For the third and final post of our veganuary series, we decided to sit down with our newest ARK team member, Rosie, to learn about what it’s really like to live a vegan lifestyle. We also talked to her about what it’s like working for a vegan brand and she shares her favourite ARK products!

Rosie switched over to a plant based diet a few years ago and has been really enjoying it ever since. So, whether you are a vegan, looking to become a vegan or even just want to introduce more plant-based meals into your diet, we hope this post can give you some inspiration.

Q: When did you become vegan? Was there something in particular that sparked your interest in changing your lifestyle?

I think it was around the end of 2018. I remember there was a lot of content shared on social media at the time raising awareness about animal cruelty. Of course I knew where meat and dairy came from, but watching the videos of animals struggling really struck me. So, initially, I just knew I didn’t like the idea of contributing to the suffering of animals and wanted to do something about it. 

At first I was thinking about becoming vegetarian, so I decided to watch a few documentaries that had been recommended to me to learn more about the benefits. One documentary in particular called Cowspiracy really opened my eyes to the negative effect both meat and dairy industries have not only on animals, but also our environment and our health.

After watching the documentary, my husband was adamant that he wanted to become vegan straight away. He too was really shocked at how much of an impact animal agriculture had on our planet and so we both felt that the quickest way we could start making a difference was to switch over to a plant based diet. 

Q: How did you go vegan?

Although we were really keen to become Vegan, there was lots to learn so it was definitely a gradual process. Most of the meat and dairy products we used to buy were fresh anyway, so we used the last of what we had, plus anything in the cupboards and decided that when we next went shopping we would try our best to find vegan alternatives. 

Q: Did you find it difficult?

I think we both actually found it quite fun! We saw becoming plant-based as a bit of a challenge and really enjoyed learning about new foods and finding ways we could switch up our usual meals to make them plant based. 

I do remember the reality of eating out quite difficult in the beginning. When we started, there weren't many vegan options on the menu (if any!) but it wasn’t too long after that a lot of vegan brands really started to kick off, so more and more vegan options were being introduced in supermarkets, restaurants and coffee shops. I think we decided to go Vegan at a good time!

Sometimes it can be really easy to slip up or make the odd mistake, for example, choosing something that contains milk or egg in a product you wouldn’t expect to find it in. Although we don’t want to purchase products with those ingredients in, if we do purchase something by mistake, we won’t throw it away, we just take it as a lesson learned for next time. Slip-ups can be inevitable I think - especially when you first start out!

Q: Is there anything you miss now that you eat a plant based diet?

In the beginning, yes, I definitely missed having things like a big handful of cheese on top of my pasta! Although, looking back now, I realise I ate a lot of foods out of habit and after not having them for a while I don’t really miss them anymore. As I mentioned earlier, now that there are so many vegan options, I can choose an alternative option instead, so I actually still have a lot of the meals that I loved when we ate meat and dairy - I’ve just adjusted them to make them plant based. 

I think being Vegan has actually encouraged me to try a lot of things I wouldn’t have before. Plus, with the vegan market growing and growing, there are always new things to try which definitely helps to keep things interesting!

Q: We know a plant-based diet is a huge part of being vegan, but there is much more to it than that, how are you finding working for a vegan brand? Which is your favourite product from the ARK Skincare range so far?

There is definitely a lot to think about and be mindful of - especially when you first start and everything is so new. I decided I wanted to concentrate on changing my diet to start off as changing to a vegan lifestyle in every aspect at once was quite daunting. But now I have been vegan for a few years, I do like to try to be mindful and make sustainable choices in other ways like trying to reduce waste and opting for vegan friendly brands. 

It’s really rewarding to work for a brand who are so proud to be vegan. I love being able to introduce people to ARK Skincare because I know I am able to reassure them that whichever products they choose, they can rest assured that they will be 100% Vegan and will have never been tested on animals. 

