Here at ARK Skincare, we understand that skin changes with age and needs to be treated accordingly. Young skin needs protecting but not over stimulating, whilst mature skins need higher levels of nourishment, and help to keep skin supple and firm.

With that in mind, ARK Skincare offers three Age Intelligent Cleansers, each packed with active ingredients to cleanse, nourish and target the skin in each age group. We have Protect for teens & 20s, Defend for 30s and 40s and Defy for the over 50s. 

In this post, we focus on how each of our Age Intelligent Cleansers work to help you achieve optimum skin health and share some independent reviews from customers and brilliant quotes from the press. Keep reading to find out more!

Age Protect Skin Clear Cleanser

The best skin clearing cleanser for your teens & 20s 

Clear blemishes and smooth your complexion with ARK Skincare’s Age Protect Skin Clear Cleanser. Especially designed for young skins, our Age Protect Cleanser contains an anti-spot formula, helping to keep hormonal skin clean and clear by gently lifting away any dirt, grime and excess sebum. It also cleverly balances oily and dry areas, helping to leave skin feeling clean and comfortable.

Ingredients

Watercress, Nettle & Horsetail herbs reduce excess sebum, eliminate excess shine and help to naturally balance the skin, whilst Oat Amino Acids gently wash away any impurities. White Tea provides anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory properties and protects from free radicals (these are unstable molecules that can cause damage to your skin cells). Vitamin E, with antioxidant and anti inflammatory properties protects against environmental damage and leaves skin feeling smooth.

Reviews

"I love using this cleanser - and a little goes a long way as it lathers up so nicely!" - Darly Rose, Beauty Blogger

"I use this after the pre-cleanse makeup remover and it is amazing. I have suffered with teenage spotty skin in my late 20s and this range has completely changed my life (might sound drastic but my skin ruined my confidence!) I normally get a lot of sebum causing spots around the jaw and mouth and no other cleanser has really cleared that without leave my skin ridiculously de-hydrated and dry. This range is my life saver please never discontinue!" - Charlotte S, Customer

 “When I first started using the cleanser I was quite surprised how light and liquidy, almost gel like the cleanser was… It leaves my skin feeling so clean and refreshed. It's not harsh or drying and I'd definitely say it's had a positive impact on my skin with regards to blemishes - especially with all the hormones in my body just now.” Jenna Suth, Beauty & Fashion Blogger

"Best my skin has ever been since using this amazing cleanser. Worth a try if you have really sensitive skin..." Laura Crane, Love Island Contestant 

Age Defend Conditioning Cleanser

The best cleanser for use in your 30s and 40s

When we hit our 30s and 40s, skin may be beginning to show signs of ageing or sensitivity. During this age, we would recommend reaching for ARK Skincare’s Age Defend Conditioning Cleanser. 

This ultra nourishing cleanser gently removes impurities and daily grime, while a blend of natural ingredients boost skin’s firmness and defend against moisture loss. An ideal cleanser for sensitive skin it instantly calms the appearance of redness whilst conditioning agents promote elasticity and keep skin supple.

Ingredients 

Kiwi and Passion Fruit Lipids quench the skin and Passion Fruit helps to reduce sensitivity and redness. Moringa Oil removes impurities and gently exfoliates to leave skin feeling soft and smooth. Vitamin A Palmitate provides antioxidant support and protects the skin, whilst Omegas 6 & 9 protect against moisture loss. Blue Lotus keeps skin supple and acts as an anti inflammatory. 

Reviews & Press 

"This is probably my favourite...as it's such a pleasure to use. The gel-type consistency that my skin always seems to favour, it also has the loveliest light and natural fragrance to it... I've been using this morning and night for a while now, and it always leaves my skin feeling clean but not stripped, and beautifully balanced." - 'Kate Louise Blogs' Beauty Blogger

 "I have always struggled with sensitive dry skin and have tried numerous cleansers. I have been using this for a couple of weeks and so far so good. No issues so I am pleased. Also it isn't tested on animals so thats another bonus :)" - Jayne M, Customer 

 "I’ve been using Ark for around 7 years and I cant recommend it highly enough. The cleanser paired with the Ark pre-cleanser are extremely effective while still leaving your skin feeling hydrated and without that tight face feeling afterwards" - Stephanie D, Customer 

"I recently ran out of all my facial products by another brand and swapped to Ark. That was a fantastic move - the cleanser cleans my skin beautifully (and removes all makeup!) and doesn’t leave it feeling tight. Lovely fragrance. I have waited 6 weeks before reviewing and I am so happy with the swap!" - Hannah S, Customer  

Age Defy Brightening Cleanser 

The best cleanser for your 50s and onwards

When we get to our 50s, the skins natural processes have slowed down which can leading to less efficient moisture retention and more potential for sensitivity, dehydration, fine lines and wrinkles. 

Especially designed for mature skin, ARK Skincare's Age Defy Brightening Cleanser is packed full of active ingredients to help brighten, nourish and hydrate. The rich cleansing cream helps to create a more radiant complexion, rejuvenating skin and reduce the signs of ageing. 

Ingredients

Reviews & Press  

"...it was the nicest cleanser I've used in ages, and it did appear to make my skin brighter...... A really impressive brand: I loved everything I tried" - India Knight in The Sunday Times Style 

"Bought this with the pre cleanse, it is amazing. Have used Ark products over the years, but this just gels them all together. The cleansers leave your skin so soft, no dryness at all, and with my oils and moisturiser, my skin really is feeling lovely! I love this cleanser and would definitely recommend it" - Mandy W, Customer

 "I've been using this cleanser for a few weeks now and I'm loving it, it cleans all my makeup off leaving my skin so hydrated and it seems my skin is clearer as well. I've used lots of very expensive cleansers in the past but this is my new best friend and I will be using this from now on." - Jane C, Customer

"I've Often found cleaners for mature skin drying, but this was easy to use and made my skin feel smooth and soft afterwards. Will definitely buy again" - Sallie C, Customer

 To learn more about our Age Intelligent Cleansers and the rest of the ARK Skincare product range, click here to visit our website!

Washing your face... It sounds so simple, doesn’t it?

The truth is there is more to cleansing than one may first think - but why is it so important?

During the day, dirt, grime and excess oils can build up on the skin through touch, airborne bacteria and environmental pollutants. Therefore, it is crucial to ensure you are cleansing your skin properly to get rid of every last trace of make-up or grime that could clog your pores. 

If you didn’t wash your face and left bacteria to build up on the skin, it could contribute to skin concerns and early signs of ageing, so it's important to get your cleansing routine right.

It’s not just about how you cleanse either. It’s also important to think carefully about which products you use and get into good habits to make sure you're taking good care of your skin.

 In this post, we share our top do’s and don'ts for cleansing to help you establish  a great cleansing routine. Keep reading to find out more!

Pictured: ARK Skincare's Age Intelligent Cleansers

DO'S

DO Choose formulas that are free from harsh cleansing ingredients 

When choosing your cleanser, don’t just reach for a bar of soap. Instead, make sure you choose a product which contains high-quality ingredients made for delicate skin. Believe us, your skin will thank you in the long run!

All ARK Skincare cleansers are made with sensitive skin in mind and use a blend of natural ingredients to cleanse and nourish. All of our cleansers are also Sulfate free, meaning that they cleanse skin gently and effectively without any harsh chemicals.

DO Select a Cleanser suited to your skin's age-related needs

It’s always best to choose a cleanser that is suited to your age. Young skin needs balancing, but not over stimulating. Mature skin needs to be nourished with ingredients to rejuvenate and repair. 

Skin changes with age and needs to be treated accordingly which is why ARK Skincare offers three Age Intelligent Cleansers, specifically formulated for each age group.

To learn more about your Age Intelligent Cleanser, click the links below to head over to our product pages. 

