Less than 10 days until the big day - we can’t quite believe it! Are you feeling ready for the Christmas break?...

If you’re still looking for ways to get yourself feeling festive then hopefully we can help!  In this post, we share some of our favourite Christmas activities to give you some ideas on how you can keep busy in the build-up to the 25th. 

1. Bake a festive treat!

It’s Christmas, so of course, we have to start with food... Now is certainly the time to allow yourself to indulge a little! There are so many different festive recipes out there for all kinds of different snacks and sweet treats - you’re bound to find something to make your tummy rumble. Why not have a go at making your own treats to enjoy? Here are some yummy recipes we like the look of! 

2. Gift Wrapping

With just a few weeks left to go, it’s time to finish off your Christmas shopping and get wrapping! There are so many fun, creative ways to wrap gifts. We love the look of these Furoshiki wrapping cloths; they are such a unique and fun way to wrap a gift for somebody, plus they can be reused again and again to avoid excess waste!

If you’re looking for more sustainable ways to wrap your gifts, perhaps you could opt for the types of wrapping paper which are much easier to recycle (foil or glitter-decorated paper cannot be recycled and needs to go in the general waste). There are so many clever and sustainable ideas/ DIY hacks online to keep yourself busy. Perhaps you could even have a go at creating your own wrapping paper or wrapping your presents in reusable tote bags! Take a look at ours here.

If you’ve left your Christmas shopping to the last minute and are still on the hunt for the perfect gift, make sure to head over to the ARK Skincare website before the weekend! We have so many popular gift sets for all different ages so there is something for absolutely everybody - but be quick! The last day to place an order to ensure it arrives before Christmas is Sunday 20th December before midnight. 

3. Treat yourself to a pamper evening!

While you might not have so many Christmas parties to get dressed up for this year, the Christmas break is definitely a good excuse to give yourself some extra TLC. Why not treat yourself to a relaxing pamper evening? Maybe a glass of mulled wine too?... You deserve it!

If you’re looking for something to give your skin an extra pick me up, head on over to our website to take a look at our Skin Perfectors. We have our Hydration Injection Masque which will give your skin a generous boost of hydration (your best friend during the colder months!) and our Triple Action Exfoliator to help gently scrub away dead skin and debris from the surface, leaving you with a radiant glow. 

We also have 6 Skin Perfecting Serums to keep you looking and feeling your best, depending on which skin concerns you’d like to tackle!

4. Reach out to somebody 

If you’re unable to visit certain friends or family members this year but still want to share some festive cheer, don’t forget to reach out and let your loved ones know you’re thinking of them! There’s just enough time to write your Christmas cards and get your last gifts in the post!

If you’re in need of ideas, we have a generous selection of gifts to choose from on our website and you even have the option to ship directly to your recipient - just make sure to remember to amend the shipping address at checkout! 

5. Donate to those in need 

Christmas is the time to show some generosity and goodwill and there are certainly people in need & lots of amazing charities who would appreciate your support. 

We recently gifted some of our products to the Haslemere food bank who were so grateful to receive a donation. They couldn’t wait to wrap and gift them at their Christmas distribution and reminded us that it really does mean a lot to those who are struggling.

Do you have items that you no longer use that would make a great gift for somebody? Is there something you could donate to a local charity? You might just make someone's Christmas day!

Not long to go now!...

Hopefully we have inspired you to get stuck into something fun and festive to boost your Christmas spirit. We'd love to see what you get up to! Be sure to tag us in your stories and posts @arkskincare. 

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. 

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/

We’re certain we’re not the only ones who are thrilled to have some normality back after the unbelievable few months we’ve all had. However, keeping ourselves safe and well is still as important as ever, so as well as remembering to keep our distance and wear our masks in shops, washing our hands should still be a top priority. With that in mind, in this post, we'll be focusing on our popular Vitality Hand & Body Wash. 

