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‘Skin energy’ is the secret to your best complexion yet

From the science to the Soho Skin products to stock up on, here’s why supercharging your skin energy levels is so important

By Chloe Lawrance

Hydration, radiance, even skin tone… these are the key indicators of a healthy, glowing complexion. But when we spoke to Soho House members about their skin, we realised their fast-paced lifestyles, packed with late nights and early mornings, international travel and busy work schedules, were standing in the way of that. That's why we made achieving healthy skin the end objective of every single formula in the Soho Skin range. We wanted to create essentials that worked with your busy life - not against it.

In doing so, we targeted one of the most important processes for achieving a revitalised, renewed and radiant complexion: skin's cellular energy. Here's everything you need to know about this next-gen skincare science…

What is skin energy?

In the simplest of terms, skin energy is the thing that keeps cell turnover at its most effective. Increased cell turnover, in turn, supports a stronger and healthier moisture barrier, higher hydration levels, and a brighter, more radiant finish. High skin energy means skin health, and all the hallmarks of a rejuvenated complexion that it brings.

Why are mitochondria important for skin energy?

To dig a little deeper into this process, grab your lab coat and let's take a look at the mitochondria in our cells. Referred to as the 'engine of the cell', mitochondria's primary role is to absorb nutrients, break them down and produce adenosine triphosphate (also known as ATP). ATP is the energetic compound that is then used to drive cellular processes; it's what gives your skin cells the energy to perform their tasks better.

These include creating collagen and elastin, the building blocks that keeps skin strong, plump and full of elasticity; metabolising free radical damage, which can lead to hyperpigmentation, fine lines and dullness, and strengthening the skin barrier.

How can you increase skin energy?

Over time, the function of mitochondria slows, meaning they're unable to produce ATP as efficiently. Environmental skin stressors - free radical damage from UV rays, pollution, harsh skincare products, even the blue light from your phone - can also contribute to this slowing down of mitochondria function. That means low skin energy.

Think of mitochondria in your cells like the battery in your mobile phone. A new battery charges quickly and the charge is maintained for a long time - but after we've had the phone for a while, it takes longer to charge and the battery runs down fast. Obviously, we can replace a battery, but in our cells we need to focus on restoring mitochondrial function.

How does Soho Skin promote high skin energy?

The supercharged formulas contain ingredients like ATP (as found naturally in the skin), which harness high skin energy and allow cells to perform at their best. Alongside this, the Soho Skin range helps to optimise mitochondria's natural faculties in three key ways:

1. Protection

Our formulas neutralise free radical damage, using antioxidants like vitamin C and carotenoids to shield mitochondria. This slows down environmental degradation.

2. Optimisation

Niacinamide plays an important role in natural ATP production in the skin, which is why you'll find the superhero ingredient in a number of Soho Skin formulas. By inhibiting oxidative damage, niacinamide also protects mitochondria's natural function.

3. Strengthening

Ultimately, a healthy, strong skin barrier will contribute to more efficient cellular respiration. Lactococcus ferment lysate in the Soho Skin Concentrate assists in cellular turnover, promotes ceramide production and strengthens the microbiome. Humectants and lipids work hard to support barrier function, too.

Which Soho Skin products support skin energy?

The entire Soho Skin range has been developed to harness high skin energy and keep it in tip top health. If you're not sure where to start, these products are routine essentials:

Renewal Serum

For high skin energy, look to the Soho Skin Concentrate in this formula, which stars glycogen to power skin energy and lactococcus ferment lysate to boost cell turnover. This calming serum also strengthens skin with peptides, and brightens and even skin tone with a melanin modulator.

Face Cream

This essential daily moisturiser is formulated with glycogen and lactococcus ferment lysate in the Soho Skin Concentrate. There's also niacinamide to protect mitochondria and enhance natural ATP production.

24/7 Treatment

A multitasking mask that gently exfoliates, boosts hydration and instantly increases radiance, the 24/7 Treatment supplements natural levels of ATP to drive skin energy levels. You'll also find glycogen and lactococcus ferment lysate as part of the Soho Skin Concentrate.

Overnight Cream

This rich and nourishing cream also harnesses the Soho Skin Concentrate, powering skin energy levels with glycogen and increasing cell turnover with lactococcus ferment lysate.