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. 

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. 

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

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!

8 TOP TIPS

Indulgent Chocolate Cookies

Mary Berry’s Lemon Drizzle Loaf

Brilliant Banana Loaf

 Offering an act of kindness to others is always a nice thing to do. It can make somebody’s day and you’ll feel great seeing their reaction, knowing you’ve done lovely something for them. Ideas could be offering some help to somebody who is struggling, treating a loved one to a home-cooked meal or even showing a smile to a stranger. 

Having something positive to listen to is always a good way to lift the mood. Put together a playlist of all your favorite songs to put on or find something interesting to listen to. There are plenty of podcasts online where people talk about all kinds of different topics. 

For an all-round feel-good podcast, The Mental Makeover Podcast has lots of episodes on how to live a happier lifestyle, including topics such as the law of attraction, boosting your mood and improving your self-confidence. Definitely worth a listen!

Although we all know the importance of staying inside at the moment, we can still get our dose of vitamin D! Exposure to sunlight is thought to increase the brain's release of a hormone called serotonin, known as the happy hormone. Even going for a short walk or standing outside for 5-10 minutes can help. Just don't forget your SPF!

Taking some time out to practice self-care is so important for good mental health. Run a bath, pop a face mask on, grab some of your favourite body products and treat yourself to a few hours to yourself to relax and unwind. An early night now and again helps too - a rested mind makes anyone feel better!

If you really want to treat yourself, take a look at ARK Skincare's new Uplifting Care package! The perfect gift to treat yourself or a friend to. 

Was £92, now £45!

 Includes:

• Vitality Hand & Body Wash
• Nourishing Body Lotion
• Hydrating Beauty Mist 
• ARK Washbag 

 You can find more of our other care packages and gifts here.

References: 

NHS - How To Be Happy 

Psychology Today - 10 Simple Ways To Improve Your Mood 

Very Well Mind - How to Instantly Lift Your Mood

Healthline - What Are The Benefits Of Sunlight?

 

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

We could all do with a pick me up. Here is your chance to send yourself, or a friend, a care package to serve as a virtual cuddle. You can choose from our three options: Comfort, Uplift, or De-Stress. Order your favourite for yourself, or send it to a friend of your choice. Simply add the recipient's delivery address at check out.

The Comfort Care Package 

The Uplifting Care Package 

Including: 

• Mini Hydrating Beauty Mist 
•  Vitality Hand & Body Wash
• Nourishing Hand & Body Lotion
• ARK Wash Bag 

Was £92, now £45

The De-Stress Care Package

Including: 

•  De-Stress Serum 
•  Hydration Injection Masque
• Geranium, Eucalyptus & Peppermint Travel Candle  
• ARK Wash Bag

Want to include a message?

Sadly we can not include personal messages at this time. However, at check out, you can sneak in a message in the name field. Enter your recipient's name in the "first name" field, and the message in the "last name" field. The name and message will be displayed on the address label. But keep it brief due to the limited space available, and make sure you put your details in the billing address section.

At the start of this year, ARK Skincare launched two brand new night treatments. (If you missed the big news, you can find our original post here!)

We’ve given you plenty of information about each of the treatments and how they benefit your skin while you sleep, but what does everyone think?

Since these products were made available on the ARK Skincare website, we have been so thrilled with the feedback that we decided to round-up all the things that people have been loving and share them with you!

Clean Natural Scent

“It contains no artificial colours or fragrances so has a very healthy smell to it, one I personally love and one that’s not over-powering. You don’t need a lot as a little goes a long way and it applies like a dream, sinking in beautifully. My skin instantly feels plumped and hydrated.” – Tracey, Lifestyle Blogger (@the-naughtyfortydiaries)

Brighter, Softer Skin

“I’ve been using the Age Defend night cream now for 6wks. I’ve been using ARK on my skin for 4yrs, so I was very excited to get my hands on the night cream! It really does not disappoint. My skin feels amazing, it looks clearer, brighter, feels softer. It’s a lovely rich, nourishing texture without leaving the skin sticky & heavy like some night creams. It also smells divine & is a must now in my daily skincare routine.” Kate Hardy - ARK Skincare’s Resident Therapist 

Helps to Hydrate

“Nourishing and healing…the ARK’s Defend Night Treatment Cream is amazing! Light, silky smooth and provides the perfect amount of hydration. Yet another beautiful product from ARK, thank you!” Karen D - Customer 

Gentle on Sensitive Skin

“It calms down my Rosacea that tends to flare up with the cooler weather” – Annemieke, Beauty Blogger (@_beautyonreview)

A Great Under-Eye Treatment

“I simply cleanse and follow with the serum of my choice. I then apply and massage Age Defend Night Treatment in using my jade tool which feels amazingly therapeutic. The Night Treatment can even be used under the eyes as it contains Prodizia which helps reduce dark circles and eye bags.” - (@the_naughtyfortydiaries)

Gorgeous Glow

“This lightweight formula and silky texture melts quickly into the skin adding a layer of much-needed hydration. Each morning my skin looks plump, hydrated and has a youthful glow which I am loving!” Sharon, Beauty Blogger (@backtoyoubeauty)

Leaves You Looking Rested

“I’m a big fan of ARK’s Defy range, so couldn’t wait to try the new Night Treatment. It’s rich without being heavy and I’ve noticed an improvement in skin texture in only one week of using it. I feel like I wake up looking more rested now!” Judith S - Customer 

Perfect for Dry Skin

“I’ve been using the two products each night and my skin feels lovely and replenished when I go to bed right through to morning. I have sensitive, dry skin usually but it’s been looking so much clearer as well as being brighter and more supple.” – Emma, Lifestyle Blogger.  (@Evenangelsfall)

Works While You Sleep

“The cream is nicely absorbed by my skin and in the morning my skin feels soft, nourished and looks brighter already. I feel that my skin is more hydrated too, making it the perfect night cream for the winter months.” (@_beautyonreview)

It is a simple, quick and effective routine that leaves my skin prepped for its beauty sleep. (@the-naughtyfortydiaries)

Gives The Skin Some 'Oomph" 

"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

We were also thrilled to be part of Lex's February Skincare Shakeup on her blog which you can read here.