Why It’s So Important To Wash Your Hands 

When germs and bacteria get into your body, they can make you sick. The most common way germs get into the body is through the eyes, nose and mouth - places we often touch without even realizing.  Bacteria from unwashed hands can also be transferred to other objects, like handrails, tabletops, or toys, and then transferred to another person’s hands. Therefore, it’s really important to keep your hands clean to avoid picking up or spreading germs around. 

How To Wash Your Hands

No, a quick splash of water under the tap doesn't count! To clean your hands properly, it’s really important to lather up with a good quality soap and use enough to ensure your hands are completely covered before rinsing them off. Always make sure to dry your hands properly too as this will help avoid them getting cracked and dry. To keep hands nourished, follow up with ARK's Intensive Hand & Nail Cream.

ARK Skincare’s Vitality Hand & Body Wash

Our popular hand and body wash is a firm favorite of many for its gorgeous scent and gentle, softening properties. Our soap-free wash is made from 98% natural ingredients, perfect for those who suffer from eczema or sensitive skin. 

Natural active ingredients include: 

• Coconut - An amazing natural cleanser which also helps to improve skin's texture. 
• Sea Minerals - Helps to strengthen the skin tissues, maintain the chemical balance of the skin, stimulate blood circulation and eliminate toxins.
• Vitamin B5 - helps to keep skin soft, smooth, and healthy. It is also deeply hydrating and helps keep skin quenched by absorbing moisture from the air. 

How & When Should I Use It?

 Our wash can be used as a hand or body wash - the perfect 2 in 1!  Use it on your hands, in the shower, or add to a running bath to create soft, fresh-smelling bubbles to soak in. 

Press & Awards

FINALIST - Best New Bath & Shower Product - Pure Beauty Awards 2019

“Gentle enough for use throughout all stages of pregnancy & beyond” Babyworld

"This is so beautiful, so hydrating, and clears up my eczema flare-ups with no problem!" - Boy Does Beauty, Skincare Blogger

Free Gift With Purchase! 

For a limited time only, you can receive a FREE Vitality Hand & Body Wash when you spend over £49 this weekend! Head over to the ARK Skincare website to find out more. 

Have you ever suffered from dry or cracked lips? We can help! In this post, we focus on ARK Skincare’s popular Advanced Action Plumping Lip Cream and how it's ingredients help to keep lips soft and supple throughout the day. 

Why do I need a lip cream? 

 Your lips are made of skin just like the rest of your face, so it's important not to forget them when practicing your skincare routine. By using a high-quality lip treatment, you can ensure your lips are kept well hydrated and avoid them from coming dry and sore. 

ARK Skincare’s Advanced Action Plumping Lip Cream

This intensive lip treatment smoothes, plumps and firms the skin. It also helps to reduce visible lines and wrinkles to keep skin looking healthy and youthful. Hardworking active ingredients help to hydrate and create a protective barrier to protect lips in all extreme weather conditions. The perfect product to keep your lips soft and hydrated throughout the day.

Key Ingredients:  

Maxi Lip - a complex of clinically proven plumping Peptides that increase lip volume appearance and hydration. 

Allantoin - moisturises and soothes sensitive lips.

Macadamia Lipids - helps to restore the skin’s hydrolipidic film, maintaining softness and preventing dryness.

How to use: 

Use alone as a nourishing treatment to keep your lips soft throughout the day, or before applying lipstick as a hydrating primer. Pat the product gently into the lips to feel the formulation instantly soak into the skin. 

Tip: For an extra intensive treatment, apply before bed and leave on overnight. 

You can find out more about our Advanced Action Plumping Lip Cream on the ARK Skincare website. Or to read more of our other blog posts you can click here! 

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. 

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?

What is Eczema?

Atopic eczema (atopic dermatitis) is the most common form of eczema, a condition that causes the skin to become itchy, dry and cracked. It can affect any part of the body but is most common on hands, the insides of elbows and the back of knees.

