Blog
The facts about SPF, UVA & UVB - get sun protection savvy
May 01, 2020From 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?
UVA Rays
UVA rays are associated with skin ageing. 95% of these rays reach the earth's surface, causing short-term effects such as immediate tanning and possible sunburn. They affect the inner cells in the top layer of skin and are responsible for causing premature ageing, pigmentation, and are even linked to some types of skin cancer.
UVA rays present themselves all day long, all year round. They can penetrate through clouds and windows too, so even on the cloudy days that you spend indoors, you’re still exposed and should always remember your SPF!
UVB Rays
UVB rays have shorter wavelengths, so only 5% of these reach the earth’s surface. However, they have a considerably higher energy level meaning their damage can be a lot more severe. Overexposure to UVB rays is what can cause your skin to blister and burn. It is also the cause for most skin cancers, so it is essential to protect your skin and ensure you aren’t putting yourself at risk.
How does SPF work?
A sunscreen acts as a filter, reducing how much UV radiation we’re exposed to. SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor and is the measure of a sunscreen’s ability to protect your skin from harmful UVB rays.
There are two main parts to all sun protection. The active ingredient and the emulsion. The active ingredient does the sun protection work and either absorbs or reflects the UV rays.
The sun protection factor is calculated by how much of the UVB gets through the screen.
The British Association of Dermatologists recommend SPF 30 is a good level to use to keep skin protected.
What makes ARK Skincare's Skin Protecting SPF 30 Primer so special?
Our Skin protecting SPF 30 Primer is the ultimate multi-tasker - Award winning make up primer; sunscreen; and light weight moisturiser in one. It offers 'broad-spectrum’ UV protection which means unlike many products, it protects from both UVA & UVB rays.
By making this part of your daily skincare routine, you’ll keep your skin protected without even having to think about it!
You can find out more about this product here.
References:
NHS - Sunscreen & Sun Safety
ColorScience - How Does Sunscreen Work To Protect Your Skin?
The Explainer - What Does SPF Mean & How Is It MeasuredApril Favourites
Apr 27, 2020In the last few weeks, we have received some amazing product feedback so, we decided to round up some of the most recent reviews and share what everyone has been loving with you!
“I am so impressed with it that I can’t imagine using anything else at bedtime now. Using this combination of products has my skin feeling soft, supple and brighter, protected against the harsh winter weather” - Even Angels Fall, Lifestyle & Beauty Blogger
“I've used the Age Defend Regenerating Night Treatment most nights for nearly three weeks and I would confidently recommend it to virtually anyone who has skin. It feels a little bit indulgent to use, absorbs nicely and, so far, has made my face feel more hydrated and comfortable than it has in a long time.” Lippy In London, Beauty Blogger
"When it comes to the colder months, my skin needs a bit more oomph in my moisturiser and this fits the bill perfectly. It has kiwi seed oil (omega 3 fatty acids for moisture and to help the skin barrier), passion fruit oil (anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory), Prodizia (for signs of fatigue), and CoQ10 (an antioxidant to help the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles)." Talonted Lex, Beauty Blogger
"ARK Skincare is a brand I've reviewed and raved about on my blog for a while now and I cannot recommend their Age Defend Replenishing Moisturiser enough (it's my favourite product of theirs, closely followed by the new Age Defend Night Treatment" Of Beauty & Nothingness, Beauty Blogger
"Now I must admit I'm always a little nervous about trying new moisturisers as I hate heavy products that feel too rich & worry that they will lead my hormonal skin to breakouts. However, this product is anything but heavy & contains Co-enzyme Q10 & collagen-boosting vitamin A & despite the fact I initially pumped too much out of the bottle I was amazed at how quickly it absorbed into my skin & instantly left it feeling smoother & looking plumper."