When I first started, I was introduced to the Age Protect Cleanser and Age Protect Moisturiser and have kept using them both since. As someone who suffers with sensitive skin, I’ve found they’ve really helped to calm it down. 

Another product I absolutely love is the Triple Action Exfoliator. I remember the first time I used it I was genuinely surprised how much softer my skin felt afterwards and It’s such a lovely product to massage in. 

Q: What would you suggest to somebody interested in becoming vegan?

My advice would be to ease into it slowly. Changing your whole lifestyle immediately can be challenging, so I wouldn’t worry about being super strict to start with. Just enjoy the process of learning new recipes and ways you can adapt meals you already love and enjoy.

I think watching lots of different documentaries is helpful too. Some of the facts you learn are really interesting and can help to keep you inspired. I’ve had to re-watch a few to get them to fully sink in!

I’d love to share my Vegan Spaghetti Bolognese recipe for anyone who is looking for some plant-based inspiration - I love it!

Ingredients:

• 1 red onion, diced 
• 1 pack of mushrooms, diced 
• 2 garlic cloves / garlic granules 
• 1 tsp Italian herbs 
• 1 tsp paprika 
• 1 vegetable stock cube 
• 1 tin of chopped tomatoes 
• 200ml passata 
• 1 tin of green lentils 
• 1 cup of walnuts 
• 1 pack of meat free mince (optional)
• A splash of balsamic vinegar 
• A splash soy sauce 

Method:

1. Toast the walnuts in a pan for a few minutes on a medium heat. Then, in batches, use a blender to blitz them into finer pieces. (If you don’t have a blender, a good alternative is to put them into a freezer bag and break them up with the end of a rolling pin!)
2. Fry the mushrooms for 5-10 minutes before adding the onions and garlic. Fry everything until soft.
3. Add the herbs, spices and the stock cube, then leave to simmer for a few minutes before adding the soy sauce and balsamic vinegar. If you are using mince, add this now too. 
4. Next, add in the walnuts and lentils and mix everything through. Then add your tin of chopped tomatoes, passata and a splash of water. Leave to cook gently on a low to medium heat. 
5. Cook your pasta of choice and mix everything together.
6. Serve and enjoy!

Are you interested in learning more about Vegan skincare? Click here to view the full ARK Skincare product range!

Dry skin, chapped lips, sore hands?

 The colder weather and lack of Vitamin D in the winter months is proven to have an affect on your skin - but we're here to help!

In this post, we share our top tips on how you can protect your skin and give it everything it needs to thrive.

1. SPF is still (very) Important!

Just because we have less sun doesn’t mean you should put away your sunscreen. While UVB rays tend to be a lot weaker, UVA rays can still penetrate through clouds and reach our skin meaning we’re still at risk of damage. Therefore, it’s extremely important to remember to apply SPF to ensure you’re protected.

ARK’s SPF 30 Primer is the perfect daily moisturiser, make-up primer and skin protector all in one. It is also a broad spectrum SPF meaning it protects against both UVA and UVB rays so you can rest assured that you're taking care of your skin.

You can read more about the importance of SPF here. 

2. Keep Hydrated 

“Healthy skin starts from within…”

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. If your skin is not getting a sufficient amount of water, the lack of hydration can present itself by turning your skin dry, tight and flaky, so make sure to keep your fluids up! The NHS recommends between 6-8 glasses a day. 

3. Say no to hot water...

A hot bath or shower can often sound tempting when it’s so cold outside, but hot water can actually strip the skin of its moisture, leaving it sore, red and irritated. Instead, turn the temperature down a little. Lukewarm water is always best. Moisturise straight after bathing or showering to lock in moisture. Pat skin dry instead of rubbing to avoid irritation.

4. Use moisturising skincare products 

 Choose a moisturiser with high quality ingredients to give your skin the treat it deserves. ARK Skincare offers three Age Intelligent Moisturisers, specifically designed with hardworking ingredients to treat each age range. 