Age Protect Skin Clear Cleanser

Formulated for your teens & 20s

  Age Defend Conditioning Cleanser

Formulated for your 30s and 40s

 Age Defy Brightening Cleanser

Formulated for your 50s and onwards

DO Take your time massaging the cleanser into your skin 

Give your skin some TLC. Make sure that you massage the cleanser into your skin for at least 30-60 seconds to allow the active ingredients to absorb into the skin and lift away any excess dirt and grime. Use the pads of your fingertips & work in gentle circular movements to work the cleanser into your skin before washing off. 

DO Use a fresh muslin cloth or flannel everyday. 

It may seem excessive, but it is important to use a clean face cloth every day to avoid spreading bacteria. Re-using the same wash cloth over and over again will spread more bacteria to your face which could contribute to skin concerns. 

Top tip:  Make sure you have a couple of high-quality face cloths so that you can pop them in the wash after each use, while still making sure you have a clean one to use the next day.

DO Keep to a consistent routine. 

Caring for your skin takes time and persistence, but it is time worth spending. Consistency is key. By taking good care of your skin and keeping it clean, it will look much brighter, healthier and also help you to avoid skin concerns in the future.

It’s important to note that it takes time for your skin to regenerate, so try to avoid switching up your routine too often. You will see the best results by practicing an effective cleansing routine with a few high-quality products which you consistently.

DONT'S

DON'T Wash your face under the shower

 The water you use in the shower will most likely be too hot. Hot water strips skin of its natural oils & can exacerbate sensitivities, so it is always best to cleanse your face over the sink with lukewarm water instead. Lukewarm water helps to loosen the dirt and grime, but preserves your skin's natural hydrating oils.

DON'T Use face wipes

Although face wipes may seem like a convenient option, they do not cleanse your face anywhere near as well as a high-quality cleanser as they are not able to breakdown the dirt and excess oils on the skin. 

Not only are wipes poor at cleansing the skin, they often contain lots of chemicals which are responsible for leaving skin dry and irritated - especially as you have to rub and pull at your skin.

The extra couple of minutes it takes to cleanse properly is most definitely worth it and you will certainly see a difference.

DON'T Ever sleep in your make-up.

When you go to sleep, your skin works hard to regenerate and repair. During the skin cell turnover process, new skin cells push to the surface while your skin sheds old cells. 

Leaving make-up on overnight can trap the dead skin cells, preventing the skin from regenerating. This can cause buildup of dead skin cells, excess oil and bacteria which can lead to a number of skin concerns and leave the skin looking dull and aged. So, no matter how late it may be or how tired you are, make sure to always cleanse before bed!

DON'T Avoid using a cleansing oil if you have oily skin

Pictured: ARK Skincare's Skin Essential Pre-Cleanse & Make-Up Remover

If you suffer from oily skin, don't shy away from using an oil based cleanser. It will not produce any more oil on the skin. In fact, the cleansing oil helps to attract the excess oil and carefully balances and nourishes the skin, leaving it feeling clean and comfortable. 

DON'T Skip the double cleansing step from your evening routine

If you haven’t heard of double cleansing before, it may come as a surprise that you should actually be cleansing your face twice. Double cleansing is essential for removing daily grime and ensuring the skin is left properly cleansed. 

For your first cleanse, choose an oil based cleanser. Oil cleansers are very efficient ways of removing make-up, dirt and excess sebum from the skin. Cleansing oils also prevent congestion and shine without stripping away natural oils needed for healthy balanced skin. 

For your second cleanse, opt for an age specific cleanser with high-quality ingredients. The second cleanse will help to ensure your skin is left thoroughly clean while the active-ingredients help to nourish your skin.

To learn more about double cleansing, click here to read our double cleansing Q&A with ARK Skincare's CEO, Tamsin Styles

We hope these tips can help you to put together an effective cleansing routine. Should you have any questions or need any product advice, please do get in touch via office@arkskincare.com or reaching out to us on socials! @arkskincare.com

For more information on the ARK Skincare Cleansers and the rest of our product range, click here to visit our website!

Here at ARK Skincare, we are passionate about cleansing. We truly believe that practicing a good cleansing routine with high-quality products is one of the most important ways to keep your skin looking and feeling great. 

Throughout the day, bacteria builds up on the skin from touch, sweat and airborne pollutants. Therefore, it is important to cleanse regularly to remove any dirt, oil and excess sebum. 

If you don’t cleanse your skin, your pores may become congested which could lead to unwanted skin concerns. Cleansing thoroughly also helps to create a clean surface before applying your skincare products, helping them to absorb properly into your skin.

In this post, we share the answers to our frequently asked questions on double cleansing and help you to understand how it can benefit your skin. 

Q: What is double cleansing?

A: Double cleansing is simply cleansing twice with two cleansers. Step one is to cleanse with an oil-based cleanser to remove make up, pollutants and daily grime; step two is to cleanse skin with a gel or cream water-based cleanser to leave skin thoroughly clean.

Q: Why use a first step oil cleanser? 

A: Oil attracts oil so a first step oil-based cleanser will efficiently lift away make up and oil-based grime, and excess sebum, as well as clinging to pollutants to ensure they are thoroughly removed. This is essential for skin health.

Q: I have oily skin so is using an oil cleanser a good idea?

A: It is. Oil cleansers are very efficient ways of removing excess sebum from the skin and preventing congestion and shine without stripping away natural oils needed for healthy balanced skin. Massage the ARK Skincare Pre Cleanse oil onto the skin and once you add water it turns milky, and washes off very easily along with unwanted oils, dirt and grime leaving your skin soft, clean and clear, but never greasy.

Q: How long will it take as I just do not have time….

A: Using a first step pre cleanse is faster than a wipe! Our pre cleanse was formulated for professional use by facialists wishing to have a very fast efficient way of removing their client’s make up when they arrived for a treatment. It is so fast you won’t look back!

Q: My skin feels clean after the first step, so why do I need a second?

A: Once you remove your daily makeup, pollutants and grime, you can move on to cleansing the skin. Use an age specific cleanser which also includes active ingredients to treat and nourish the skin as you clean it. You will really notice a difference. 

Q: Do I need to double cleanse morning and night?

A: You should always double cleanse in the evenings to ensure every last bit of makeup, daily pollutants and SPF are removed. It is vital that you do not go to sleep with these clinging to your skin. However, in the morning it is not necessary to perform a full double cleanse, but it is still important to clean skin with your age intelligent cleanser before applying your serum, moisturiser and daily SPF. 

Q: Will all this cleansing make my skin feel tight?

A: No. Not if you are using a good quality oil cleanser and an age specific cleanser. The ARK Skincare cleansers are formulated with the antioxidants, vitamins and lips your skin requires for optimal health and will leave a soft, calm feeling after use. 

New to the idea of double cleansing? We have everything you need to get started:

Skin Essential Pre-Cleanse & Make-Up Remover

Introduce a pre cleanse to your skincare and make-up removal routine and you'll never look back. This multi-fruit lipid blend with Omegas 3, 6 & 9 is perfect for thoroughly removing your make-up and clearing away everyday grime build-up.

Age Protect Skin Clear Cleanser 

The best skin clearing cleanser for use in your teens and 20s. 

Our Age Protect Cleanser, specially formulated for younger skin, is packed with  hard-working active ingredients which help to clear blemishes, reduce excess sebum and illuminate excess shine. It also cleverly balances oily and dry areas of the skin, leaving skin clear and comfortable. 

Age Defend Conditioning Cleanser

The best cleanser for use in your 30s and 40s.

Our ultra nourishing Conditioning Cleanser helps to effectively remove daily grime and make up while boosting the skin's firmness, leaving skin clean, plump and supple. This moisturising cleanser also defends against moisture loss and instantly calms any appearance of redness or irritation.

Age Defy Brightening Cleanser

The best cleanser for use in your 50s and onwards

Specially formulated to combat the signs of hormone loss in mature skin, our rich cleansing cream encourages a radiant complexion while helping to reduce the signs of ageing. Natural ingredients help to strengthen the skin and give it a generous boost of moisture. Perfect for skin needing brightening and hydrating.

We hope these answers have helped to clear up any questions you may have on double cleansing. Should you ever need any help or product advice, please do get in touch via office@arkskincare.com or mentioning us on socials @arkskincare. We will be more than happy to help!

For more information on the rest of the ARK Skincare product range, click here to head over to our website!

We think it’s safe to say that 2020 has certainly been a crazy year... Can you believe that we're in December? The Christmas countdown has now begun!

In this post we’re proud to share the ARK Skincare 2020 Gift Collection. With each of the luxurious sets we have to offer, you’re bound to find something for  everyone. So, if you’re still in need of the perfect gift, we’ve got you covered - but be quick! December 25th is fast approaching!

ARK Skincare’s 2020 Christmas Collection 

Age Intelligent Discovery Collections

Our Age Intelligent Discovery Collections contain a selection of different miniature sizes; the perfect way to introduce somebody new to ARK Skincare, or an ideal set of travel sizes for those who enjoy using our products already. 

Each set is beautifully wrapped in branded tissue paper and packed in one of ARK Skincare’s travel bags.

This gift includes:

• 1 Age Intelligent Cleanser 30ml
• 1 Age Intelligent Moisturiser 30ml 
• 1 Pre-Cleanse & Make-Up Remover 50ml
• 1 Hydrating Beauty Mist. 
• 1 ARK Travel Bag

You can find our Discovery Collection in all of our Age Intelligent ranges, Protect for teens & 20's, Defend for 30's and 40's and Defy for 50's and onwards. 

With a full-size Age Intelligent Cleanser & Moisturiser, this set offers all the staples you will need for a simple yet effective skincare routine.

The perfect present for everyone - all you need to know is which age range they fall into! 

This gift includes: 

• 1 Age Intelligent Cleanser 200ml
• 1 Age Intelligent Moisturiser 200ml
• 1 Cotton Face Cloth
• Complimentary Gift Bag

Age Intelligent Sleep Collections 

For our AgeDefend and AgeDefy ranges, we have created our Luxury Beauty Sleep collections. Who wouldn’t want the gift of a dreamy night's sleep? 

This gift includes one of our luxury night treatments that contain hardworking active ingredients which help to aid the skin's natural healing process while you sleep.

We have also teamed up with the wonderful Space Masks to offer you a pack of 5 of their self-heating eye masks, infused with Jasmine to help you relax and unwind. 

This gift includes: 

• 1 Age Intelligent Night Treatment 55ml
• Pack of 5 Spacemasks 
• Complimentary gift bag

Facial Massage Set

Everything you need to become a Gua Sua Expert. 

Our beautifully crafted Jade Facial Tool is used to perform a facial massage technique called Gua Sha. The ancient beauty therapy has been used for several thousand years as a natural way to achieve a healthy, radiant, youthful complexion. Included you will find an easy step-by-step guide so you’ll be a pro in no time. This set also includes our popular Hydration Injection Masque full of hyaluronic acid - the ultimate weekly treatment for thirsty skin, especially during the colder months!

This gift includes: 

• Jade Facial Tool
• Hydration Injection Masque 75ml
• Step by step technique guide
• Complimentary Gift Bag

Skin Perfectors Luxury Collection

This is called our luxury collection for a reason! This gift is filled with some really generous treats for the skin. Our Triple Action Exfoliator contains bamboo microparticles and fruit acids to gently slough dead skin, helping to create a smooth, polished texture.

Hydration Injection Masque cocoons skin in moisture with a boost of hyaluronic acid and a blend of vitamins to restore vibrancy, helping to brighten complexion and restore vibrancy. 

In this collection, you will also find two of our most popular Skin Perfector Serums. These are a great addition to your usual skincare routine to help tackle specific skin concerns. You can apply 1-2 drops to problem areas or simply mix in with your moisturiser and apply together. 

Our Radiance Serum is full of Vitamin C and Amino Acids which help to reduce skins of ageing and improve complexion while hydrating and illuminating the skin, creating a radiant glow in an instant. 

Our protective De-Stress Serum acts as a ‘second skin’. It has a blend of Rosmarinic Acid and Flavonoid Rutin from Lemon Balm that work to defend against harmful free radicals, while Vitamin E offers anti-inflammatory and antioxidant protection. A hard working treat for skin that may need a pick me up, or protection for existing damage. 

The ultimate self-care bundle, perfect for all skin types. 

This gift includes: 

• Radiance Serum 30ml
• De-Stress Serum 30ml
• Hydration Injection Masque 75ml
• Triple Action Exfoliator 75ml
• Complimentary Gift Bag

Skin Essentials Hero Collection 

Our popular hero collection provides everything you need to cleanse, hydrate & protect skin; the ultimate skin care trio. 

This gift Includes: 

• 1 Pre Cleanse & Make-Up Remover 50ml
• 1 Hydrating Beauty Mist 50ml 
• 1 SPF 30 Primer 30ml (full size) 

Cleanse with ARK’s Pre Cleanse & Make-Up Remover, Hydrate with Hydrating Beauty Mist and Protect with our SPF 30 Primer. Three of our most popular formulations to keep skin looking and feeling great. 

Hand Care Gift

Do you know somebody who is suffering from dry, cracked hands? With being so much more mindful of washing our hands this year, it can leave our skin feeling dry and irritated, especially now the colder weather is taking its toll!

This hand care gift is the ultimate overnight treatment. Simply apply a generous amount of our Nourishing Hand & Nail Cream and luxury cotton gloves before bed and allow the active ingredients to soak in and work their magic overnight. Raspberry Seed Oil & Vitamin E help to protect and moisturise the skin, while Amino Acids encourage strong, healthy nails. 

Travel Candles

Our luxury candles are a great gift for those who love a cozy evening in or a good fragrance to fill a room. There are many different fragrances to choose from such as Geranium, Eucalyptus & Peppermint, Vanilla, Sandalwood & Amber  and Rose, Geranium & Violet.

If you’re looking for something more festive, you must take a look at our Nutmeg, Cinnamon & Clove candle - it’s Christmas in a jar! This popular scent also comes in a Luxury Size. You can view all of our Spa Aromatic Candle range by clicking here. 

If you'd like to take a look at our Christmas collection in more detail, head over to the ARK Skincare website to find out more. If you need help, or any product advice, please do get in touch by emailing office@arkskincare.com and our customer service team will be more than happy to help. 

This week is especially important for taking a look at your marketing emails because Black Friday is fast approaching! 

During the whole of Cyber Week, ARK Skincare are offering some unbelievably generous deals with up to 30% discount off almost all of our products. If you’ve been waiting to stock up on your favourites or are in need of a Christmas present for somebody special, now is the time to take advantage!

In this post, we ask our head office team members to share their top picks and what they will be purchasing on Black Friday. So, if you’re stuck for ideas on what to treat yourself to or buy as a gift for somebody else, hopefully we can help.

Q: Which products will you be stocking up on during ARK Skincare’s Black Friday Sale? 

Do you have a favourite product you could recommend to somebody who might be yet to try ARK? Or perhaps suggest a specific gift set from this year's collection that you think would make a great gift for somebody?

“I’ve seen amazing results from using our new Age Defy Repairing Night Treatment this year. I would wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone aged 50 or over. My skin is calmer, and clearer, and looks brighter in the mornings. I really do think it helps to keep my Rosacea under control.

