Your body isn't the only thing to feel the effects of an energy slump. Skin also relies on a performance-enhancing boost to look dew-saturated with a healthy pink flush
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Located in a converted church on Majorsgatan, a stone’s throw from Östermalms Saluhall, Soho House Stockholm is already lauded for its stunning interiors. But this private members' club is also being credited with bringing a crucial skincare ingredient to our attention. Specifically, ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate).
According to Aalish Yorke-Long, managing retail director at Soho House, the whole premise of Soho Skin, a skincare line inspired by its global members, is to restore cellular energy and regenerate the skin's structure. Consequently, a core tenet of the range is ATP, an energy-rich molecule that drives cellular processes to support skin rejuvenation and promote a smooth, radiant complexion. It does this alongside a special concentrate designed to stimulate collagen production.
This combination of scientifically-proven ingredients acts as an antidote to what Yorke-Long describes as "the fatigue a lot of people feel after using overdosed actives". Put simply, abrasive skincare ingredients redirect the skin's energy to trying to repair the damage inflicted on the skin barrier rather than towards rejuvenation. Which is to say, skin looks dull and weary.
So what exactly is ATP and how does it work? "ATP is a natural chemical found in the body that is also a precursor to DNA," explains Dr Yannis Alexandrides, plastic surgeon and founder of 111Skin. "This powerhouse ingredient optimises skin’s cellular function by encouraging more oxygen to the cells and providing energy where needed."
When it comes to skincare, scientists typically extract ATP from yeast. Using biotechnology, "ribose, a sugar extracted from corn seeds, helps to stimulate the synthesis of ATP," explains Dr Alexandrides. "This increases the chemical processes that happen within a skin cell, making them work more effectively and more frequently, which in turn energises the skin."
ATP optimises skin’s cellular function by encouraging more oxygen to the cells and providing energy where needed
Dr Yannis Alexandrides, plastic surgeon and founder of 111Skin
ATP has been shown to be effective at improving the appearance of wrinkles and boosting collagen production. “Much like our body relies on calories for energy, ATP mimics this effect when used topically in skincare, providing energy to fuel living cells," explains Dr Alexandrides. "ATP encourages more oxygen for optimised cell function, which helps boost collagen and strengthen the skin."
You’ll mostly see the ingredient in serum formulations as it's the most targeted product in your regimen and the one with the smallest molecules to penetrate deeper. ATP in the Soho Skin 24/7 Treatment revives tired, overworked skin while a few drops of 111Skin Cryo ATP Sports Booster restores radiance and luminosity with the very first application. You'll also find ATP in the Dr Dennis Gross Skincare Advanced Retinol + Ferulic Triple Correction Eye Serum to help soften the look of crow's feet and Dr Barbara Sturm's Balancing Scalp Serum, where it brings a wealth of soothing benefits, helping the scalp's natural flora and microbiome to thrive.
