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Interview with ARK Skincare's Resident Therapist Kate Hardy
Feb 28, 2021Would you like to learn more about our Skin Perfector treatment products?
In this post, we got in touch with our resident skincare therapist Kate Hardy to ask her what she values about ARK Skincare and quiz her on two of her favourite products, the Triple Action Exfoliator & Hydration Injection Masque.
She also offers some great tips on how to apply them to help you achieve the best results. Keep reading to find out more!
Q: Kate, for those who don’t know you, please could you tell us a little bit about yourself, the nature of your business and when/how you got started with ARK Skincare?
I’m Kate ARK’s resident skin care therapist. I’ve worked within the Health, Beauty & spa industry for 20 plus years, mainly within luxury health clubs, hotels/spas. I was managing a busy flagship spa in London before moving to Haslemere in 2010, where I worked locally in a small boutique salon before leaving to have my first daughter. Being at home with my family was hugely important to me so I took the plunge to start my own business where I could manage my days and hours. I have not looked back! I’m extremely lucky to have my own beauty studio within my garden. I now work part-time around my 2 girls, husband & Springer Spaniel.
I have an hugely loyal client base, I love my job and get so much pleasure from treating clients whether it be a simple eyebrow shape to my signature & most popular treatment – Total Body indulgence.
Obviously I am unable to work at the moment due to the pandemic, but I can’t wait to get back to my studio & welcome clients back!
I’ve worked with ARK for 6 years. I was initially introduced to the brand via a client. I fell in love with the products straight away, they were just perfect for my studio, I love ARK’s mission & everything the company stands for & I’m lucky enough to have them on my door step and thoroughly enjoy working with them.
Q: What do you value most about the ARK Skincare range?
Pictured: ARK Skincare's Age Intelligent Moisturisers
There are many reasons I choose ARK as my skin care brand. It was really important to me to choose a British brand, that was cruelty free. I wanted a brand that wasn’t complicated, too many brands have an endless array of products & it gets very confusing for clients to know what they actually need. I feel ARK offers a range of products people need and will use regularly. I love that ARK have identified that we have different skin as a 20 year old to a 30-40 year old & 50 plus. The ingredients in ARK’s cleansers and moisturisers target the skin throughout each stage of life, there are also 6 serums to choose from in their Skin Perfectors range that are perfect for any targeted skin care concerns along with the Triple Action Exfoliator & Hydration Injection Mask. The Skin Essentials range including the Pre Cleanse, Beauty Mist, Skin Protector SPF 30 Primer all designed to work alongside each other. Allowing the client to choose the best products for their routine.
As therapist take pride in giving the best possible treatments I can. Facials are one of my favourite treatments to perform. For me it’s really important that the client doesn’t feel that products are constantly applied and then removed. I want my client to feel totally relaxed, indulged & almost unaware of what I am doing. If they fall asleep, then even better!
Q: We are currently doing a product focus on our Skin Perfecting Hydration Injection Masque and Triple Action Exfoliator. Can you tell us what it is you love about these products and how you find they benefit the skin?
I love both of these performance driven products, they really go hand in hand.
The Triple Action Exfoliator is such a clever product! A hybrid oil/ milk formulation this product helps to minimise skin imperfection with its micro bamboo particles which are gentle and not abrasive. The fruit acids help reduce scarring & fine lines. Vitamin E helps to prevent the skin's damage from free radicals and the Abyssinian oil is deeply moisturising. Unlike some exfoliators, not only does it leave your skin feeling super soft, it leaves it feeling completely nourished too.
The Hydration Injection Mask is a seriously luxurious product. It really gives your skin a complete glow, it's rich and deeply quenching to the skin. It’s packed full of vitamins – Vitamin A - helping stimulate collagen, Vitamin B5 helping to soothe, Vitamin C to help with reducing pigmentation & Vitamin E for free radical prevention. Your skin will feel so incredibly soft and hydrated after using this product
Q: Which stage do you like to use these products within your treatments?