Causes of Eczema

Unfortunately, there isn’t one specific cure for eczema. Treatment for the condition aims to heal the affected skin and prevent flare-ups of symptoms.

Here are our top tips for managing symptoms and keeping them under control.

ARK Skincare's Uplifting Care Package

Includes: 

• ARK Skincare Travel bag
• Mini Hydrating Beauty Mist
• Vitality Body Wash 
• Nourishing Hand and Nail Cream

Facial Massage Set

Includes: 

•  Hydration Injection Masque
• Jade Tool & Velvet Pouch

You can find lots of our thoughtful gifts here.

We know it can be hard to find things to talk about now everyone is spending so much more time at home; so it’s time to think outside the box! Why not plan a virtual pub quiz evening with friends and family, or perhaps watch a film together via zoom? There are still ways of keeping things light-hearted and fun! 

If you want some company at dinner time, why not schedule a ‘dinner date’ with a friend or family member? (A fun idea for couples too!) Spend some getting ready, choose a nice outfit like you would if you were going out, then prepare a yummy meal before calling your date! They can still be at the opposite end of the table, even if they are a little further away...  Don’t forget dessert!

While we can’t go to the gym, why not sign up to an online workout class with a friend? It will give you something to commit to and you can encourage each other to stay motivated. It’s a great way to keep active, and you can catch up afterwards about how you found it! 

If you're looking for something to keep you occupied, why not find an online community to join? There are so many online groups for all sorts of different things from blogging and baking to fitness and beauty. 

Search for a hashtag online and find like-minded people who share your interests. You can find recipes, DIY's and tutorials for all kinds of things. You can guarantee to find something that will keep you busy!

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?

Feeling flushed? Suffering from persistent redness? It may be rosacea, which is more common than you think. It is, unfortunately, not something you can cure, but you may like to try our top tips for keeping it under control.

1. Protect your skin from damaging UV rays

UV rays are the number one cause of rosacea flare-ups, so it's important to use a good quality SPF all year round and ensure to cover up when in direct sunlight. Take a look at our SPF 30 Primer here - it's the perfect product to protect your skin and it creates a smooth base for makeup application too.

2.Consider the environment around you. Extremes of temperature and pollution can aggravate rosacea. Hot weather, cold winds, high humidity, and urban pollution can all be problematic. Keep cool, avoid steam, wrap up against cold winds, and protect from pollution. 

3. Manage stress levels.

Stress is known to exaggerate skin concerns. Use stress management strategies and take care of your whole self. Sleep, eat well, exercise, and consider including meditation or breathing exercises in your daily routine. This will help you not to put unnecessary pressure on yourself and help to calm your mind and body.

4. Keep well

 Being unwell can show on your skin. Fever, coughs and colds, high blood pressure, and serious illness can cause rosacea to flare up. Occasionally long term medication can affect the sensitivity of your skin. If you take medication and suffer from redness discuss it with your GP and explore alternatives. Consider taking multivitamins to keep well especially those with vitamin C and Zinc.

5. Wash your make up brushes

In an independent survey of 1000 people 44% said they had never cleaned their make up brushes! Several studies have shown that makeup brushes can be contaminated with dangerously high levels of bacteria, and in some cases carried more bacteria than was found on a loo brush! Clean those brushes to prevent skin irritations and redness flare-ups.

6. Go make up free

Consider having a break from makeup and see if your redness comes down. Some ingredients in cosmetics can cause irritation. If you have a break from makeup and your skin improves reintroduce your products one by one to see which ones cause a flare-up. You may be able to identify key ingredients to avoid.

7. Avoid scent

Scent can be a major cause of skin irritation. Stop using perfumes and avoid facial, body, and bath products that are highly scented. Even some essential oils can be irritating to the skin, so it's important to choose products that are as natural as possible as these won't contain any harsh chemicals. 