• AgeProtect Skin Vitality Moisturiser for teens & twenties
• AgeDefend Replenishing Moisturiser for 30’s and 40’s 
• AgeDefy Nourishing Moisturiser for 50s and onwards

You may also like to take a look at our Skin Perfector Hydrating Serum which is targeted specifically to dryness. Laminara Algae cocoons skin in hydration by trapping in water molecules, while Cucumber Extract improves elasticity and plumps fine lines.  

5. Keep up your weekly treatments 

Give your skin the extra boost it needs by adding in weekly treatments to your skincare routine.

ARK Skincare’s popular Triple Action Exfoliator gently scrubs away dead skin and debris from the surface, helping to leave skin feeling smoother and looking more refreshed. 

Then our Hydration Injection Masque contains a multivitamin blend of Vitamin A to keep skin supple, Vitamin B5 to hydrate and soothe, Vitamin C to brighten and Vitamin E which offers antioxidant protection. Hyaluronic Acid drenches the skin in moisture and prevents any moisture loss. The perfect treat for thirsty skin!

You can view both of our Skin Perfector treatments by clicking here. 

6. Protect your lips

Suffering from chapped lips? 

The colder, dryer  weather can often dry out your lips too so it’s important to remember to keep some lip balm at the ready. ARK Skincare’s hardworking Advanced Action Lip Plumping Cream helps to hydrate and soothe the whole of the mouth area. Plumping peptides help to plump the skin and decrease the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles while Macadamia Lipids help to restore the skin's hydrolipidic film, maintain softness and prevent dryness.

7. Look after your hands!

While washing your hands so often (especially this year!) it’s important to remember to pat your hands dry properly too. Otherwise, as water evaporates it can draw moisture out of the skin. 

Keep your hands soft and supple with ARK Skincare’s Intensive Hand & Nail Cream. Raspberry Seed Oil and Cocoa Butter Intensely hydrates and helps to prevent moisture loss while Amino Acids encourages strong healthy nails.

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. 

 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/

Every year, the beauty industry creates an estimated 120 billion items of packaging, most of which goes to waste at the end of its life. The industry is slowly changing, but we all need to do more in order to be greener. Here at ARK Skincare we have been working hard to take simple yet effective steps to cut waste and shrink our carbon footprint.

With this in mind, in this post, we thought we'd share our tips on how you can also reduce the use of plastic in your own day to day life and make more sustainable choices. 

ARK Skincare's 5 Top Tips For Living Sustainably

1. Say no to plastic straws

Many cafes and restaurants are doing their bit by switching over from plastic to paper straws which is a great step forward. However, these aren’t always available. If you often purchase drinks when you’re out and about, it may be time to invest in your own reusable straw. You can find them for affordable prices in all kinds of different shops and online businesses.

Take a look at a set of reusable stainless steel straws from The Lion Sparkles here!

2. Bring your own bag!

From the 5th of October, 2015, the UK introduced a 5p charge for plastic carrier bags in an attempt to decrease the amount they were used in an act to become greener. The amount of plastic bags issued by big supermarket retailers decreased by 86% since the charge was introduced. In the hope to decrease the number further, the fee will be doubled to 10p as of 2021.

To avoid having to buy a plastic bag each time you shop, it’s a good idea to invest in a few of your own reusable bags and make a habit of keeping them in useful places like your bag or car. There’s nothing worse than having to juggle your shopping!

3. Ditch plastic water bottles 

Not only are plastic bottles bad for the environment, but they can also be expensive! Instead of buying plastic bottles, choose a bottle from a high-quality material to refill yourself when you need to. You can choose between stainless steel, glass and lots of great designs. 

The Refill organization, founded in 2015, created an app for those in need of freshwater to find the nearest place to refill their bottle, therefore reducing plastic consumption.

By typing your location into the app, you can find the nearest cafe, shop, or supermarket that will provide a free refill service in-store. To find out more about the Refill organization you can head over to their website by clicking here. 

4. Think about your storage materials

Instead of storing food items in plastic jars and boxes, opt for glass instead. Mason jars for example make great storage pots for kitchen ingredients. If you make packed lunches for school or work, you can choose alternatives to plastic bags/lunch boxes by choosing a stainless steel lunch box or beeswax food wrap. 

Wild and Stone offer a sample sheet of beeswax wrap which you can find here.  Simply warm the material in your hands before wrapping up your food of choice. You can then wash it with a little washing-up liquid and water before using it again!

5. Support sustainable businesses 

Here at ARK Skincare, we are in the process of making some effective changes to become greener and ensure we’re encouraging more sustainable choices for our customers. Here are some of the greener steps we've taken so far: 

Reducing Plastic

We’ve recently moved our popular moisturiser formulas over to a new jar made from a single material and half the amount of plastic making it much easier to recycle. While it may look slightly smaller, it actually contains 55ml, so you will receive an additional 5ml for free!

Recycling

Recycling is now a crucial decision for every new product development. We assess all-new packaging in terms of ease of recycling and are continuing to review whether options from recycled materials are available. Many of our packs are already easy to recycle in normal council collections. 

Terracycle

For containers that can’t be recycled in council collections, we’ve partnered with Terracycle, who recycle traditionally hard to recycle materials. We take back any used beauty containers that can’t be taken by council collections and pass these onto Terracycle who break them down into pellets and use them to make furniture and other consumer goods.

If you would like to send any of your old jars back to us for recycling, please email office@arkskincare.com and we will be happy to help. 

No more cellophane!

A huge positive change we’ve made this year is ditching cello-wrap. From now on, all new stock cartons will be secured top and bottom with a security seal, without all of the additional plastic. Please note this will be an ongoing process while we sell-through our pre-wrapped boxes. 

To find more ideas on how you can reduce your use of plastic, take a look at the sources below!

https://www.elizabethrider.com/10-easy-ways-to-use-less-plastic/

https://www.itv.com/news/2018-08-25/plastic-bag-charge-why-was-it-introduced-and-what-impact-has-it-had

https://www.thesun.co.uk/sun-selects/9812317/best-reusable-straws/

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. 

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

"These three products were selected for the Hero Collection as individually they are powerhouse formulas, each delivering exceptional results. Plus, used together in a regime they provide three essential steps that any good skincare routine needs - cleanse, hydrate & protect. Making the Hero Collection perfect for long term lovers of ARK and first time customers alike."

Katie Sangers, ARK Skincare Director

Which other products would you recommend to a first-time buyer? 

If you are new to ARK, then the Hero Collection is definitely a great introduction to our brand. We would then recommend your age intelligent cleanser and moisturiser. If you have any specific skin concerns you'd like to tackle we also have a range of six Skin Perfectors you can choose from. 

You can find out more about all of our products on our homepage.

From a young age, we’re all told to ‘remember your sunscreen!’ - but what does it do and why is protecting ourselves so important?

What types of sunlight rays are there and how can they affect my skin?

How does SPF work?

What makes ARK Skincare's Skin Protecting SPF 30 Primer so special?

You can find out more about this product here.

References:

NHS - Sunscreen & Sun Safety

ColorScience -  How Does Sunscreen Work To Protect Your Skin?

In the last few weeks, we have received some amazing product feedback so, we decided to round up some of the most recent reviews and share what everyone has been loving with you!