"I love candlelight. Something about it is so soothing. And better yet if the candle smells incredible. I’ve recently been loving the ARK Spa Aromatics Travel Candle. It’s small enough to take it with you on your travels so you can take your favourite scent with you wherever you go but big enough to have lots of burn time." Beauty Rocks, Lifestyle & Beauty Blogger
"At night, (especially when I was using the tool on my neck) I felt a lot of tension released. That’s what sitting at a laptop for most of the day typing can do for you folks! I did – through repeated use (and I stress the repeated use) – notice a difference especially to my eye area – it did appear that my brows were lifted and my eyes were more open." Living Pretty Happy, Beauty & Lifestyle Blogger
Pre-Cleanse Makeup Remover & Defend Conditioning Cleanser
"I've been using these products for a few weeks now & I'm impressed with both. The Pre Cleanse & Make-Up Remover effectively removes all traces of my make up, even when wearing a heavy smokey eye & when used with the Conditioning Cleanser I've found my skin has been left feeling deeply cleansed & smooth." My Midlife Fashion, Fashion Blogger
Triple Action Exfoliator
"I’ve used the ARK Skincare Triple Action Exfoliator once and I adored it.
Once I washed the exfoliator off my face, my skin felt incredibly soft and smooth. This is such a satisfying feeling and I couldn’t stop touching my face. It reminded me of when I got a microdermabrasion treatment as my skin’s texture felt completely renewed." A Womans Confidence Beauty & Lifestyle Blogger.
" Before I used this serum, I genuinely used to use about four different ones to try and target different issues but this one does it all. It saves so much time only having to apply one product and I’ve definitely noticed a huge difference since using this serum. My pores are definitely way less obvious, it calms my redness and even my blackheads have reduced." According to Alice Beauty & Lifestyle Blogger.
"This went onto the skin beautifully and was super easily absorbed. I had been searching for a new daily SPF product for months and this is literally exactly what I wanted to add to my skincare routine, as I know it's protecting my skin from any harmful UVA and UVB rays, maintaining its youthfulness and overall health as well. "The "airbrush" finish allows makeup to glide on effortlessly and last all day long." Coconut Couture, Lifestyle Blogger
Skin Essential Reverse Gravity Eye Cream
"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
You can view all of these products using the links above, or click here to go straight to the ARK Skincare website!
How To Lift Your Mood
Apr 16, 20208 TOP TIPS
We all have our days where we don't feel so good and need a little bit of comfort. So, this week, we thought we'd share some of our top tips to help lift and boost your mood, for when you're in need of a pick me up. Remember you can always chat with us on socials too, we love hearing from you! @ARKskincare
Sometimes it can feel easier to push negative emotions away, rather than actually dealing with them. However, ignoring the way you’re really feeling and bottling things up can often do more damage than good.
Be kind to yourself. Take some time out and reflect on what it is that might be making you feel down. Perhaps sharing your feelings with a friend or family member might help. Or, if you don’t feel like talking, allow yourself some time to accept how you feel. Sometimes a good cry to a sad film can relieve a lot of built-up tension and make you feel a lot better!
Chatting with friends or family members can always help to boost your mood. While we all know face to face interaction is limited right now, why not call or facetime someone you haven’t caught up with for a while? Start a virtual hangout and have your own ‘pub’ quiz with your best friends and favorite drinks, or get creative with an online game of Pictionary!
Do you ever find yourself so submerged with something, then you look at the clock and hours have gone by? Find something you enjoy doing and allow yourself some time to have fun! There’s plenty of things to keep you occupied - a funny film or tv show, writing/drawing, puzzles, online quizzes, or even virtual games you can play online with friends!
While they're a lot less chatty, if you have a pet, spend some time with them too! Animals can bring us so much joy with the little things they do and can be a great company when you're feeling low.
“The way to someone's heart is through their stomach!” - A tasty treat is always a great way to put a smile on someone's face. There are plenty of free recipes online, so why not have a go at trying one yourself? Baking can be a really therapeutic way of keeping busy for a few hours and as a bonus, you'll have an afternoon treat to go with a cup of tea!
