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ARK Skincare's 5 Top Tips For Looking After Sensitive Skin
Apr 30, 2021
What is sensitive skin?
Sensitive skin is skin that is easily irritated and more reactive than normal skin. Symptoms of sensitive skin can include red, dry or tight skin which may feel hot or sore to touch. Symptoms may be constant, or come and go depending on what causes them.
What causes sensitive skin?
There are many factors that may contribute to skin sensitivities. Skin conditions such as Rosacea and Eczema are often associated with sensitive skin as they can cause skin to be more reactive. Other causes of skin sensitivities may include extreme weather conditions such as strong winds or sun, stress, fatigue or even dietary habits.
How can I treat it?
There are many things to consider when looking after sensitive skin. In this post, we share our 5 top tips and some of our best product suggestions to help you calm and nourish your skin. Keep reading to find out more!
1. Prioritize your cleansing routine
Pictured: ARK Skincare's Skin Essential Pre-Cleanse & Make-Up Remover
Cleansing is one of the single most important things you can do for your skin. Throughout the day, bacteria is attracted to our skin through touch, sweat and environmental pollutants.
If bacteria is left on the skin, it can linger, grow and contribute to early ageing, pigmentation and breakouts. Therefore, double cleansing is essential for removing make-up, daily grime and excess oils to ensure skin is left thoroughly cleansed.
If you are new to the idea of double cleansing, we have lots of helpful information in our previous blog posts including a Q&A with ARK Skincare’s CEO Tamsin Styles (here) and a step-by-step guide on how to cleanse your face properly (here).
You may also like to take a look at our Pre-Cleanse & Make-Up Remover. The effective oil based-formulation attracts excess oils and lifts grime and bacteria from the surface while nourishing the skin with a blend of essential oils. To learn more about this product and read some of our fabulous customer reviews, click here to head over to our website.
2. Cleanse your skin with lukewarm water
Cleansing with hot water strips skin of its natural oils & can exacerbate sensitivities, so it is always best to cleanse your face with lukewarm water instead. Lukewarm water helps to loosen the dirt and grime, but preserves your skin's natural hydrating oils.
Once you have finished cleansing, make sure to gently pat your skin dry with a cotton face cloth. Avoid rubbing your skin as this may cause irritation.
3. Use gentle skincare products to soothe and nourish your skin
Pictured: ARK Skincare's Skin Perfectors
If you suffer from sensitive skin, it is important to steer away from products with any harsh ingredients that may cause irritation. Instead, choose skincare products which contain high-quality natural ingredients that will gently soothe and nourish your skin.
Here at ARK Skincare, all of our products contain a high percentage of natural ingredients, created with sensitive skin in mind. We ensure our formulations are FREE FROM Parabens, SLS, mineral oil, S.D. Alcohol, Formaldehyde, and Artificial Colours & Fragrances as we understand avoiding these irritants is the first step in achieving optimum skin health.
We also use hard-working active ingredients in all of our products which are carefully selected to help nourish and soothe the skin. Allantoin & Bisabolol are used in many of our product collections and are especially gentle, making them ideal for sensitive skin.
Allantoin offers exceptional healing, moisturising, and soothing properties, making it perfect for use on sore or irritated skin. It is found naturally in most organisms, and is the active ingredient in Comfrey Root which has been used for centuries in medicinal preparations.
Allantoin's anti inflammatory and highly efficient hydrating properties make it a skin calming "must have" for anyone with skin sensitivities. Clinical trials demonstrated a significant decrease in irritation; a reduction in redness; and an increase in moisture content after application. It can help heal and protect skin.
Find Allantoin in the ARK Skincare Reverse Gravity Eye Cream; Hydrating Beauty Mist; Radiance Serum; Plumping Lip Cream; and Intensive Hand & Nail Cream.
Bisabolol, is found in soothing Chamomile, but can also be sourced from the Candeia Tree in Brazil. It is a natural remedy which soothes very sensitive and easily inflamed, or irritated skin, and can also assist the absorption of other active ingredients. It has anti inflammatory and antioxidant properties and has been widely used for centuries to help calm and soothe and heal. In addition it can help fade hyperpigmentation and even out skin tone giving a brighter complexion.
Bisabolol is an active ingredient in the ARK Skincare De Stress Serum and the Conditioning Body Serum.
To learn more about our soothing products and learn more about the key-active ingredients we use, click here to visit the ARK Skincare website.
4. Keep to a simple and consistent routine
While we know it can feel tempting to try lots of different products with the hope to treat sensitivities, doing so may overstimulate your skin and actually do more harm than good.
To keep your skin calm, resist the urge to chop and change between lots of products. Instead, create a simple routine with a selection of high-quality products which is easy for you to stick to. Consistency is key.
Have you ever heard of a skin cycle? The skin cycle is where a new skin cell is formed at the deepest layer of the epidermis and works its way up to the surface of the skin. On average a skin cycle is 5-6 weeks. Therefore, we would recommend trying any new products for at least 6 weeks to see results.
If you know your skin is particularly sensitive, we would always recommend patch testing any new products on a small area such as the side of your neck before applying it to a larger area to ensure your skin reacts well.
It is also a good idea to add new products to your routine one by one over a matter of days. This means that if your skin were to react to a product, you will be able to determine which one it was and narrow down which ingredients your skin may be sensitive to.