Age Defend Night Treatment 

“I am so impressed with it that I can’t imagine using anything else at bedtime now. Using this combination of products has my skin feeling soft, supple and brighter, protected against the harsh winter weather” - Even Angels Fall, Lifestyle & Beauty Blogger

“I've used the Age Defend Regenerating Night Treatment most nights for nearly three weeks and I would confidently recommend it to virtually anyone who has skin. It feels a little bit indulgent to use, absorbs nicely and, so far, has made my face feel more hydrated and comfortable than it has in a long time.” Lippy In London, Beauty Blogger

"When it comes to the colder months, my skin needs a bit more oomph in my moisturiser and this fits the bill perfectly. It has kiwi seed oil (omega 3 fatty acids for moisture and to help the skin barrier), passion fruit oil (anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory), Prodizia (for signs of fatigue), and CoQ10 (an antioxidant to help the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles)." Talonted Lex, Beauty Blogger

Age Defend Moisturiser

"ARK Skincare is a brand I've reviewed and raved about on my blog for a while now and I cannot recommend their Age Defend Replenishing Moisturiser enough (it's my favourite product of theirs, closely followed by the new Age Defend Night Treatment" Of Beauty & Nothingness, Beauty Blogger

"Now I must admit I'm always a little nervous about trying new moisturisers as I hate heavy products that feel too rich & worry that they will lead my hormonal skin to breakouts.  However, this product is anything but heavy & contains Co-enzyme Q10 & collagen-boosting vitamin A & despite the fact I initially pumped too much out of the bottle I was amazed at how quickly it absorbed into my skin & instantly left it feeling smoother & looking plumper."

"I love candlelight. Something about it is so soothing. And better yet if the candle smells incredible. I’ve recently been loving the ARK Spa Aromatics Travel Candle. It’s small enough to take it with you on your travels so you can take your favourite scent with you wherever you go but big enough to have lots of burn time." Beauty Rocks, Lifestyle & Beauty Blogger

Gua Sha Jade Tool 

"At night, (especially when I was using the tool on my neck) I felt a lot of tension released.  That’s what sitting at a laptop for most of the day typing can do for you folks! I did – through repeated use (and I stress the repeated use) – notice a difference especially to my eye area – it did appear that my brows were lifted and my eyes were more open." Living Pretty Happy, Beauty & Lifestyle Blogger

Pre-Cleanse Makeup Remover & Defend Conditioning Cleanser

"I've been using these products for a few weeks now & I'm impressed with both.  The Pre Cleanse & Make-Up Remover effectively removes all traces of my make up, even when wearing a heavy smokey eye & when used with the Conditioning Cleanser I've found my skin has been left feeling deeply cleansed & smooth." My Midlife Fashion, Fashion Blogger 

Triple Action Exfoliator 

"I’ve used the ARK Skincare Triple Action Exfoliator once and I adored it.

Once I washed the exfoliator off my face, my skin felt incredibly soft and smooth. This is such a satisfying feeling and I couldn’t stop touching my face. It reminded me of when I got a microdermabrasion treatment as my skin’s texture felt completely renewed."  A Womans Confidence Beauty & Lifestyle Blogger.

Skin Perfector Clearing Serum

" Before I used this serum, I genuinely used to use about four different ones to try and target different issues but this one does it all. It saves so much time only having to apply one product and I’ve definitely noticed a huge difference since using this serum. My pores are definitely way less obvious, it calms my redness and even my blackheads have reduced." According to Alice Beauty & Lifestyle Blogger. 

Skin Protector: SPF 30 Primer 

"This went onto the skin beautifully and was super easily absorbed. I had been searching for a new daily SPF product for months and this is literally exactly what I wanted to add to my skincare routine, as I know it's protecting my skin from any harmful UVA and UVB rays, maintaining its youthfulness and overall health as well. "The "airbrush" finish allows makeup to glide on effortlessly and last all day long." Coconut Couture, Lifestyle Blogger

Skin Essential Reverse Gravity Eye Cream 

"Another award-winning product I have been enjoying using is the ARK Skincare Gravity Defying Eye Treatment. This product is amazing at reducing the appearance of wrinkles and help to fade dark circles and diminishes puffiness."  Juelook, Beauty & Lifestyle Blogger

You can view all of these products using the links above, or click here to go straight to the  ARK Skincare website!