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Self Care 101 - Our 5 Top Tips On Taking Care Of Yourself
Jun 20, 2020Doesn’t it feel crazy to think that we’re halfway through the year? It’s pretty fair to say that no one predicted this is how 2020 was going to go and it’s certainly not been an easy ride. While many of our situations have been very different, we have all learned to adapt to the new ways of living and it's been rather unsettling, to say the least.
But, we are moving forward. Small signs of normality are slowly returning which is definitely a positive step. However, despite it being what we’ve wanted to hear for so long, we know it can feel overwhelming at times - especially after being programmed to stay indoors and fear the outside world for so long.
With that in mind, we thought we would share our tips on how to practice a little self-care, be kind to yourself and remember to take some time out when you need to.
It can feel like a sudden shock to the system now that the world is opening back up again so it’s completely normal to feel unsettled or nervous. We just have to remember that everybody is learning to adapt to this change and we are never on our own. If you’re feeling isolated, reach out to a friend or family member and share how you’re feeling. As they say, a problem shared is a problem halved!
Take some time out for you. Everyone feels a little better after pampering. Find some relaxing music or a good tv show and spend some time doing things that make you feel good. Whether it be indulging in a hot bubble bath, washing your hair, or practicing your skincare routine, spending a few hours focusing on yourself can really help to relax.
With everything that’s going on at the moment, it’s perfectly normal to feel anxious. As we mentioned earlier, this is new to all of us and can feel very strange at times, so it’s important to remember to be kind to ourselves while we adapt to this new way of life.
Another thing to be mindful of is how much time we spend online. While being so limited with what we can do during the lockdown, many of us have reached for our screens. While they can be great a source of entertainment, it’s important to keep a balance and not compare ourselves to others and what they’re doing. Make sure you're following accounts that uplift you and make you feel good and steer away from those that don’t.
It’s always nice to treat yourself to something nice once in a while. Find something that you enjoy like your favorite film or food. If you fancy something different, why not have a look online? There are plenty of small businesses that would appreciate your support at the moment. If you're feeling generous you could even buy a treat for a friend - it would be a lovely way to show you're thinking of them!
We have lots of luxury gift items which you can view here.
It doesn’t have to be a daily diary if that’s not your thing, but simply writing down what’s going on for you during this time can be a great way to express yourself and get out how you feel. It might even be a keepsake to look back on in years to come to reflect on everything that happened!
Most importantly, remember to be your own friend. It's easy to feel anxious and under pressure in these uncertain times but we are all in this together and we will get through it.
Slow down, be mindful and make sure you take a break when you need one. Don't put any pressure on yourself to do anything you don't feel comfortable with and keep the conversation flowing with friends and family so you aren't isolated. You can always keep in touch with us over on instagram and facebook @arkskincare, too! We love to hear from you.
Take care & keep safe!
Product Focus: ARK Skincare's Reverse Gravity Eye Cream
Jun 08, 2020Feeling fed up with dark under-eye circles? ARK Skincare has got you covered. Our Reverse Gravity Eye Cream is the perfect product to tighten your eye area and keep it hydrated. In this post, we focus on the powerhouse ingredients that make this product so special and how they work to fade dark circles and diminish puffiness.
ARK Skincare's Reverse Gravity Eye Cream
Do I need an eye cream?
The skin around your eyes is more fragile, more prone to dryness and quicker to show age and fatigue. Squinting and constant movement of the eyes can increase the appearance of lines, wrinkles and fluids collecting under the eyes which can cause dark circles, so It's important to remember to give your eye area a pamper every so often too.
Our instant-effect eye cream does it all: reduces the appearance of wrinkles, fades dark circles, soothes dry skin and minimizes puffiness.
Ingredients
Beautifeye™
Beautifeye™ is an extract from the Persian Silk Tree which is proven to tighten and lift the crease of the eyelid and lessen the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes. It also helps to reduce pigmentation and reduce any puffiness.
Grapeseed Oil
Grapeseed oil is rich in linoleic acid (also known as Omega 6), an essential building block for ceramides - one of skin’s main moisturising elements that help to keep skin supple and healthy.
Grapeseed Oil also contains Vitamin E which fantastic for skin; it protects against environmental pollution and UV radiation, quenches skin with moisture and helps to soothe irritation.
Aloe Vera
This powerful ingredient is used intensively in cosmetics due to its well-known healing and rejuvenating properties. It contains antioxidants, enzymes, multiple vitamins and is also used as an anti-inflammatory. The perfect ingredient to hydrate and soothe your eyes.
Allantoin
This ingredient acts as an emollient that keeps your skin full of moisture and prevents dryness and irritation. Allantoin has a calming effect on the skin and is full of antioxidants to keep skin youthful, vibrant, and healthy. The presence of antioxidants in your skincare routine will always show in your skin.