To view the night treatments on our website you can click here.

The Science of Sleep

We all know how important rest is and the struggle we can face without it. So, what happens when we sleep and why do we need it?

Sleep is incredibly important as it helps the brain to function properly. Without it, we are unable to properly process what we’re told and remember things we learned throughout the day. This is why it can be hard to focus on what would usually be fairly straight forward.

Bad or little sleep can lead to many different complications. Some are physical, such as seizures, high blood pressure and increased likelihood of illness and infection. It can also increase the risk of mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and paranoia.

Despite knowing all of the factors that are associated with lack of sleep, I was interested to find out what actually happens when we slumber. So, with that in mind, I went away and did some research of my own.

So, What Did I Find?

Sleep is regulated by our circadian rhythm (also known as our body clock). It responds to light cues and ramps up the production of melatonin – a natural hormone known as the ‘sleep hormone’ which tells our body it’s night time. Once the sun starts to go down and we are exposed to less light, melatonin is released into the bloodstream and as levels begin to rise, we start to feel sleepy. (This definitely makes me feel less guilty about feeling so sluggish in wintertime!)

When we sleep, we experience a four-stage cycle. These cycles are often repeated 3-4 times during the night, depending on how good of a sleep we get.

Stage One

This stage is the transition between being awake and falling asleep once we get comfortable, close our eyes and begin to relax. This usually lasts about 5-10 minutes.

Stage Two

This is when our heart rate and breathing begins to slow down, body temperature drops and our muscles may twitch. This stage is still fairly light and the brain produces sudden increases in brain wave frequency known as sleep spindles.

Stage Three

This is known as the “delta” stage of sleep due to the delta slow brain waves which take place. It is at this particular stage in sleep that the most growth hormone is produced to service bones, muscles and repair the body. At this point, it becomes a little harder for us to be awakened because we become less responsive to outside stimuli. 

Stage Four

Stage four is known as REM sleep (Rapid Eye Movement), the deepest stage of sleep which we usually enter about 90 minutes after initially falling asleep. This is the stage where the brain is most active, the eyes dart back and forth and breathing becomes fast and shallow. It’s also when our dreams take place. Chemicals that are released within the body render it temporarily paralyzed so that we don’t act them out in our sleep. Each REM stage can last up to an hour and an average adult has five to six a night.

ARK Skincare’s Brand-New Night Treatments

After some extensive research into the science of sleep over the past two years, ARK skincare has recently released two new night treatments. Each is packed full of active ingredients that help to aid the body’s natural repair process when we sleep, allowing us to wake up feeling rested and glowing. You can find more information about these here.

Sources

This informative video from The Economist explains each stage of sleep in detail which you can watch here 

NHS - How To Beat Insomnia

How do you keep your hands soft and supple? - A good hand cream!

Without mentioning what is going on right now, it's easy to say that we're all adamant about washing our hands a lot more. While this is extremely important, it's very easy to let your hands get dry, especially in the cold weather. So, as a gift from us to you, we're adding in a free hand cream to every order placed over £5. 

To help you to understand what makes this product a multi-award winning staple in our range, we thought we would share the ingredients that make it up, what they do and how they benefit the skin. 

Raspberry Seed Oil

Raspberry seed oil is rich in essential fatty acids such as omega 3, omega 6 and omega 9. It also contains high levels of vitamin E making it the perfect lipid choice for daily protection as it provides protection and moisture retention for the skin. 

   Shea Butter & Cocoa Butter     

Shea butter melts at skin temperature, helping to moisturise the skin as it easily absorbed without leaving the skin feeling sticky. It is well-known for overcoming dry, irritated and sensitized skin and cocoa butter can help to improve elasticity. 

   Kiwi & Avocado Oil 

Kiwi oil helps to maintain moisture in the skin and prevent drying and scaling. It can also help aid in the relief of itchy, scaly, irritated skin conditions such as eczema and dermatitis. The fatty acids within avocado oil have excellent moisturising properties that help regenerate and rejuvenate the skin. 

 Grapeseed Oil 

 Grapeseed Oil is rich in both Omega 6 and vitamin E, which helps to moisturise the skin and give it the ability to bounce back. It is easily absorbed by the skin and leaves it feeling soft and silky. This oil also contains a powerful antioxidant ingredient called proanthocyanidin. This antioxidant may even out skin tone when it’s used on your skin consistently.

              

Red Algae

Red algae is known for its amazing skin benefits including increasing moisture, moisture retention and promoting smooth skin. It also has the ability to block UV rays, protecting the skin against pigmentation, sun damage, and dark spots. It has also been clinically proven to prevent wrinkles. 

Blackcurrant Seed Oil 

Press & Awards

Click here to shop and claim your free hand cream now!