If you're in need of some inspiration, take a look at these yummy looking recipes!
Mary Berry’s Lemon Drizzle 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.
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:
Psychology Today - 10 Simple Ways To Improve Your Mood
Very Well Mind - How to Instantly Lift Your Mood
SELF - 13 Things You Can Do To Improve Your Mood
Healthline - What Are The Benefits Of Sunlight?
Award Winners!
Mar 10, 2020
We are delighted to announce that we were awarded 7 accolades at the Beauty Shortlist Awards last week.
The Beauty Shortlist Awards was founded in 2012 by beauty journalist Fiona Klonarides and went global in 2017. All entries are independently tried and tested to reveal the 'best in class' of global beauty, so we are thrilled to be recognised.
As proud winners, we wanted to share our exciting news with you and a little about the products which were awarded.
Best Daily Moisturiser WINNER
Agedefend Replenishing Moisturiser
One of ARK’s best-sellers & loved by celebs including Lisa Falkner, this treatment moisturiser is packed full of Olive oil and Shea butter to moisturise and protect the skin against UV rays. It also includes clinically-proven anti-ageing peptides such as Matrixyl which smoothes out wrinkles, diminishing signs of premature ageing, whilst Vitamin A keeps skin strong and increases collagen production.
How & When: Apply to cleansed skin every morning.
Best Day Skincare Product for age 50+ WINNER
Agedefy Nourishing Moisturiser
Our best-selling product. This powerful moisturiser combats the signs of hormone loss such as dullness, dryness and loss of elasticity. Hyaluronic Acid visibly reduces the appearance of lines and wrinkles and blackcurrant and Borage Seed Oil contain fatty acids to deeply nourish. The rich, silky texture glides on effortlessly, providing a long-lasting base for make-up.
How & When: Apply to cleansed skin every morning.
Best Face Mask for Hydration WINNER
Skin Perfector Hydration Injection Masque
This intensive treatment is rich in hyaluronic acid which quenches skin, plumps wrinkles and restores skins vibrancy. It provides 24-hour protection against water loss and can be used as an instant boost to restore a healthy glow to stressed, weather damaged or travel-weary skin.
How & When:
Apply a thin layer to cleansed skin. Leave on according to the skin’s age and then remove with a cloth soaked in hand-hot water.
Age-specific leave on times:
Teens & twenties – leave on for 5 minutes
30’s & 40’s – leave on for 10 minutes
50s onwards – leave on for 20 minutes
Or use overnight as an intensive treatment.
Best Daily Use SPF Product WINNER
Skin Essential Skin Protector SPF30 Primer
Your skin-perfecting daily defence. This is a multi-award-winning hero and has clinically proven skin benefits, providing an antioxidant & vitamin boost, while also supplying broad-spectrum UVB protection. The airbrush finish allows make-up to glide on like a dream.
How & When:
Apply in the morning over your moisturiser and under makeup.
Best Eye Product for all ages FINALIST
Skin Essential Reverse Gravity Eye Cream
This gravity-defying treatment with BeautifulEyeTM from the Persian Silk Tree instantly tightens & hydrates whilst fading dark circles and diminishing puffiness. It contains Aloe Vera & Allantoin which calm and nurture dry, sensitive eyes and Amino Acids to boost moisturise levels and plump skin.
How & When
Use morning and evening on cleansed skin. Smooth around the eye contour using the massage ball or ring finger if you prefer.
Best Night Skincare Product for age 50+ WINNER
Agedefy Repairing Night Treatment
A night treatment specifically formulated for those in their 50s and onwards. Rejuvenates tired, damaged skin during the night, allowing you to wake up feeling rested and glowing.
The bio-active ingredients help improve skin tone and cell cohesion. Contains essential nutrients and the building blocks for healthy-looking skin as well as active plant extracts to regenerate the skin's barrier. Intensive rehydration ensures firmness and elasticity are restored while you rest.