How to Use
For the best results, use in the mornings and evenings. Gently warm a small amount of product between ring fingers and pat lightly around the eye area. Then massage in using the metallic ball. In the summer, keep your eye cream stored in the fridge for a refreshing treat on a hot day.
Reviews
Take a look at what our customers had to say!
2020 - "I really love the design of ARK Skincare Reverse Gravity Eye Cream. It’s basically a wand with a rollerball-tip." - Beautiful With Brains - Skincare Blogger
2020 - "Another award-winning product I have been enjoying using is the ARK Skincare Gravity Defying Eye Treatment. This product is amazing at reducing the appearance of wrinkles and help to fade dark circles and diminishes puffiness." Juelook, Beauty & Lifestyle Blogger
2020 - Finalist at Beauty Shortlist Awards "Best Eye Product"
"This cream is lightweight and soothing. Formulated to be used by those with even super sensitive skin, it also scores points for being vegan, cruelty-free and made in Britain...we especially loved the cooling metal ball on the end of the tube which can be used to massage the cream into the skin." - The Independent
30% off our rejuvenating eye treatment
Don't miss out! For a limited time only you can receive 30% off our Reverse Gravity Eye cream on the ARK Skincare website by clicking here.
Resources:
Herbal Dynamics Beauty - What is Allantoin & Its Role In Anti-Aging?
Healthline - Grapeseed Oil For Skin: Benefits and Uses
Product Focus: ARK Skincare's Skin Essential Pre-cleanse & Make-Up Remover
May 27, 2020At ARK Skincare, we are passionate about double-cleansing. We believe that a good cleanser and a good cleansing routine are two essential ingredients for healthy-looking and feeling skin.
In this post we are focus on our Skin Essential Pre-Cleanser & Make-up Remover and why keeping your skin clean is so important.
What is double cleansing?
Double cleansing is a two-step process to remove any make-up and bacteria and deeply cleanse the skin.
Why do I need to double cleanse?
You might be asking yourself if you really need to cleanse twice and the answer is yes! Whether you wear make-up or not, a double cleanse is essential for healthy skin. The first cleanse will remove any traces of dirt, pollution and airborne bacteria from the surface of your skin and the second cleanse will clean deeper into your pores.
By practising this routine you will be safe in the knowledge that your skin is nice and clean. If dirt and bacteria aren’t washed away, they can linger on your skin and contribute to early ageing, pigmentation and breakouts.
In addition to removing build-up, other benefits of keeping your skin clean are that it can help to prevent blemishes and even boost hydration. It’s very important to start with a clean base before applying any other products, the actives in your serum and moisturiser will not be as effective if they sit on layer of grime and dead skin cells.
ARK Skincare's Pre-Cleanse & Make-Up Remover
Product Image: ARK Skincare's Pre-Cleanse & Make-Up Remover
This gentle and nourishing award-winning cleanser is the first step to our powerful cleansing routine. The multi-fruit lipid blend with Omegas 3, 6 & 9 dissolves every last trace of daily grime, excess sebum and make-up – even waterproof mascara – while nourishing and soothing skin with a blend of natural ingredients.
Key Ingredients:
Margosa Leaf Extract - this powerhouse ingredient offers many wonderful benefits. It is used as an antiseptic, antifungal, antibacterial and antiviral. It can also help to prevent acne and infection.
Vitamin E - Fantastic for skin; it protects against environmental pollution and UV radiation, quenches skin with moisture, calms and soothes, and helps with wound and scar healing.
Zi Cao - an Ayurvedic herb, which soothes sensitive skin and helps to calm inflammation.
Grapeseed, Avocado and Kiwi Oil - Help to deeply nourish skin and protect it against dryness.
How To Use:
Apply onto dry skin with dry hands and massage gently over the face. Add warm water to turn the oil into a liquid emulsion and continue to massage into the skin before rinsing off with water. Then follow up with your age intelligent cleanser and moisturiser to lock in hydration.
References:
Sharecare - Why is it important to cleanse my skin to keep it healthy?
Glamour - What is double cleansing?
Elle - How to double cleanse your skin
How To Freshen Up Your Skincare Routine
May 23, 2020Cleaning. One of those jobs that many of us often like to put off. However, while many of us have been spending more time at home, it seems to be the first thing on everybody’s to-do list - mainly just to keep busy!
When talking about cleaning, the first things that often come to mind are our houses, cars and Monica cupboards...(if you know, you know!). But when was the last time you thought to clean out your skincare and give yourself a pamper?
This week we thought we'd share our top tips on how to freshen up your skincare routine to help you achieve clear, healthy skin!
1. Double Cleanse
Image: ARK Skincare's Protect Vitality Cleanser
Whether you wear make-up or not, a double cleanse is an essential part of any good skincare routine.
Your first cleanse will help to remove any traces of airborne bacteria, pollution and build up. If these aren’t washed away properly they can lead to pigmentation, break-outs and premature aging - no thank you!