I was thrilled when the lovely Harriet at Spacemasks agreed to partner with us to create a sleep set, and our Age Defy Beauty Sleep Collection is my top gift recommendation for this year. Who doesn’t want the gift of sleep?! It is perfect for anyone over 50 – you don’t need to worry about skin types or concerns. If you have someone to gift to who is under 50 look at the Defend Beauty Sleep Collection which is ideal for those in their 30s or 40s. But be quick – I think these sets will run out!” - Tamsin, CEO 

“This Black Friday I'll be stocking up on the Triple Action Exfoliator and the Hydration Injection Masque - these are my ride or die products! I use them once or twice a week and they always deliver a noticeable skin pick-me up, leaving me with a plumper, more radiant complexion. I also use these products once a week on my hands for a really indulgent home manicure. The exfoliator is great for smoothing rough cuticles, and the masque has saved my dry hands!” - Katie, Director

 “Since starting with ARK earlier this year, I have learnt so much about the importance of a proper cleansing routine. Before, I was definitely guilty of using an excessive amount of wipes or cotton pads to remove make-up but ever since using ARK’s Pre-Cleanse & Make-Up Remover, I’ve found it so much easier. By simply massaging the oil into dry skin and rinsing with water, it melts make-up away so easily and saves me so much time.

I also adore our Hydrating Serum which always feels like such a treat for my skin. I find it really reassuring to know I'm using products which contain high-quality natural ingredients that I know will benefit my skin long-term. I’ve not used anything else since and would definitely recommend taking a look!” - Lucy, Sales & Marketing Co-ordinator

“I am new to the ARK team and have loved trying my Age Intelligent range, I definitely underestimated the benefits from a regular skincare routine. In the short time I have used the AgeDefend range, I have noticed my skin feels softer and looks brighter.

This Black Friday I am really looking forward to treating myself and trying our De-Stress serum. I often experience flare-ups where my skin can be red, sore, and extra sensitive around my T-zone, and think this will really help“ - Rosie, Office & Sales Administrator

“I’ve been using ARK both on my clients and myself for just over 4 years. It’s hard for me to pick a favourite as I love so many of them! But my absolute must have is the Radiance serum, I would literally bathe in it if I could! 

It really does do as the name suggests, my skin looks instantly brighter, it soothes, hydrates and has definitely made my hyperpigmentation less visible. This is my go to product to brighten & illuminate my skin." -  Kate, ARK’s Resident Therapist

To find out more about our Black Friday sale, head over to the ARK Skincare website - but be quick! The offer is limited while stocks last and we'd hate for you to miss out! 

Should you need any help or product advice before you buy, please remember you are welcome to get in touch with our customer service team by emailing office@arkskincare.com or calling the office on 0203 740 3303. We're always happy to help. 

In the meantime, happy shopping! 

 Well, I think we can safely say 2020 has been a difficult year for everyone…

 While we’re not going to let that beat us, this year, more than ever, I think we could all do with a little Christmas spirit and something nice to look forward to!

With that in mind, in this post, we share our best suggestions for the perfect stocking fillers. Each of the gifts we’ve featured are the perfect way to show somebody you’re thinking of them. Whether that be a friend or family member, or perhaps somebody who you wouldn’t even usually buy for to show some extra appreciation.

Do you know somebody who has been having a tough time or somebody who has been working particularly hard that deserves a thoughtful gift? Why not treat them to something special this Christmas… 

This pack of 5 cotton face cloths is a great gift for everybody to have.

All five cloths are individually wrapped, tied with ribbon and come in their own luxury mini gift box.  A practical, (yet pretty!) gift to surprise someone with on Christmas day…

Intensive Hand & Nail Cream - £20 

Suffering from cracked, dry hands? This year, we’ve been mindful to wash our hands as often as possible, but when we pair that with the colder weather, it can take a toll on our skin. Our award winning hand cream is here to help! Raspberry Seed Oil & Vitamin E help to protect and moisturise the skin, while Amino Acids encourage strong, healthy nails - The perfect product to have in your bag throughout the colder months!

If you’re looking for an extra intensive treatment for sore hands, why not take a look at our luxury cotton gloves. Simply apply a generous amount of your hand cream and gloves before bed to give sore hands the ultimate pamper session while you sleep. 

Mini Hydrating Beauty Mist - £12

Treat a friend to our intensively refreshing and soothing beauty mist. Active ingredients include Hyaluronic Acid to hydrate, Wild Water Mint to refresh and Aloe Vera to soothe. Use before your moisturiser to trap in an extra layer of hydration, before make-up as a toner, after make-up for a dewy finish, or simply just for refreshing pick me up throughout the day!

Spa Aromatics Travel Candles - £15

There’s nothing more relaxing than getting in after a long day, running a bath and lighting a candle... These beautifully crafted travel candles are the perfect way to make the dark, dreary evenings a little more cosy. Head over to the Spa Aromatics collection page to take a look at all the different scents we have to offer by clicking here.

Age Intelligent Mini Duo - £15 (worth £24.75)

If you’re looking for a fun gift to hang on the Christmas tree, this is the one for you! 

This gift includes: 

• 1 Age Intelligent Cleanser 30ml
• 1 Age Intelligent Moisturiser 30ml
• 1 Luxury Mini Gift Box 

Each miniature cleanser & moisturiser are carefully wrapped in branded tissue paper and packed inside a luxury mini gift box, with a loop of ribbon on top, making them a Christmas decoration to remember!

This gift comes in all three of ARK’s Age Intelligent ranges: Protect for teens & 20’s, Defend for 30’s and 40’s, and Defy for 50’s & onwards, making them the perfect gift for anybody at any age. 

ARK Skincare Travel Bag - £22

If you’re thinking of treating somebody to our travel sizes, why not pair it with a travel bag? These are a great idea for anybody you know who likes to keep up their skincare routine while they’re away from home.

This Skin Essential collection provides everything you need to cleanse, hydrate & protect skin; the ultimate skin care trio. 

This gift Includes: 

• 1 Pre Cleanse & Make-Up Remover 50ml
• 1 Hydrating Beauty Mist 50ml 
• 1 SPF 30 Primer 30ml (full size) 

Cleanse with ARK’s Pre Cleanse & Make-Up Remover, Hydrate with Hydrating Beauty Mist and Protect with our SPF 30 Primer. Three of our most popular formulations to keep skin looking and feeling great. 

Jade Facial Tool - £20

Gift someone the ultimate pamper session with our carefully crafted jade tool.

This facial tool is used to perform an ancient beauty ritual called Gua Sha, which helps to naturally achieve radiant & healthy glowing skin. You can read more about the benefits of Gua Sha in a previous blog post which you can find by clicking here. 

The tool comes with is own silk pouch and instruction guide, making the ideal present for somebody who might like to take a little extra time on giving their skin and giving it that extra boost. 

With our generous selection of affordable, yet thoughtful gifts, ARK have got something for everyone this year. Should you have any questions, or need any product advice, please reach out to us by emailing office@arkskincare.com or calling the office on 0203 740 3303. 

Have you heard the exciting news? Our Age Defend Regenerating Night Treatment has recently been shortlisted for Best New Premium Skin Care Product in the Pure Beauty Awards 2020! Ever since our Night Treatments launched at the beginning of the year, they have been ARK best sellers, so we are delighted with this nomination.

Please Vote! 

What Is a Night Treatment Used For?

ARK Skincare’s Night Treatments are used to offer the ultimate pamper session while you sleep. These formulations are the result of extensive research and have been developed with the latest understanding of how skin cells rejuvenate at night. Both unique formulations contain hard working active ingredients which have been specifically chosen to help aid the skin’s natural healing process as you sleep. By applying before bed, you can trust that your Night Treatment will get hard to work, allowing you to wake up looking and feeling well rested. 