How & When
Use in the evening. Apply to cleansed skin before bed.
Best Night Skincare Product for age 30+ WINNER
Agedefend Regenerating Night Treatment
A rich night cream, bursting with hardworking actives. Specifically designed for those in their 30s and 40s, this treatment is packed full of active ingredients which help aid the body’s natural repair process when we sleep. Silk Tree Extract promotes the visible reduction of fatigue: dark circles, under-eye bags and dull complexion and Passionfruit Seed Oil, rich in essential fatty acids which have anti-inflammatory properties, helping to calm skin concerns such as rosacea and acne.
How & When
Use in the evening. Apply to cleanses skin before bed.
You can view all of these award-winning products here. If you have any other questions regarding any of these products you are more than welcome to get in touch via email or call 0203 740 3303.
Living Pretty Happy - Skin Protector SPF30 Primer
Oct 08, 2019Alex Grace posted an instagram reviewing our award winning SPF30 Primer.
"Two beauty statements I really stand by are... you should wear a broad-spectrum SPF daily (even on a cloudy day) and makeup lasts longer with primer.
I know these things, but despite my best efforts I hadn’t managed to find an SPF that didn’t overwhelm my skin or a primer that didn’t clog my pores and cause breakouts.
That was until @arkskincare kindly sent me their Skin Protector SPF30 primer to try. It’s a broad spectrum SPF & makeup primer in one! I’m honestly very impressed with it. I’ve written all about why I like it so much in my latest post (available by clicking the latest post button in my bio) if you’ve got 2 minutes why not pop across for a read?
Do you SPF daily or a primer? What do you use? Does it work for you? "
* * *
Read the full blog post HERE
Shop the SPF30 Primer HERE
The Beautiful Bluebird - ARK Skincare SPF30 Primer
Aug 28, 2019Roxie from The Beautiful Bluebird wrote a blog post all about our SPF30 Primer.
"The Skin Protector SPF 30 Primer....is the latest addition to my collection and it’s become a bit of a summer essential. The primer is part of their Skin Essentials range ... It’s a great multitasker as it applies like a moisturising milk that hydrates and smooths whilst protecting your skin against damaging UV rays. I think we all know that sunscreen is something we should all wear daily, however, I almost always forget to apply it unless it’s scorching and I’m already applying it to the babies. You can smooth the Skin Protector Primer over your face after cleansing, after your moisturiser or even on its own."
"Not only does this primer create a smooth, super hydrated and slightly radiant base to apply makeup on top of, but it also offers defence against UVA and UVB rays to prevent sun damage and premature ageing, and contains an advanced active antioxidant system to protect against the effects of pollutants. The Skin Protector Primer contains Vitamin E, nourishing Shea Butter, Hydracire (blend of Jojoba, Mimosa and Sunflower) and a Hyaluronic Acid Booster."
"What I love about this primer is that it’s super light and doesn’t give your skin a white cast like other products that contain SPF do. It’s easy to blend in and leaves my skin looking slightly dewy and healthy. It doesn’t add any excess shine but a subtle glow and I often reach for it on no makeup days too. If you’re guilty of skipping sun protection, then this is the product for you. It’s a fuss-free way of protecting your skin whilst giving it an added boost of hydration and creating a flawless base to seamlessly blend your foundation on top of."
* * * *
Shop our SPF30 Primer HERE
Read the full blog post HERE
"I don't need SPF any more - the sun has gone"
May 01, 2018
So, the sun was short-lived! Time to put the flip flops and sunscreen away again? Wrong! Keep that SPF protection to hand. You still need it.
UV rays can be damaging all year round and can actually even be stronger when it is cloudy. According to studies in the USA and Australia, UV rays can be strengthened by clouds as rays may bounce off them, or be redirected and scattered causing a higher, amplified UV threat to us on the ground. So do not be fooled - keep wearing that SPF protection!