I use the exfoliator after I’ve cleansed the clients skin. I will work the exfoliator into the clients skin, pop the steamer on & perform a hand and arm massage for 5mins or so which is enough time for the exfoliator to work.
The Hydration Injection Mask, I will use after I have performed the client facial massage. I apply the mask and then I will carry out a beautiful head massage routine before removing the mask with hot mitts.
Q: What changes / positive results have you seen after using these products on your clients?
My clients always leave with glowing, super soft skin - you really do see the results instantly, but the formulas have impressive long-term benefits too, the instant results are just the start!
I use these products on my own skin once a week as part of my skincare routine. My skin is definitely brighter, clearer, plus pigmentation & fine lines have been reduced.
Q: Last of all, what are your top tips for people using these products at home?
Triple Action Exfoliator – leave on for differing amounts of time according to age:
Teens – 20’s remove after massaging in
30-40 – 2 mins
50s onwards – 5mins
Be extra gentle around the eye area, work in to the skin using circular massage movements with the pads of your fingers rather than scrubbing up and down.
You don’t need to use a large amount of this product, about a 5pence size.
Warm the product before use, gently roll the tube in your hands so the oil can disperse evenly.
Make sure you use a cloth & warm water to remove properly.
Pop on before a bath, lay back & relax!
Again leave for length of time according to age:
Teens – 20s 5mins
30-40s 10mins
50 plus 20mins
My top tip for a really intense treatment is to leave on overnight. This is especially good for those with dry or mature skin.
If I’m not leaving on overnight then as an extra treat for my skin I will use ARK’s Gua Sha Jade Tool for a lovely home facial massage. The Gua Sha Jade Tool comes complete with instructions on how to perform your own facial massage routine.
Pictured: ARK Skincare's Skin Perfector Hydration Injection Masque & Jade Facial Tool
Use sparingly, again about 5pence size, apply a thin layer to cleansed skin.
Remove product with a warm cloth, follow with ARK’s Beauty Mist, choice of serum & or moisturiser.
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Product Spotlight - ARK Skincare's Triple Action Exfoliator & Hydration Injection Masque
Feb 24, 2021
In need of a pick me up or feel like indulging in a little bit of self care? In this post, we focus on two of ARK Skincare’s popular Skin Perfector treatments and how their powerhouse ingredients work to provide amazing results for your skin.
We also share a selection of independent reviews from customers and brilliant quotes from the press.
ARK Skincare’s Triple Action Exfoliator
If you’re looking for a product to give your skin the ultimate refresh, this is the one for you. Our luxurious facial exfoliator gently buffs away dead skin cells, dirt and grime from the surface, revealing a brighter, more luminous complexion. This triple action formula combines three types of exfoliant action - physical, fruit acid and enzymatic. It is also free from harmful plastic micro-beads which cause plastic particle water pollution. Instead, we use bamboo particles which are not only much better for the environment, but also help to strengthen skin cells and work as an anti-inflammatory.
Ingredients
Bamboo Particles
The Bamboo micro-particles thoroughly slough through dead skin and impurities from the skin's surface, helping to clear pores and create a flawless, polished texture.
Fruit Acids
Our exfoliator contains a blend of 5 botanical extracts: Bilberry, Sugar Cane, Sugar Maple, Orange and Lemon. These contain naturally occurring Alpha Hydroxyl Acids (AHAs) which increase cell renewal, helping to encourage a youthful complexion by minimising fine lines and wrinkles.
Skin Regenerating Enzyme
Dissolves desmosomes (adhesive proteins that can cause dead cells to build up on your skin), to release dead skin cells, fade pigmentation and improve nutrient absorption.
Vitamin E
This powerful antioxidant helps to protect skin against free radical and environmental damage from harmful UV rays.
How to Use:
Use once or twice a week. Apply to a dampened face and neck after cleansing.