  Age Defend Regenerating Night Treatment 

Key Active Ingredients

Silk Tree Extract  promotes the visible reduction of the signs of fatigue: dark circles, under-eye bags, dull complexion and drawn features by protecting and repairing the skin from damage caused by glycation. It also encourages a boost in collagen which can help your skin to glow and appear more energised. 

Vitamin A Palmitate  is an antioxidant and a source of vitamin A. In the skin, it is converted to retinol, and ultimately to retinoic acid (the active form of vitamin A). It functions as a protectie and free radical scavenger. 

Passionfruit Seed Oil is very rich in essential fatty acids which have anti-inflammatory properties, helping to alleviate inflammatory skin concerns such as rosacea and acne while keeping skin smooth and supple. 

Blue Lotus is considered the sacred flower of anti-aging and a symbol of beauty. The flower is rich in flavonoids, which improves the skin’s firmness and elasticity. It also contains powerful antioxidants, ideal for sensitive and irritated skin.  

Age Defy Repairing Night Treatment 

A night cream formulated for those in their 50s onwards

 98% natural. Suitable for vegans  

Rejuvenates tired, damaged skin whilst you sleep. Bioactive ingredients tone, re-densify, and regenerate skin whilst improving the natural barrier function and diminishing the visible signs of ageing. Includes ingredients to promote collagen and reduce inflammation, as well as an energizing cocktail of vitamins and minerals to detoxify and vitalize. 

 Key Active Ingredients 

Borage oil is the richest commercial plant source of GLA, an Omega Fatty Acid which is a key ‘building block’ in production of the body’s regulatory hormones.  Borage oil also has many calming and nourishing properties, making it the perfect ingredient to treat skin concerns such as eczema, dermatitis and rosacea.

Jiaogulan extract contains high amounts of flavonoids and gypenosides, noted for their antioxidant effects and has been shown to prevent UV-induced damage. 

Stabilised Vitamin C helps promote the synthesis of collagen which increases skin suppleness. It also scavenges free radicals, reducing the skin roughness and inflammation, appearance of wrinkles and helps to brighten complexion. Vitamin C can also help to heal skin and protect against sun damage. 

Hyaluronic acid helps to maintain a moisturised and firm skin by improving cell cohesion. Our Hyaluronic Acid is organic and low weight, meaning it can penetrate to the deeper layers of skin to plump fine lines, boost moisture and improve collagen synthesis. 

Blackcurrant seed oil contains two important fatty acids that help regulate inflammatory response and dry skin. It can also be used to nourish and protect skin tissues preventing chronic skin conditions such as dermatitis and eczema. 

Goji Berries are packed with nutrients including Vitamin C, Zinc and Selenium, which help in the formation of collagen and the repair of damaged skin tissue. They provide protecting, detoxifying, fortifying and vitalising properties and contain over 5 times the antioxidant activity of any other fruit or vegetable. 

 How to Use

Use in the evening. Massage into dry skin after cleansing with Pre-Cleanse and your Age Intelligent cleanser. 

Reviews & Awards

Age Defend Regenerating Night Treatment 

Winner - BEST (NIGHT) SKINCARE PRODUCT (Age 30+)

When it comes to the colder months, my skin needs a bit more oomph in my moisturiser and this fits the bill perfectly.  Talonted Lex, Beauty Blogger

Age Defy Repairing Night Treatment

Winner - BEST (NIGHT) SKINCARE PRODUCT (Age 50+)

Wake Up Feeling Well Rested! 

To celebrate our most recent nomination, we are offering 25% off of the Age Defend and Age Defy Night Treatments. Add the code ‘BEAUTYSLEEP’ at checkout to receive your discount. 

Author: Hayley Hall, Beauty & Lifestyle Blogger

Sleep becomes a precious commodity as we age; waking up after a long and restful slumber could be the closest thing we’ve got to a fountain of youth, for it offers up all kinds of benefits to body and mind. We’ve all felt that sluggish, temperamental and irritable feeling that often accompanies a restless night - and we’ve all experienced the radiant and happy reflection that greets us in the mirror after a great eight hours between the sheets. Sleep is often overlooked as one of the most important elements of a great beauty and wellness routine, and best of all: it’s free! 

Although you shouldn’t completely neglect your beauty regime in favour of more time in bed, getting into good bedtime habits will have a long-term positive impact in so many areas. Research has shown that even one poor night of sleep can cause swollen eyes, dark circles, more prominent fine lines and even sagging skin around the jawline; a 2017 study* even found that two days of sleep restriction negatively affected the participants perceived attractiveness, health and even trustworthiness. Sleep helps us to feel good and look good too.

But why is sleep so important?

During the daytime our bodies are in ‘defence mode’, focused on protecting against UV and free radical damage, but as this need depletes overnight it can start focusing on the vital process of regeneration and protection. As the sun goes down our skin renewal rate almost doubles, collagen production rises, cell damage reverses and UV-induced damage is repaired - having a hugely beneficial impact on our complexion.

What are the beauty benefits of sleep?

If we regularly get the recommended 7-9 hours of sleep a night we’ll undoubtedly benefit from a multitude of visible improvements in our skin. With more collagen skin appears fuller, more youthful and fine lines appear reduced, while adequate blood flow and drainage will ensure the under-eye area is less puffy and free from dark circles. Investing in your bedtime routine will undoubtedly leave your complexion looking radiant, feeling smoother and becoming more supple over time.

The secret ingredient for great skin.

Although sleep is vital for a healthy looking complexion, there is an additional ingredient that will help support your skin and effortlessly boost the benefits it can provide: a great night treatment.

During those eight hours of abstinence from food and drink your skin needs all the hydration it can get, which is why night creams tend to focus on delivering moisture within rich and creamy formulations. As our skin is in repair mode, it’s also a great opportunity to deliver potent ingredients that can aid that process and ensure you wake up looking refreshed.

Picking a great night treatment will not only boost the benefits of sleep, but help to deliver a sprinkling of added goodness too: the metabolic activity of skin cells is at its peak as we slumber, making it an ideal time to achieve maximum results from a targeted treatment.

A targeted treatment to suit your age and your needs.

Our skin needs change as we age, so using a targeted treatment to deliver exactly what it needs is the key to unlocking your best skin yet. In our teens and twenties skin just needs a little helping hand, with essential nutrients and hydration to boost clarity, so it’s important not to overload the skin; that’s why ARK Skincare keep the Age Protect range stripped back and as simple as possible.

As we reach our thirties and forties our skin is showing the first signs of ageing. ARK Skincare Age Defend Regenerating Night Treatment features a multitude of active ingredients to aid the skin’s natural repair process to leave it healthy, glowing and youthful.

Free radical scavenging antioxidants and Vitamins A and E help to reduce the appearance of skin ageing; Kiwi and Passionfruit Seed Oils are rich in fatty acids and work to hydrate, maintain moisture levels and alleviate inflammation; Blue Lotus extract provides antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits, while Shea Butter helps to alleviate dry, irritated and sensitised skin. The result is a beautifully rich, hard working and effortless night treatment that we know you’ll love.

By the time we hit our fifties, skin requires more targeted support for the established signs of ageing - and richer formulas to counteract the loss of moisture and hydration that occurs later in life.

ARK Skincare Age Defy Repairing Night Treatment features Hyaluronic Acid to maintain moisturisation, firm and tone, Blackcurrant Seed Oil (a natural source of Vitamin C) to help regulate inflammation and dryness, and Vitamin E to condition and protect skin. Borage Oil, incredibly rich in Essential Fatty Acids and Omega 6, helps to treat dry and damaged skin, while Goji Berry extract also provides detoxifying, fortifying and vitalising properties.

The beautifully rich (yet not heavy) cream helps to promote collagen production, improve hydration, boost firmness and elasticity, plus provides a visible improvement of wrinkle depth around the eyes in particular. It’s everything you need to look and feel your best.