What is SPF Protection? We are all constantly told to use it. But why do we need it and how does it work?
We are all aware that over exposure to the sun can be harmful. Skin diseases, cancers, and photo-ageing are increasing around the world, and we need to protect against the sun's damaging rays which cause this with broad spectrum protection. Having broad spectrum protection means we are protected against both UVB (burning) and UVA (ageing) rays. Did you know, UVA rays are not susceptible to seasonal variations and are a threat all year round? They can even penetrate glass, so skin should still be protected when indoors near a window or in the car, or on a train.
What is the best way to protect ourselves? There are two types of protection. Physical and chemical.
Physical sunscreens contain active mineral ingredients which work by sitting on top of the skin (often giving the skin a white appearance) to deflect and scatter damaging UV rays away from the skin. They are effective at protecting against UVB rays however, they can not protect against the full spectrum of rays.
Chemical sunscreens work by absorbing the sun's rays (and converting them to heat) and offer full protection against the whole spectrum of damaging UVA and UVB rays. They tend to be lighter in texture than physical SPF products, and do not block pores or cause breakouts, so are often preferred as an everyday solution.
Which approach does ARK Skincare take?
ARK Skincare's Skin Protector SPF30 Primer is classified as a chemical SPF. We chose this route as we believe it is very important to offer a product with broad spectrum protection. The award winning formula contains protection against sun damage and associated premature ageing. It is a beautifully light weight moisturiser which offers a great base for make up and is easily adapted to your everyday routine. Whilst the formulation contains the necessary chemical compounds to offer effective protection, it is still 64.84% natural as it contains active naturals to hydrate, offer antioxidant protection, and provide a silky smooth luminous finish to the skin.
There are a lot of skin protection options available, and you can read more on the pros and cons of different sunscreens here. The choice is yours. But whatever you decide, make sure you use a broad spectrum SPF daily, whatever the weather.
What is SPF Protection? We are all constantly told to use it. But why do we need it and how does it work?
We are all aware that over exposure to the sun can be harmful. Skin diseases, cancers, and photo-ageing are increasing around the world, and we need to protect against the sun's damaging rays which cause this with broad spectrum protection. Having broad spectrum protection means we are protected against both UVB (burning) and UVA (ageing) rays. Did you know, UVA rays are not susceptible to seasonal variations and are a threat all year round? They can even penetrate glass, so skin should still be protected when indoors near a window or in the car, or on a train.
What is the best way to protect ourselves? There are two types of protection. Physical and chemical.
Physical sunscreens contain active mineral ingredients which work by sitting on top of the skin (often giving the skin a white appearance) to deflect and scatter damaging UV rays away from the skin. They are effective at protecting against UVB rays however, they can not protect against the full spectrum of rays.
Chemical sunscreens work by absorbing the sun's rays (and converting them to heat) and offer full protection against the whole spectrum of damaging UVA and UVB rays. They tend to be lighter in texture than physical SPF products, and do not block pores or cause breakouts, so are often preferred as an everyday solution.
Which approach does ARK Skincare take?
ARK Skincare's Skin Protector SPF30 Primer is classified as a chemical SPF. We chose this route as we believe it is very important to offer a product with broad spectrum protection. The award winning formula contains protection against sun damage and associated premature ageing. It is a beautifully light weight moisturiser which offers a great base for make up and is easily adapted to your everyday routine. Whilst the formulation contains the necessary chemical compounds to offer effective protection, it is still 64.84% natural as it contains active naturals to hydrate, offer antioxidant protection, and provide a silky smooth luminous finish to the skin.
There are a lot of skin protection options available, and you can read more on the pros and cons of different sunscreens here. The choice is yours. But whatever you decide, make sure you use a broad spectrum SPF daily, whatever the weather.
* * * *
Shop our SPF30Primer now:
