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Interview with ARK Skincare's Resident Therapist Kate Hardy
Feb 28, 2021Would you like to learn more about our Skin Perfector treatment products?
In this post, we got in touch with our resident skincare therapist Kate Hardy to ask her what she values about ARK Skincare and quiz her on two of her favourite products, the Triple Action Exfoliator & Hydration Injection Masque.
She also offers some great tips on how to apply them to help you achieve the best results. Keep reading to find out more!
Q: Kate, for those who don’t know you, please could you tell us a little bit about yourself, the nature of your business and when/how you got started with ARK Skincare?
I’m Kate ARK’s resident skin care therapist. I’ve worked within the Health, Beauty & spa industry for 20 plus years, mainly within luxury health clubs, hotels/spas. I was managing a busy flagship spa in London before moving to Haslemere in 2010, where I worked locally in a small boutique salon before leaving to have my first daughter. Being at home with my family was hugely important to me so I took the plunge to start my own business where I could manage my days and hours. I have not looked back! I’m extremely lucky to have my own beauty studio within my garden. I now work part-time around my 2 girls, husband & Springer Spaniel.
I have an hugely loyal client base, I love my job and get so much pleasure from treating clients whether it be a simple eyebrow shape to my signature & most popular treatment – Total Body indulgence.
Obviously I am unable to work at the moment due to the pandemic, but I can’t wait to get back to my studio & welcome clients back!
I’ve worked with ARK for 6 years. I was initially introduced to the brand via a client. I fell in love with the products straight away, they were just perfect for my studio, I love ARK’s mission & everything the company stands for & I’m lucky enough to have them on my door step and thoroughly enjoy working with them.
Q: What do you value most about the ARK Skincare range?
Pictured: ARK Skincare's Age Intelligent Moisturisers
There are many reasons I choose ARK as my skin care brand. It was really important to me to choose a British brand, that was cruelty free. I wanted a brand that wasn’t complicated, too many brands have an endless array of products & it gets very confusing for clients to know what they actually need. I feel ARK offers a range of products people need and will use regularly. I love that ARK have identified that we have different skin as a 20 year old to a 30-40 year old & 50 plus. The ingredients in ARK’s cleansers and moisturisers target the skin throughout each stage of life, there are also 6 serums to choose from in their Skin Perfectors range that are perfect for any targeted skin care concerns along with the Triple Action Exfoliator & Hydration Injection Mask. The Skin Essentials range including the Pre Cleanse, Beauty Mist, Skin Protector SPF 30 Primer all designed to work alongside each other. Allowing the client to choose the best products for their routine.
As therapist take pride in giving the best possible treatments I can. Facials are one of my favourite treatments to perform. For me it’s really important that the client doesn’t feel that products are constantly applied and then removed. I want my client to feel totally relaxed, indulged & almost unaware of what I am doing. If they fall asleep, then even better!
Q: We are currently doing a product focus on our Skin Perfecting Hydration Injection Masque and Triple Action Exfoliator. Can you tell us what it is you love about these products and how you find they benefit the skin?
I love both of these performance driven products, they really go hand in hand.
The Triple Action Exfoliator is such a clever product! A hybrid oil/ milk formulation this product helps to minimise skin imperfection with its micro bamboo particles which are gentle and not abrasive. The fruit acids help reduce scarring & fine lines. Vitamin E helps to prevent the skin's damage from free radicals and the Abyssinian oil is deeply moisturising. Unlike some exfoliators, not only does it leave your skin feeling super soft, it leaves it feeling completely nourished too.
The Hydration Injection Mask is a seriously luxurious product. It really gives your skin a complete glow, it's rich and deeply quenching to the skin. It’s packed full of vitamins – Vitamin A - helping stimulate collagen, Vitamin B5 helping to soothe, Vitamin C to help with reducing pigmentation & Vitamin E for free radical prevention. Your skin will feel so incredibly soft and hydrated after using this product
Q: Which stage do you like to use these products within your treatments?
I use the exfoliator after I’ve cleansed the clients skin. I will work the exfoliator into the clients skin, pop the steamer on & perform a hand and arm massage for 5mins or so which is enough time for the exfoliator to work.
The Hydration Injection Mask, I will use after I have performed the client facial massage. I apply the mask and then I will carry out a beautiful head massage routine before removing the mask with hot mitts.
Q: What changes / positive results have you seen after using these products on your clients?
My clients always leave with glowing, super soft skin - you really do see the results instantly, but the formulas have impressive long-term benefits too, the instant results are just the start!
I use these products on my own skin once a week as part of my skincare routine. My skin is definitely brighter, clearer, plus pigmentation & fine lines have been reduced.
Q: Last of all, what are your top tips for people using these products at home?
Triple Action Exfoliator – leave on for differing amounts of time according to age:
Teens – 20’s remove after massaging in
30-40 – 2 mins
50s onwards – 5mins
Be extra gentle around the eye area, work in to the skin using circular massage movements with the pads of your fingers rather than scrubbing up and down.
You don’t need to use a large amount of this product, about a 5pence size.
Warm the product before use, gently roll the tube in your hands so the oil can disperse evenly.
Make sure you use a cloth & warm water to remove properly.
Pop on before a bath, lay back & relax!
Again leave for length of time according to age:
Teens – 20s 5mins
30-40s 10mins
50 plus 20mins
My top tip for a really intense treatment is to leave on overnight. This is especially good for those with dry or mature skin.
If I’m not leaving on overnight then as an extra treat for my skin I will use ARK’s Gua Sha Jade Tool for a lovely home facial massage. The Gua Sha Jade Tool comes complete with instructions on how to perform your own facial massage routine.
Pictured: ARK Skincare's Skin Perfector Hydration Injection Masque & Jade Facial Tool
Use sparingly, again about 5pence size, apply a thin layer to cleansed skin.
Remove product with a warm cloth, follow with ARK’s Beauty Mist, choice of serum & or moisturiser.
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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
Healthline - What Are The Benefits Of Sunlight?
What We Have Learnt From Isolation... So Far
Mar 31, 2020The world has temporarily changed and we are learning how to adjust to our new way of life. Here we share tips to help us all get through this together and stay positive...
Do not watch the news nonstop! Decide on one update a day and make sure it is a reliable source. Perhaps you enjoy a particular TV or radio news bulletin, or maybe you watch the daily government briefing? Stick to one, otherwise, it becomes overwhelming.
Do not lose your day to social media scaremongering! Now is the time to make sure you are following only positive social media accounts and avoid any inaccurate information. Social media will be so important to us to keep in touch over the next few weeks, but it can also be incredibly negative. Follow the positive hashtags #positives #postivevibes #positivenews #goodnews .. and maybe the odd cute animal site!
It is really easy to slip into poor habits and to move only a few steps each day. Pick a time to exercise and stick to it. There are so many free videos and fitness challenges available on YouTube and Social media. No gyms required!
This is no time to start an extreme eating plan! Eat a balanced diet and make sure you get the vitamins and minerals your body needs. Don't start panic taking new supplements, but perhaps a daily dose of Vitamin C will help. Also, ensure you get exposure to light rays for a short time each day to top up your Vitamin D levels. You can achieve this by sitting at an open window if you can't get out. But don't forget your SPF if you are in sunlight for any length of time!
This is a great opportunity to check-in with old friends and extended family whom you may not have seen recently. Re-establish old links. A 'phone call now could really make someone's day.
There are lots of community groups starting up to offer local assistance. Check-in with your neighbours (whilst staying two meters apart) even if you don't know them, and make sure they are OK.
You can't become the world's best teacher overnight! If you are trying to work from home as well as managing homeschooling it is a pretty impossible task. Cut yourself some slack. Do the best you can. Use all the school resources provided but if you need to resort to online tutorials, videos, and films, that is fine.
Remember that body brush you bought but never really used? .. Or a Jade tool you planned to learn how to perfect the art of facial massage with? Do you have other products you never really got to grips with? Now is the time. Create a great facial and body skincare regime and get into the habit whilst you have the time. You will see the physical improvements, as well as feel the psychological benefits of a good self-care regime. Plus there is nothing quite like a soak in the bath at the end of the day to ease away stress.
"Keep a diary and someday it will keep you" Mae West was very wise... but even if you don't manage to create a best seller, writing your feelings down can be very cathartic and help you organise your thoughts and feelings. Getting the negatives off your chest is good but write down the good stuff too and focus on all the positives. It will help!
Over the coming weeks we will be sharing lots of tips and ideas, and hopefully spreading some positivity. Our office is closed as our staff are now all working from home, but please do keep in touch via social media or email. We will get back to all messages in turn. Please share anything which has made you feel good and we will pass it on to the rest of the ARK Skincare community.
Our delivery service remains fully operational. All orders are processed in our distribution centre which is adhering to all the latest government safety protocols. Parcels will be safely delivered and left at your door. No signatures or contact will be required. If you have any concerns please get in touch office@arkskincare.com
Stay home. Stay safe. Keep well.