Both the ARK Skincare Age Defend and Age Defy Night Treatments can be used right up to the delicate eye area too, delivering smoother and fresher skin. They’re vegan friendly, cruelty-free and have been recognized in the Beauty Shortlist Awards as the best in their category, while the Age Defend has recently been nominated as the Best New Premium Skincare Product in the much celebrated Pure Beauty Awards 2020 – a huge achievement for an independent British brand like us.

What’s the difference between a day and night cream?

You may think you don’t necessarily need both a day and a night cream within your skincare repertoire, but investing in your daily routine will ensure you achieve the results you want.

The key purpose of a day cream is hydration and protection against the elements we face daily while going about our lives – which include pollution, air conditioning, central heating, blue light from devices and damaging UV rays (that are present even on British cloudy days!) A great moisturizer will provide the support our skin needs without weighing it down, acting as a ‘bookend’ to a great morning skincare routine. They’re also lighter in texture so are more suitable for use under makeup, and finding a great one can ensure a primed base that ensures you stay radiant all day long.

ARK Skincare Age Protect Skin Vitality Moisturiser offers the perfect balance of hydration for younger skin. Rich in antioxidants and an active anti-pollution system, it helps to protect skin to leave it looking clear, radiant and vibrant. Enriched with Avocado and Peach Lipids (rich in Vitamins A,C and E as well as Omega 9 fatty acids) to keep skin hydrated and soft, Olive Oil to penetrate deeply for skin cell regeneration, and Panthenol (a form of Vitamin B) to help soothe irritated skin. 

ARK Skincare Age Defend Replenishing Moisturiser is specifically formulated to tackle challenges faced in your 30s and 40s, and is packed with natural moisturising agents such as Shea Butter and Olive Oil. Containing clinically proven wrinkle plumping peptides, including Matrixyl, it helps to smooth, plump and tone to diminish the signs of premature ageing. Vitamin A also helps keep skin strong, plump and increases collagen production, while Kiwi and Passion Fruit lipids boost skin’s moisture and Blue Lotus (a powerful antioxidant) boosts firmness and elasticity.

ARK Skincare Age Defy Nourishing Moisturiser powerfully combats the signs of hormone loss such as dullness, dryness, uneven tone and loss of elasticity. Hyaluronic Acid plumps skin to visibly reduce the look of lines and wrinkles, Blackcurrant and Borage Seed Oil contain fatty acids to deeply nourish the skin, while Red Clover is known to soothe inflammation. The rich, non-greasy texture helps skin to look healthier, firmer and more radiant.

Combining your chosen moisturizer with a pump or two of Ark Skincare Skin Protector SPF 30 Primer will finish your skincare routine while ensuring essential sun protection. UV exposure has been identified as a primary cause of premature ageing**, so it’s essential to integrate an effective SPF product into your daily regime – 365 days of the year.

ARK Skincare Skin Protector SPF 30 Primer is the ultimate multi-tacker and perfect daytime solution, combining the benefits of a lightweight moisturizer with a hardworking SPF and a primer too. When layered over your moisturiser for added hydration and protection, it also provides a smooth and luminous base that’s perfect for makeup application; it’s all you need for long-lasting results and a look that looks immaculate all day long.

Vitamin E, Shea Butter and Sunflower extract deliver protection, nourishment and essential vitamins to ensure skin looks and feels its best. With clinically-proven skin benefits, offering broad spectrum defence against UVA and UVB rays to prevent sun damage and premature ageing, and with an advanced active antioxidant system to protect against the effects of pollutants, it’s a one-stop beauty must-have that simplifies your morning skincare and eases any skin anxieties.
If you want to simplify your routine or have a preference for more multifunctional products, then this can also be used alone as a quick and easy way to take care of your skin. It’s also great for travel, when you don’t have space in your case for your usual expansive routine!

Day creams are therefore lighter, and designed to be layered. Night creams, however, tend to be much richer in texture and focused on hydration and replenishment – delivering skin a boost as you sleep alongside targeted ingredients to help counteract the potential damage incurred during waking hours. ARK Skincare’s award winning night treatments have been specially formulated to work in partnership with their daytime counterparts, so to get the best results they should be used alongside a great morning routine.

Embrace the pre-bedtime hour: the perfect nighttime skincare routine.

The hour before bedtime provides the perfect opportunity to take care of your skin, and your mind, while indulging in a little pampering ‘me-time’. Enjoying the ritual of removing your makeup and applying nighttime products will ensure you’re in the perfect space for relaxation and help you drift off to sleep with ease. It’s also a great time to apply all manner of creams, treatments and masques to help deliver your skin what it needs while it’s in repair mode – boosting our body’s own natural processes.

If you’re not sure where to start, then follow these easy steps for an ultimate indulgent nighttime beauty regime:

STEP 1: Lift away the day’s grime with ARK Skincare Pre Cleanse & Make-Up Remover. The multi-fruit lipid blend dissolves every last trace of excess sebum and make-up (even waterproof mascara) while nourishing and soothing skin with a blend of natural ingredients. Massage a small amount all over the skin, taking the time to work it in and lift away stubborn makeup, before washing away with warm water and a flannel.

STEP 2: Follow-up with a non-foaming pump of ARK Skincare Age Protect, Defend or Defy Cleanser to remove any last traces of grime, makeup or SPF while helping to nourish and protect even the most sensitive of skin. It’s important to double cleanse if you’re wearing any kind of makeup or SPF so there’s no kind of residue left on the surface of skin.

STEP 3: Lift away any dead or dull skin cells twice a week with ARK Skincare Triple Action Exfoliator - an innovative triple effect exfoliator with physical, fruit acid and enzymatic action to create exceptionally smooth skin. Skin is left feeling exquisitely smooth and fine lines and scars are diminished, making it a great way to boost your routine.

STEP 4: For a weekly pick me up, apply a generous amount of ARK Skincare Hydration Injection Masque – an intensive treatment that helps to quench skin, plump wrinkles and restore vibrancy. Ideal for skin which looks tired, stressed or lacking in radiance, this can also be left on overnight for even more skin boosting benefits.

STEP 5: Massage a pump of ARK Skincare Age Defend or Defy Night Treatment between your hands and apply across your forehead, cheeks and neck in gentle lifting motions. Suitable for even taking up to the delicate under-eye area, this will help to deliver what your skin needs as you sleep.

STEP 6: Your pre-bedtime routine doesn’t have to stop at your skin; take care of your lips with a small amount of ARK Skincare Advanced Action Plumping Lip Cream. This intensive treatment cream helps to hydrate, plump and protect the entire lip area, while clinically proven plumping Peptides help to increase lip volume appearance and hydration. It also firms, smooths and reduces the appearance of vertical lines and wrinkles on the lips and the surrounding area – something that becomes more prominent as we age.

STEP 7: Finish off by treating your body to a generous amount of ARK Skincare Conditioning Body Serum and ARK Skincare Intensive Hand & Nail Cream, which both deliver skin much-needed nourishment and replenish essential vitamins our bodies need to thrive.

Now you’re armed with the knowledge, skill and products to take care of your skin all day long, your complexion will thank you.

ARK Skincare has recently had some exciting news. Our Defend Regenerating Night Treatment has been nominated as Best New Premium Skincare Product in the Pure Beauty Awards 2020!

Whilst you're here, we'd be so grateful for your vote - it only takes a minute! 

VOTE NOW!

SOURCES

https://www.healthline.com/health/beauty-skin-care/beauty-sleep#1

*https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/full/10.1098/rsos.160918

** https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3790843/

Loving the warmer weather? We certainly are! It’s great to see some sunshine and feel the warmth on our skin while enjoying the long summer evenings.