Once you’ve removed make-up and grime from the surface, it’s time to clean deeper with your second cleanse. Massage your product in for a minute or so to give your skin a thorough clean. Then follow up with your moisturiser.
Take a look at ARK Skincare's Pre-cleanse & Make-up Remover - the powerful first step to our cleansing routine. Simply apply to dry skin before adding water to form a thin liquid emulsion. Continue massaging then rinse off with warm water. We also have a range of Age intelligent cleansers, specifically designed for each age group.
2. Wash your make up brushes
Don’t just invest in cleansing your skin - clean your brushes too! Dirty makeup brushes can be responsible for the transfer of bacteria, viruses and fungi which can cause cold sores, acne flare-ups, conjunctivitis or worse.
There have been a number of studies into how much bacteria can live on makeup and makeup brushes, and one test of 35 brushes showed 58% had high recorded levels of bacteria with 34% of them having dangerously high levels of bacteria on them. Alarmingly it was found that 44% of 1000 people surveyed said that they have never cleaned their brushes!
You may want to reevaluate how hygienic your makeup and makeup brushes are. It could be one reason for your skin concerns. Remember to think about how you store your brushes too. If they’re sitting in a grotty make-up bag go and give it a wash!
3. Be kind to your body
This doesn’t have to be all about eating kale - we promise. Be mindful of your body by making healthier choices and going easy on sugary & high fat treats.
Drink plenty of water, aim for your five a day and choose nutrient-rich foods to aid your body's natural detoxifying system and help your skin glow. Keeping active during the day is also beneficial, (for both your body and your mind!)
4. Tidy up your skincare
Product Image: ARK Skincare's Protect Vitality cleanser, Hydration Injection Masque, Triple Action Exfoliator, Skin Perfectors & Reverse Gravity Eye Cream
It’s easy to get lured in by pretty packaging and then find yourself with multiple bottles of various different products - but which do you actually use? Most of the time less is more, so choose wisely. Opt for products that use high-quality ingredients to nourish your skin.
5. Practice good Hygiene
Product Image: ARK Skincare's Hand & Body Wash Duo
Get into good habits - store your skincare in a place that you can keep clean and tidy. Aim to wash your make-up brushes regularly to ensure they aren’t spreading bacteria around and If you apply make-up with your fingers, wash your hands before each application to make sure they’re clean before touching your face.
Try to opt for contamination-free skincare products too. These are jars that you don’t have to put your fingers into. If one of your products does come in an open jar, use a spatula to access your product rather than your hands. You don’t want to be putting any bacteria into your pot!
All ARK Skincare products are housed in contamination-free packaging to keep them hygienic. You can take a look at all of our products on our website.
References:
The Fox & She - Detoxing Your Skin
Glamour - What Is Double Cleansing?
ELLE - Everything You Need To Know About Double Cleansing
How To Tackle Dehydrated Skin: Our Top 5 Tips
May 19, 2020Many 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
A steamy shower can often sound tempting - especially when it’s cold outside. However, 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 immediately after bathing to lock in hydration.
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
8 Top Tips To Help You Stay Connected
May 07, 2020
Due to current events, many of us are spending a lot more time at home. We know it can be difficult at times without friends and family around, so here are our 8 top tips to help you stay connected!
Let’s be honest, we spend a lot of time on our phones scrolling through social media, but when was the last time you called a friend? Instead of going to visit somebody, make time to sit down and call someone - even just for a few minutes. Checking in with those around you is a good reminder that you're not alone and a great way to keep others company. Perhaps you could even make a nice plan of what you'll do together when this is all over!
There’s nothing better than receiving a personally hand-written letter through the door. Especially when it's from a loved one. The time and thought that goes into letters makes them so special - they can even be a keepsake for years to come! Dig out the writing paper and jot down a message for a friend or family member. You can guarantee it’ll put a smile on their face.
There are so many amazing online stores who are still working during this time, (including ours!) You can find all kinds of different gifts online from letterbox flowers and chocolates to care packages and food parcels! Online orders also eliminate any social contact as you can ship the gift straight to the recipient.
Take a look at some of our gifts below.
ARK Skincare's Uplifting Care Package
Includes:
-
ARK Skincare Travel bag
-
Mini Hydrating Beauty Mist
-
Vitality Body Wash
-
Nourishing Hand and Nail Cream
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!
We know how important it is to keep in touch with our loved ones and make sure they’re keeping well and coping okay, but remember you’re entitled to some time for yourself too.
We’re living in a very strange time at the moment - it's almost as if we’ve come to a grounding halt. Although, while life has slowed down a lot for many of us, it can be a great opportunity to do the things that we might not usually have time for.
Most importantly, we have to do what we can to keep ourselves and each other safe, help those who need us, and stay home to save lives and support the NHS.
Take care & stay safe! x