8. Alter your exercise routine

Exercise is reported by many rosacea sufferers as a cause of flare-ups. But don’t stop exercising! It is essential to your stress management and overall wellbeing. Instead, alter the way you exercise. Consider short blasts of high-intensity workouts rather than prolonged sessions. Avoid working out in a stuffy hot room, but instead, make sure the gym is well ventilated and ideally air-conditioned. Try using a beauty mist to keep cool during classes. Try swimming. AND always keep hydrated. It is essential to keep your water consumption up.

9. Skincare Products can help but choose carefully. Select products that are created for sensitive skin as these will be free of known irritants and strong fragrances. It's also important to keep your skincare routine simple– “less is more” as they say. Don't chop and change your products either, introduce products one by one over a matter of weeks to avoid over-stimulating the skin. When applying products be gentle. Do not rub your face, or use harsh exfoliators or scrubs, and when cleansing with water avoid extremes of temperature - use hand warm water and a soft cloth. Resist the temptation to wash your face when in a power shower. The strong jets can cause sensitivity and redness to flare.

Our soothing Anti-Redness Serum contains a botanical complex clinically proven to calm and protect sensitive, and regularly receives 5-star reviews. It has also been featured by Talontedlex, a popular skincare blogger who openly talks about her favourite products to help rosacea. You can find out more about this award-winning product here.

Controlling rosacea involves looking at all aspects of your lifestyle. Follow these tips to help keep your skin calm. Don’t be disheartened or allow it to upset you. You are not alone. In fact, you are in good company with film stars, princes, and presidents reportedly suffering. You can always chat with us on socials @arkskincare or email sales@arkskincare.com for help and product advice. We love hearing from you!

1. Online Workout Videos

2. Live Workouts 

Lots of celebrities and online influencers are using their platform positively by live-streaming with their personal trainers and inviting their following to join in too! A great way to feel part of something and get a real sense of community, while getting some exercise in too! Here are some ideas for people to follow...

@thebodycoach

@zannavandijk

@nobsguides

3. Fitness Apps

4. Yoga & Pilates

If you fancy the idea of learning a new skill, why not give yoga or pilates a go? It has lots of different benefits such as increasing your flexibility, strength and posture. It can help to relax and calm the mind. One of our favourites is Karen Eccles @pilatesfromwithin, who is hosting live workout classes. A nice therapeutic way to start or end the day!

5. Get Creative!

You don’t need to commit to a whole workout to stay active, it's just about finding ways to keep yourself moving. Do some star jumps in the garden, have a dance in the kitchen while you cook dinner or even just walk up and down the stairs a few times - that'll get your heart rate up! Improvise with what you have available. Who needs dumbbells? Grab a bottle of water or a few cans of beans!

6. Walking/Running/Cycling

We all know it’s very important to stay at home as much as possible at the moment. However, we are still allowed our hours of exercise per day which is worth taking advantage of! While keeping a distance from others who may be out and about, why not take a walk, run or cycle? Fresh air is still as important as ever to keep brain fog away!

7. Take your chair away!

Is sitting at a desk or on the sofa all day is making you feel sluggish? Sitting down for long periods of time is thought to slow the metabolism and make us feel tired.

Why not create a standing desk to work at instead? Some say it can even improve productivity and focus as it keeps you more alert! 

Wrapping Up With A Gentle Reminder...

While keeping active is great for both the body and the mind, please don’t pressure yourself. Lots of online content is all about being productive 24/7 at the moment and while that might be great for some, we must remember this time isn’t about becoming a fitness guru, eating kale for every meal or working 10 hour days. It's a strange time for everyone and the most important thing we can do is take each day as it comes and do what feels right for us. Whether that be going for a run or having a PJ day, all are important. Take care of yourself. 

  Sources: 

https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/exercise/why-sitting-too-much-is-bad-for-us/

https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/uk/health/health-advice/a31697332/staying-fit-healthy-self-isolating/

http://theconversation.com/how-to-stay-fit-and-active-at-home-during-the-coronavirus-self-isolation-134044