Wet hands and massage gently into the skin using circular motions. Leave on for the times suggested below, depending on your skin’s age related needs.
Teens and twenties: Wash off after massaging in.
Thirties and forties: Leave on for approximately 2 minutes.
Fifties and onwards: Leave on for approximately 5 minutes.
Remove with a cloth soaked in hand hot water. (Please note this product will not simply rinse off, it does need to be removed with a warm cloth.)
Press & Reviews
"Magic in a tube" - Curva Magazine
“Used this for the first time last night and was blown away by the results - my skin felt softer straight after use. My skin is generally dry but this treatment has made it feel super soft and hydrated. I Think after many years of looking, I have found my perfect exfoliator. Will be using this on a regular basis. Very pleased” - Sue I, customer
“I have a very sensitive skin but this product is not too harsh and just perfect. I use it twice a week and my skin is so much clearer and smoother.” - Lucia F, customer
“I purchased the exfoliator. This is the first product I have used from Ark. It certainly will not be the last. After just one application my skin was left feeling very soft, looked smoother in texture and glowing. Beautiful.” - Gillian T, customer
“I use this exfoliator twice a week as directed and I must say it has done wonders for my skin. It's amazing that something so gentle can slough away dead skin and debris from the skin to reveal a more polished and plump texture.” - Tash Pantz, Beauty Blogger
ARK Skincare’s Hydration Injection Masque
2020 - Winner of Best Face Mask - Beauty Shortlist Awards
If your skin is feeling dry or in need of a pick me up, our Hydration Injection Masque has got you covered. This luxury facial masque is specifically formulated to quench dry skin in moisture and restore hydration levels. Packed full of hard-working active ingredients, this masque will ensure skin looks rested and restored to health.
Ingredients
Multi-vitamin blend
Vitamin A encourages collagen production and keeps skin supple, Vitamin B5 conditions, hydrates and smoothes, Vitamin C helps to brighten and reduce pigmentation, and Vitamin E protects against free radicals and offers antioxidant protection.
Hyaluronic Acid
Drenches skin with moisture and optimises the circulation of water throughout all the layers of skin, helping to prevent future moisture loss.
Abyssinian Oil
Abyssinian oil, extracted from the seeds of the Brassica Abyssinica flower is packed full of omega acids, a multi-blend of vitamins and antioxidants. The oil is extremely lightweight and absorbent and provides intense hydration without leaving the skin feeling greasy.
How to Use
Use once or twice per week. Apply a thin layer of the product to cleansed skin, avoiding the delicate eye area. Leave on for the times suggested below, depending on your skin’s age related needs.
Teens and twenties: Leave on for approximately 5 minutes.
Thirties and forties: Leave on for approximately 10 minutes.
Fifties and onwards: Leave on for approximately 20 minutes.
Use overnight for an intensive treatment.
Remove with a cloth soaked in hand-warm water. Pat dry. Follow with ARK Hydrating Beauty Mist and your Age Intelligent Moisturiser.
Press & Reviews:
The Independent tried over 40 brands and picked the ARK Hydration Injection Masque as one of the best for delivering real results. They said: "Our tester found it refined her pores and made them appear smaller, skin felt smoother and she had a soft, dewy canvas ready for make-up the next morning" - The Independent, IndyBest
"Excellent. I'm 51 & use this product in the evening & leave it on overnight which hydrates my skin perfectly, reducing my fine lines and wrinkles"- Mrs P, Customer
'I am a beauty therapist and have been using ARK products in my salon & on myself for just over a year now. I like to leave it on overnight for an extra special boost. My skin looks and feels amazing in the morning. I've got a toddler and a preschooler as well as running my own beauty business so life is pretty hectic - thankfully it doesn't show on my face!'- Kate, ARK’s Resident Therapist
“It's not often I find a product that I really love - but this is staying as a gold item in my bathroom cabinet!” - Dalry Rose, Beauty Blogger