5. Remember to apply your SPF
Pictured: ARK Skincare's Skin Protector SPF 30 Primer
The sun’s ultraviolet rays (UV) rays can cause multiple skin issues including premature aging, pigmentation and increased sensitivity. SPF products help to shield skin from these harmful ways and ensure it is kept protected. Look out for broad ‘spectrum’ protection which will protect your skin against both UVA (ageing) and UVB (burning) radiation. You can learn more about the importance of wearing SPF by visiting our blog.
ARK Skincare’s Skin Protector SPF 30 Primer offers broad spectrum protection as well as working as your daily moisturiser and the perfect make-up primer, tackling 3 jobs in one.
If you are experiencing soreness, redness, irritation, inflammation or tightness please do look at our collection of products curated for such concerns.
ARK Skincare’s Sensitivity & Redness collection is filled with products that utilise natural ingredients with proven soothing and anti-redness properties to de-stress and calm irritated skin, reducing the signs of redness. Plus, each of these formulations have undergone independent testing to verify their suitability for sensitive skin.
To learn more about our products, you can visit our website www.arkskincare.com, or follow us on social media! @arkskincare
For personal recommendations, please contact our customer care team who will be more than happy to help and answer any questions you may have.
ARK Skincare's Advanced Action Lip Cream
Jul 07, 2020Have 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!
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
Living with Atopic Eczema: Our 10 Top Tips
May 09, 2020
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.
Some may have small patches of dry skin and others may have larger areas of inflammation. People who suffer from eczema usually experience periods when symptoms are less noticeable, as well as periods when symptoms become more severe. These are called flare-ups.
Causes of Eczema
No one is entirely sure what exactly causes eczema but The National Eczema Association believes a combination of genes and triggers are involved. Those with eczema tend to have an overactive immune system and when triggered by a substance inside or outside the body, it responds by producing inflammation. This is what causes the red, itchy and painful skin symptoms associated with 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.
1. Don’t scratch
Although it can be tempting, when you scratch or even rub, you can make the itch and your eczema worse. Some people scratch so much they bleed, and that's a setup for infection. Instead, try using a cold compress to cool the skin and apply moisturiser to avoid it from drying out.
2. Keep a food diary
People with eczema can experience inflammation from eating certain foods. Common triggers are citrus fruits, dairy and gluten/wheat but each person will have unique triggers they should avoid. Keep a note of what you are eating and be mindful of how/if your skin reacts. This can help to illuminate what causes your flare-ups and which foods you should try to avoid.
3. Choose Skincare Products Carefully:
Choose products that are advertised as “safe for sensitive skin” that won't include irritants that may affect your eczema. Stay away from products that are highly scented as fragrance can be a number one cause for irritation. People with particularly sensitive skin should always introduce new products slowly over a matter of days. It may also be a good idea to perform a patch test on the neck or inside of your arm to ensure your skin reacts well before applying to a large area. If you wash your hair while standing in the shower, using a gentle shampoo and conditioner is worth considering too.
4. Choose soft fabrics.
Material that is rough, too tight, or itchy can trigger eczema. Allowing yourself to get too warm can make you sweat and cause a flare-up as well. Synthetic materials such as nylon, rayon, and polyester tend to be warmer which can cause itchiness and prolong the effects of eczema so are best avoided. Opt for soft clothes that are gentle on your skin and keep it cool.
5. Learn your allergens
Eczema may flare up when you’re around things that may cause an allergic reaction. These can be different for each person, so it’s important to be mindful of things that may cause you to react. Some of the most common allergens are: seasonal pollen, dust mites, fine fur from cats and dogs, mold and dandruff. Taking note of the appearance of your skin each day can help to identify things you should avoid.
6. Manage stress.
Stress is known to exaggerate skin concerns. Use stress management strategies and take care of yourself. Sleep, eat well, exercise, and consider including meditation or breathing exercises in your daily routine.
7. Choose the right form of exercise
Exercising can lower stress, boost the immune system and help to keep you healthy. However, the downside is that sweat can also trigger eczema to flare-up. As sweat evaporates, the skin dries and is left with a salty residue that can irritate eczema and encourage you to itch. If you are suffering from a flare-up, try low-impact exercises like walking, yoga or pilates. These can be helpful to relieve stress and give your skin a break.
8. Be aware of your environment
Many people with eczema become itchy if they get too hot. This can happen if you get too sweaty or layer up too many clothes. During the cold winter months, it’s important not to allow your skin to dry out from harsh winds, so always make sure to keep skin hydrated with gentle moisturising creams.
9. Avoid Hot Water
When your skin is irritated, a hot shower can often feel like a great way to temporarily relieve itching. However, dermatologists warn that this can actually make eczema worse. Hot water dries out the skin and causes it to crack and become sore. Turn the heat down and soak in luke-warm water instead as this will absorb into the skin. Moisturise straight after bathing to lock in hydration.
10. Look after your hands
It is important that we wash our hands throughout the day to get rid of any nasty germs and bugs. With the current pandemic, we are all being encouraged to do this as often as possible to reduce the risk of infection. However, it’s important to take care of our skin too. Make sure to pat your hands dry as opposed to rubbing them as this can make them sore. Always follow up with hand cream. You can read more about how to treat sore hands here.
All of ARK Skincare’s products contain a high percentage of natural ingredients and are made without any known irritants, made with sensitive skin in mind. Find out more about our products on our website
References:
Patient - How To Wash Your Hands If You Have Eczema or Dry Skin
National Eczema Association: How To Exercise Safely With Eczema
April is Rosacea Awareness Month - Here Are Our Top Tips for dealing with Rosacea
Apr 21, 2020Feeling 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!