With the season change and warmer temperatures, it's important to keep your skincare at the ready to ensure your skin is kept clean and hydrated. 

Therefore, In this post, we focus on our top heatwave essentials and the ingredients they include to keep your skin looking and feeling great throughout the summer. 

SPF 30 Primer 

You can’t go without it. In fact, a good quality SPF is crucial all year round as sunlight rays are present even on cloudy days. However, they are at their strongest on the hotter days, so it’s extremely important to protect your skin from the sun.

Unlike many others, ARK Skincare’s SPF is broad spectrum meaning it protects skin against both UVA and UVB rays. It also includes ingredients such as Sunflower and Hyaluronic Acid to soothe and hydrate the skin, along with Shea Butter to protect it while keeping it soft and supple.

You can find out more about why SPF is so important here. 

Tip: Use alone or under make-up to create a perfectly smooth base for foundation application. 

Radiance Serum 

"Radiance Serum is a miracle in a bottle. Obsessed is an understatement!" Stephanie Pratt, Actress

Looking for a natural summer glow? This product is the one for you. Our radiance serum includes multiple powerhouse ingredients such as Red Algae to illuminate skin and reduce pigmentation, while Amino acids to help brighten. Vitamin C helps to boost the skin's collagen levels helping it to look energized and youthful. 

Tip: Apply a few drops by patting them gently into the skin, or mix your serum in with your age intelligent moisturiser and apply together. 

Hydrating Beauty Mist

An essential in the summer months. Not only is this beauty mist great for keeping your skin hydrated, but it’s also the perfect product to keep in your bag for a refreshing spritz throughout the day to keep you cool. Active ingredients include Hyaluronic Acid which helps to hydrate and relieve dry skin, Amino Acids to lock in moisture and wild water mint - an antioxidant to keep skin looking healthy and youthful. 

Tip: For an extra intense refreshing spritz, keep your beauty mist in the fridge! 

Conditioning Body Serum

A favourite of  beauty journalist, Celia Walden's - featuring on her 'can't-live-withouts' products list, in the Telegraph Magazine. 

 Made with 100% natural ingredients, our rich and silky body oil is perfect to keep your skin hydrated and glowing. Sweet Almond Oil helps to keep skin smooth while Sacha Inchi Oil, rich in omega 3 & 6 fatty acids, helps to lock in moisture and reduce redness. 

Tip: Use all over the body. Massage into damp skin after bathing to lock in moisture. 

Advanced Action Plumping Lip Cream 

Don’t forget to protect your lips, too! Our intensive lip treatment cream helps to hydrate, plump and protect the entire lip area. It contains clinically proven plumping peptides which increase lip volume appearance while keeping the area hydrated and supple. Perfect for extreme weather conditions. 

Tip: Use alone or as a hydrating primer under lipstick.

To view more of our products, head over to the ARK Skincare website! Should you ever need any help or product advice, please send your questions over via email to office@arkskincare.com or call 0203 740 3303 and we will be happy to help. 

Ever feel like your skin needs a bit of oomph? Many things can affect your skin - your diet, environment, the weather, or perhaps not cleansing as often as you should. But don’t worry,  we’re here to help! In this post, we focus on our top tips to help you achieve a natural glow this summer. 

1. Start With a High-Quality Cleanser 

ARK Skincare is passionate about cleansing. We strongly believe that it is one of the most important things you can do for your skin. Always make sure to double cleanse to ensure you remove any airborne bacteria, pollution or dirt that is attracted to your face. It will also help the skin care products you apply to work their magic properly!

Tip: Start with ARK Skincare’s Pre-Cleanser and follow up with your Age Intelligent Cleanser. 

2. Exfoliate Once Or Twice a Week

Another important step to a good skincare routine is exfoliating. This helps to buff away any dead layers of skin and reveal a bright, healthy complexion. ARK Skincare’s Triple Action Exfoliator includes Bamboo Particles which gently remove any grime from the surface while fruit acids and enzymatic action create exceptionally smooth skin.

3. Add a Serum

Choose a serum to help give your skin a boost with nourishing active ingredients. ARK Skincare offers a range of six, each specifically designed to tackle each specific skin concern. For our glow seeker’s, we recommend our Radiance Serum - it’s rich in vitamin C which brightens dull skin for a glowing, energised complexion. 

4. Eat Well 

We all know "healthy-looking skin comes from within". So make sure to choose foods which your body will thank you for. Experts suggest to “eat the rainbow” and pack as many colours as possible onto your plate to get all the vitamins and minerals you need for a healthy diet, (while remembering treats now and again, of course!) 

5. Stay Hydrated

As we all know, drinking water is crucial. Not just for our skin, but our entire body. So make sure you’re drinking plenty throughout the day - especially in the summer months!

Give your skin an extra boost by using hydrating products. Take a look at our popular Hydrating Serum - the perfect cocktail for thirsty skin, or our Hydrating Beauty Mist for a spritz during the day.

To view our full range of products, visit the ARK Skincare website. Should you ever need any help or product advice, please email office@arkskincare.com or call us on 0203 740 3303. We'd love to hear from you! 

What is Beautifeye™?

BeautifeyeTM, is an extract derived from the Persian Silk Tree. The award-winning ingredient is proven to tighten and lift the eyelid and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes.

How does it benefit the skin?

1. It helps to lift the upper eyelid

BeautifeyeTM helps to support the dermal structure of the upper eyelid by boosting elasticity while supporting the walls of blood vessels so they are less prone to leaking and sagging, helping the skin to appear more youthful.

Free radicals are unstable molecules that can cause damage to our cells. They can exist in our environment and can be generated from many different substances such as the food we eat, the air we breathe and the water we drink. The anti-oxidants packed within BeautifeyeTM can help fight the free radicals and reduce the damage they cause to our skin. 

3. It helps to smooth crow’s feet  

The multi-action ingredient can also help to plump the skin and lessen the appearance of wrinkles made in the corner of the eye, (also known as crow’s feet). It also diminishes puffiness which is more common as you get older.

4. It reduces the appearance of dark circles

BeautifeyeTM can lessen the appearance of pigmentation under the eyes by reducing the intensity of red and blue colours which together, cause dark circles. 

It also supports the production of collagen - a protein naturally produced in the body which improves skin elasticity, reduces visible wrinkles, and increases blood flow to the skin. Boosting your collagen level can help your skin to glow appear more and appear more energised. 

ARK Skincare's Reverse Gravity Eye Cream

Beautifeye is one of the powerful active ingredients we use in our Reverse Gravity Eye Cream. To find out more about this popular product, why not take a look at the product focus we shared recently here.  

References: 

Xtend-Life - Skin benefits of BeautifeyeTM

TruActivs - BeautifeyeTM

Today - What are free radicals?

At ARK Skincare, we are passionate about double-cleansing. We believe that a good cleanser and a good cleansing routine are two essential ingredients for healthy-looking and feeling skin. 

In this post we are focus on our Skin Essential Pre-Cleanser & Make-up Remover and why keeping your skin clean is so important. 

What is double cleansing?

Double cleansing is a two-step process to remove any make-up and bacteria and deeply cleanse the skin. 

Why do I need to double cleanse?

You might be asking yourself if you really need to cleanse twice and the answer is yes! Whether you wear make-up or not, a double cleanse is essential for healthy skin. The first cleanse will remove any traces of dirt, pollution and airborne bacteria from the surface of your skin and the second cleanse will clean deeper into your pores.

By practising this routine you will be safe in the knowledge that your skin is nice and clean. If dirt and bacteria aren’t washed away, they can linger on your skin and contribute to early ageing, pigmentation and breakouts.

In addition to removing build-up, other benefits of keeping your skin clean are that it can help to prevent blemishes and even boost hydration. It’s very important to start with a clean base before applying any other products, the actives in your serum and moisturiser will not be as effective if they sit on layer of grime and dead skin cells.

