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

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

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

Image: ARK Skincare's Protect Vitality Cleanser

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

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

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

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

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

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

4. Tidy up your skincare

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

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

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

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

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

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

References:

NHS - Eating Well Guide

The Fox & She - Detoxing Your Skin

Glamour - What Is Double Cleansing?

ELLE - Everything You Need To Know About Double Cleansing

When did you last wash your makeup brushes? 

Dirty make up brushes can be responsible for the transfer of bacteria, viruses and fungi and can cause cold sores, acne flare ups, conjunctivitis or worse. One woman even contracted MRSA from sharing her friend's make up brush, which is pretty alarming. Read more here. 

There have been a number of studies into how much bacteria can live on make up and make up 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!

Applying make up with dirty hands or brushes can allow the bacteria, viruses or fungi present to enter any broken skin causing skin irritations and infections. If you suffer with sensitivities, congested skin or acne you may want to reevaluate how hygienic your make up and make up brushes are. It could be one reason for your skin concerns. Go and clean those brushes now!

Did you know? 

Bacteria lives on our hands all the time. Many are totally harmless but some can be pathogens. Pathogens are bacteria or viruses which cause infection. 

Bacteria lives on our hands all the time. Many are totally harmless but some can be pathogens. Pathogens are bacteria or viruses which cause infection.

To ensure you do not transfer harmful bacteria into your skincare products use brands which have contamination free jars. That is, containers which you do not put your fingers in. If your skincare comes in an open pot or jar, make sure you use a spatula to access the cream or lotion. Putting your fingers into a jar, however clean you think they are, will transfer bacteria and allow them to multiply in the formulation.

All ARK Skincare products are housed in contamination free packaging. You can not put your fingers into any of our formulations to keep them hygienic. For example our moisturisers cleverly dispense from an airless jar via a push down pump.

Learn more about our award winning products on our website, at one of our partner salons or by giving our friendly customer service team a call on 0203 740 3303

*             *            *             *

Learn more

You’re getting married, congratulations!

Every bride wants to look their most beautiful on their wedding day. By starting a great skincare routine at least 8 weeks before your wedding, you can ensure your skin will be clear, radiant and healthy on your special day.

Here are our top 5 tips to make for stress-free wedding preparations:

1. Choose a Cleanser and Moisturiser designed for your skin’s age related needs.

Age Protect – for your teens and twenties - focuses on balancing skin, keeping it clear, healthy and protected against future ageing.

Age Defend – for your thirties and forties - aims to maximise collagen production and boost moisture levels for soft, supple skin.

Age Defy – for your 50s and onwards -  helps to brighten skin and fade sun spots for a more even, radiant skin tone, as well as providing deep nourishment to plump lines and wrinkles.

2. Sign up to bridal social networking site UKBride. This one stop shop for all things bridal contains Free Wedding Planning Tools, Tips & Advice and you’ll receive a free magazine. You can search suppliers, chat to fellow brides and browse over 5,000 wedding dresses. It’s free to sign up and you will be entered into a competition to win your dream wedding worth £25.

5. Keep skin calm and under control. Our DeStress Serum is the perfect product to ensure that your skin is stress-free, even if you’re not. This protective serum banishes redness, hydrates dry patches and keeps breakouts at bay.

4. Protect, Hydrate and Glow. If there’s one product you’ll need on your wedding day, it’s our SPF30 Primer. This multi-tasker gives skin a radiant glow without flashing back in photos, primes your make-up for flawless, all-day wear and protects your skin against redness and burning when you’re outside having your photos taken. It’s our no.1 Bridal Skin Saviour!

5. Spoil yourself. Organising a wedding is hard work so make time for yourself and get your skin in the best possible health by booking a monthly facial at the ARK Salon in Putney. We can also take care of your pre wedding prep including waxing, manicure, pedicure and natural spray tan. Click here for our treatment menu.

We hope our tips help you feel sensational on your wedding day. Wishing you the happiest day ever!