enough to pass through the skin.
Resveratrol
Resveratrol is derived from plants like grapes, and it’s known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It’s great for anti-aging and skin.
There’s 6mg of Resveratrol in these patches. The particle weight of resveratrol is 228 Da, making it permeable through the skin.
N-Acetylcysteine (NAC)
N-Acetylcysteine is derived from an amino acid that is an antioxidant and combats oxidative stress in the body.
There is 6mg of NAC in these patches. NAC’s particle weight is approximately 163 Da so it’s good to go.
Lion’s Mane Mushroom Extract
Lion’s Mane Mushroom Extract comes from the Lion’s Mane mushroom that grows on dead trees. It’s been used in Eastern medicine for a long time for cognitive issues and gut issues.
There is 4mg of Lion’s Mane extract in these patches.
Some forms of Lions Mane have particles far too big and heavy to pass through the skin. But I’ve reached out to Kind to see exactly what form they use. (They haven’t responded yet.)
Cordyceps Extract
Cordyceps Extract comes from another mushroom, which is known for treating ailments like fatigue and low libido.
There’s 3mg of cordyceps extract in these patches.
Dopamine Patches
If you haven’t read yet, I have been diagnosed with ADHD. Between the stress of living in our current world, having children, and probably hitting perimenopause with all the hormonal changes, my dopamine levels are in the gutter.
Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that functions as part of your “reward” system. You do something that feels good, and you get a rush of dopamine. People with ADHD are chronically low on dopamine, so it’s not uncommon for these people to seek out dopamine through more extreme means.
Just to get that little hit of dopamine, I scroll Etsy… and sometimes even Amazon… to buy something. Sure, my house is beautiful with all the decor additions I’ve made recently, but I haven’t saved the amount of money I would like to have stashed away in case of… you know, financial collapse.
Honestly, these patches were probably a dopamine purchase!
But I’d rather spend $15 for some patches that boost my dopamine levels than spend $150+ a month on home decor or clothes I don’t need. That’s a $135 savings (if it works!)
Dopamine Ingredients
This is another patch that includes supplements proven to help your body create more dopamine. (The patches don’t just directly give you more dopamine.)
Mucuna Pruriens Extract
This is an herbal supplement that is used to treat male infertility, nervous disorders, and low libido. While I’m not male and don’t have fertility issues, the two others should help!
There’s 12 mg of this extract in these patches, and the molecule size is about 197 Da.
5-HTP
5-HTP is a compound that is effective in fighting sleep disorders, depression, anxiety, and obesity. It has an effect on serotonin levels, which is partially responsible for processes in the body such as sleep, appetite, and digestion, among others.
The molecule weight of this one is about 220, although my sources online did not specify the unit of measurement.
Lion’s Mane Mushroom Extract
This mushroom is included in the NAD+ patches too, and has all the same info! 🙂 The only difference is that there’s only 4.5 mg in these patches.
Rhodiola Extract
Rhodiola is used for increasing athletic performance and endurance, as well as fighting against fatigue, depression, and altitude sickness.
Rhodiola is technically an adaptogen (something that helps you manage stress) but it acts like a stimulant in the body. So if you have sensitivity to stimulants like me, then you may want to use caution when using products like this.
However, I’ve had success with rhodiola before, so I know it works for me!
The molecular weight of Rhodiola extract is about 300, so it falls within that permeability range.
My Kind Patches Review
First, I want to talk about the adhesive. There have been a lot of reviews that critique the effectiveness of the glue, most frequently, that it’s too strong and doesn’t come off well.
I want to make it clear that I have had zero issues with the adhesive. I often shower after I’ve put these on, and they have never come off. But when it’s time to remove them, they have no problem coming off easily and don’t tear my skin.
I find the adhesive to be just right.
As far as effectiveness of the product compared to what they’re intended to do, let’s talk about it! Here’s how they effected me from the beginning:
Day One
I started putting them on the very day they were delivered. I happened to be both sick with a cold AND in my luteal phase of my cycle (read: PMSing) on this day, so I was in a pretty foul mood with low energy.
They didn’t give me a direct boost of energy, but I considered it a win when I didn’t buy something on Etsy or Amazon and didn’t snap at my kids!
Day Two
I recovered from my cold really quickly, but still felt a little tired. Mostly, I felt more grounded and less like I needed to seek out things to feel good… a handful of chocolate chips, scrolling on my phone. I did less of those things, and it was another day that I didn’t buy anything! (Pretty sure that was the Dopamine patches.)
Day Three
By day three, I was feeling pretty good. When I woke up in the morning, I did my workout without having to motivate myself, and immediately sat down to write.
The dopamine patches make me feel steady. I know that might sound strange, but on normal days, especially during those low-estrogen luteal phase days, it’s incredibly common for me to feel frazzled.
While I knew the NAD+ patches would take a while to build in my system, I kind of expected a miracle cure from the dopamine patches. I wanted to slap one on and feel like I had sunshine coming out of my eyeballs. I definitely didn’t get that, but I’m so happy about how grounded I’m feeling.
I also had an extended amount of time during the day on day three that I had a lot of energy and didn’t need extra caffeine (yay!).
One Week
After a week, I had been using the NAD+ patches without concern.
However, the Dopamine patches include Rhodiola, which as I discussed above, act like a stimulant in our bodies. I’m very sensitive to stimulants, so I had to take a break after 6 days, because I felt jittery and had difficulty sleeping the night before.
Two Weeks to One Month
I started the Dopamine patches back up after only 1 day off, and they seemed to be fine. But after another 5 or 6 days, I took another day off.
The Dopamine patches seem to primarily take the edge off my mood and give me a little boost of energy. There have been days over the past 2 weeks that I’ve gone “Dopamine shopping” online, but I don’t have the urge to do that nearly as often.
As far as the NAD+ patches go, I haven’t been able to tell a difference yet. I’m waiting for the luteal phase of my next cycle to see if my skin looks more vibrant or if it looks as dehydrated and gross as it usually does.
Conclusion: Kind Patches… Did they work?
YES – I can tell a huge difference with the Dopamine Patches! They really take the edge off and give me just enough of an energy boost.
Because I’m a teacher and I’m currently on summer, this might change once I go back to school, so we’ll see how things change in the next couple of weeks.
The jury’s still out on the NAD+ patches, but I’m hopeful that my skin will really start to repair itself and give off a more youthful glow.
In the coming weeks, I’ll update this article to give you the most up to date info I can about my experience with these products!