ARK Skincare's Pre-Cleanse & Make-Up Remover

Product Image: ARK Skincare's Pre-Cleanse & Make-Up Remover

This gentle and nourishing award-winning cleanser is the first step to our powerful cleansing routine. The multi-fruit lipid blend with Omegas 3, 6 & 9 dissolves every last trace of daily grime, excess sebum and make-up – even waterproof mascara – while nourishing and soothing skin with a blend of natural ingredients.

Key Ingredients:

Margosa Leaf Extract - this powerhouse ingredient offers many wonderful benefits. It is used as an antiseptic, antifungal, antibacterial and antiviral. It can also help to prevent acne and infection. 

Vitamin E - Fantastic for skin; it protects against environmental pollution and UV radiation, quenches skin with moisture, calms and soothes, and helps with wound and scar healing.

Zi Cao - an Ayurvedic herb, which soothes sensitive skin and helps to calm inflammation. 

Grapeseed, Avocado and Kiwi Oil - Help to deeply nourish skin and protect it against dryness. 

How To Use: 

Apply onto dry skin with dry hands and massage gently over the face. Add warm water to turn the oil into a liquid emulsion and continue to massage into the skin before rinsing off with water. Then follow up with your age intelligent cleanser and moisturiser to lock in hydration.

References: 

Sharecare - Why is it important to cleanse my skin to keep it healthy?

Glamour - What is double cleansing? 

Elle - How to double cleanse your skin

Cleaning. One of those jobs that many of us often like to put off. However, while many of us have been spending more time at home, it seems to be the first thing on everybody’s to-do list - mainly just to keep busy!

 When talking about cleaning, the first things that often come to mind are our houses, cars and Monica cupboards...(if you know, you know!). But when was the last time you thought to clean out your skincare and give yourself a pamper?

This week we thought we'd share our top tips on how to freshen up your skincare routine to help you achieve clear, healthy skin!

Image: ARK Skincare's Protect Vitality Cleanser

Whether you wear make-up or not, a double cleanse is an essential part of any good skincare routine.

Your first cleanse will help to remove any traces of airborne bacteria, pollution and build up. If these aren’t washed away properly they can lead to pigmentation, break-outs and premature aging -  no thank you! 

Once you’ve removed make-up and grime from the surface, it’s time to clean deeper with your second cleanse. Massage your product in for a minute or so to give your skin a thorough clean. Then follow up with your moisturiser. 

Take a look at ARK Skincare's Pre-cleanse & Make-up Remover - the powerful first step to our cleansing routine. Simply apply to dry skin before adding water to form a thin liquid emulsion. Continue massaging then rinse off with warm water. We also have a range of Age intelligent cleansers, specifically designed for each age group. 

This doesn’t have to be all about eating kale - we promise. Be mindful of your body by making healthier choices and going easy on sugary & high fat treats.

  Drink plenty of water, aim for your five a day and choose nutrient-rich foods to aid your body's natural detoxifying system and help your skin glow.  Keeping active during the day is also beneficial, (for both your body and your mind!)

4. Tidy up your skincare

Product Image: ARK Skincare's Protect Vitality cleanser, Hydration Injection Masque, Triple Action Exfoliator, Skin Perfectors & Reverse Gravity Eye Cream

It’s easy to get lured in by pretty packaging and then find yourself with multiple bottles of various different products - but which do you actually use? Most of the time less is more, so choose wisely. Opt for products that use high-quality ingredients to nourish your skin. 

Product Image: ARK Skincare's Hand & Body Wash Duo 

Get into good habits - store your skincare in a place that you can keep clean and tidy. Aim to wash your make-up brushes regularly to ensure they aren’t spreading bacteria around and If you apply make-up with your fingers, wash your hands before each application to make sure they’re clean before touching your face. 

Try to opt for contamination-free skincare products too. These are jars that you don’t have to put your fingers into. If one of your products does come in an open jar, use a spatula to access your product rather than your hands. You don’t want to be putting any bacteria into your pot!

All ARK Skincare products are housed in contamination-free packaging to keep them hygienic. You can take a look at all of our products on our website.

References:

NHS - Eating Well Guide

The Fox & She - Detoxing Your Skin

Glamour - What Is Double Cleansing?

ELLE - Everything You Need To Know About Double Cleansing

Many of us are experiencing dry skin as lockdown takes its toll. Feeling stressed, taking less exercise, and spending more time indoors can all affect our skin. Here are our 5 top tips and favorite products to help keep your skin hydrated. 

1. Say No To Steamy Showers

2. Remember your fruits and veggies! 

A daily dose of fruit and vegetables is essential for your diet. There is a proportional amount of water in these foods that can be absorbed by the body, helping to keep you hydrated and give your skin the vitamins it needs for a natural, radiant glow. 

3. Drink plenty of water

Hydration starts from within. Like the rest of your body, your skin is made up of water. We lose a significant amount of water every day, so it’s important to replenish your body to allow it to function at its best. The NHS suggests you should aim for 8 glasses a day. 

4. Go easy on alcohol 

One of the biggest effects alcohol has on the skin is dehydration. Consuming too much can lead to puffiness and inflammation. Alcoholic drinks are often high in sugar too, so overindulging too often can also lead to break-outs and dull complexion. It's important to enjoy a treat now and again but remember to stay mindful! 

5. Invest in natural skincare products 

Image: ARK Skincare's Hydrating Beauty Mist

Healthy, glowing skin is a great way to boost anybody's self-confidence.  When we look good, we feel great. Take care of your skin by opting for products with a high percentage of natural ingredients to help nurture and hydrate your skin. ARK Skincare offers three different age intelligent ranges, specifically designed for each age group, helping to achieve beautiful skin at every age. We also have multiple other ranges, such as our Skin Perfectors to help you tackle specific skin concerns and our Skin Essentials to help you create the perfect daily skincare routine. 

Here are some of our top picks to help you keep your skin hydrated:

Hydrating Serum

Cocoons skin with hydration

Our best-selling serum instantly hydrates dry, thirsty skin and locks in moisture. Ingredients include Laminaria Algae and cucumber extract which help to freshen and restore the skin’s texture and suppleness. Add 2-3 drops directly onto clean skin before moisturiser or blend with moisturiser and apply together. 

Reverse Gravity Eye Cream

Instantly tightens and hydrates skin, while fading dark circles & diminishing puffiness

This instant-effect eye cream contains multiple powerhouse ingredients to help lift, tone and hydrate the eye area. BeautifuleyeTM, created from Persian silk tree extract, is proven to lessen the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes, while Amino acids boost moisture levels to plump skin and minimize signs of aging. Aloe Vera helps to calm and nurture dry, sensitive eyes. 

Hydration Injection Masque

A Rejuvenating treatment to restore vibrancy 

An intensive multivitamin hydration injection masque to quench skin, plump wrinkles and restore vibrancy. This rejuvenating treatment masque is the ideal weekly pick me up for skin which looks tired, stressed or lacking in radiance.

Rich in hyaluronic acid, this is the perfect product to drench skin with moisture and provide protection against water loss. Give your skin a boost with vitamin C to fade pigmentation, Vitamin E to prevent free radical damage and Vitamin B5 for smoothness. 

ARK Skincare’s Dehydrated Skin Rescue Kit

For a limited time only, you can purchase these three products, plus a tote bag as part of our Dehydrated Skin Rescue Kit for over 50% off. Click here to view on the ARK Skincare website.

References: 

Alyaka -  5 No-Nonsense Habits To Keep Skin Hydrated Naturally

Insider - Here's How Cutting Out Alcohol Can Affect Your Skin 

Elle - Real Affects Alcohol Can Have On Your Skin 

Cosmopolitan - How To Hydrate Your Skin