The clocks have sprung forward, the weather is starting to get warmer and spring has officially begun! We are so looking forward to the longer days and some normality returning in the next few months… 

Now is the perfect time to be thinking about how you can adapt your skincare routine for the change in season. With that in mind, in this post, we share our 7 top spring skincare tips to help you keep your skin looking fresh, radiant and glowing.

1. Practice a Double Cleansing Routine

If there is one thing you should know about the team at ARK Skincare, it’s that we’re passionate about double cleansing. 

If you didn’t cleanse your skin properly, your pores may become congested which could lead to unwanted skin concerns, meaning that cleansing thoroughly is one of the most important things you can do to keep your skin clear and healthy. 

 Cleansing thoroughly also helps to create a clean surface before applying your skincare products, helping them to absorb properly into your skin.

For your first cleanse, choose an oil based cleanser. Oil cleansers are very efficient ways of removing make-up, dirt and excess sebum from the skin. Cleansing oils also prevent congestion and shine without stripping away natural oils needed for healthy balanced skin. 

Once you’ve removed make-up and grime from the surface, it’s time to clean deeper. For your second cleanse, opt for an age specific cleanser with high-quality ingredients. The second cleanse will help to ensure your skin is left thoroughly clean while the active-ingredients help to nourish your skin.

2. Wash your make up brushes

It’s time to be honest...When was the last time you cleaned your make-up brushes?

 We know it may feel like a chore, but the truth is that keeping your brushes clean is extremely important for your skin’s health. 

Overtime, make-up brushes accumulate bacteria, oil and dead skin cells. So, if you use your brushes over and over without cleaning them, you will increase the risk of spreading bacteria to your skin which can lead to skin concerns such as clogged pores, break-outs and dullness. 

Get into the habit of cleaning your brushes regularly to reduce a buildup of bacteria. Experts suggest cleaning your tools once a week. Keeping brushes clean will also keep the bristles soft and be less irritating to the skin. It also reduces the risk of contaminating your make-up products. 

3. Spring Clean Your Skincare 

At this time of year many of us find it useful to have a spring clean and sort through our things - but have you tidied your skincare recently?

If you are someone with a collection of lots of different products, now may be a good time to sort through what you’re using and what you may need to get rid of. Especially during lockdown, time can often pass without us realising, so it may be time to check those expiry dates too! 

You may also like to think about cleaning where you store your skincare products. We know how grubby make-up bags and draws can get...

4. Use a clean mask with every use and make sure to wash regularly 

Ideally, each time we go out, we should be using a fresh face mask every time to reduce the spread of the virus, and also spreading bacteria to our skin.

Throughout the pandemic, many have opted for reusable masks. While there are many benefits to reusables, like being more environmentally friendly and choosing our own designs, it can also mean many of us become guilty of wearing the same mask over and over without cleaning it as regularly as we should be. 

Wearing a mask is not very kind to our skin to start with. It covers our mouth and nose, trapping our breath and creates a warm, moist environment for bacteria to grow. So, not  only can re-wearing your mask make it less effective, but can also risk spreading more bacteria to your skin. 

To avoid spreading bacteria to your skin, have 3-4 reusable masks to hand so you can alternate while you wash your used ones. 

5. Don't Forget to Exfoliate

Pictured: ARK Skincare's Triple Action Exfoliator

With the warmer weather on its way, it’s time to buff away winter skin and reveal a brighter and more luminous complexion.

 Have you tried ARK Skincare’s Triple Action Exfoliator? 

This clever formulation exfoliates the skin in three different ways with three different exfoliants: physical, fruit acid and enzymatic.  The physical exfoliant is made from bamboo particles which gently slough through dead skin and grime from the surface, leaving skin with a smooth, polished texture. 

Alpha Hydroxyl Acids from Bilberry, Sugar Cane, Sugar Maple, Orange and Lemon increase the range of cell renewal, helping to diminish scars and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

The Skin Regenerating Enzyme dissolves desmosomes (adhesive proteins that can cause dead cells to build up on your skin), to release dead skin cells, fade pigmentation and improve nutrient absorption. 

Gently massage into the skin and follow the instructions depending on your age. Click here to learn more! 

6. Don’t forget to apply (and reapply) your SPF!

Pictured: ARK Skincare's Skin Protector SPF 30 Primer 

The warmer weather is on its way and along with the sun comes stronger UV rays, meaning it’s important to layer up your SPF to keep your skin protected. 

Time to reach for ARK Skincare’s Skin Protector SPF30 Primer. This award winning formula provides broad spectrum sun protection (from UVA and UVB rays) while Hyaluronic Acid Booster helps to smooth and hydrate skin. Apply alone as a daily moisturiser, on top of your age intelligent moisturiser for added sun protection, or as a primer before applying make-up. 

Make sure to re-apply throughout the day for maximum protection.

7. Add a Layer of Hydration 

Pictured: ARK Skincare's Hydrating Serum 

During the winter months, skin has been hiding under our scarfs, jumpers and cosy loungewear, but now that the warmer weather is here, skin is exposed more to the surrounding environment and therefore, prone to dryness. Make sure to apply a nourishing moisturiser and body lotion to keep your skin soft and supple. 

If you’re looking for an intense boost of hydration, try ARK Skincare’s Hydrating Serum. Cucumber extract hydrates and improves elasticity, whilst Laminaria Algae traps water molecules in the skin to prevent water loss. Perfect for those suffering from dry or rough skin. Simply apply 2-3 drops to cleansed skin, or mix into your daily moisturiser for an added layer of hydration.

We hope that you find these tips helpful in the transition into spring... Do you have any other skincare tips you’d like to share? We’d love to hear from you! Tag us at  @arkskincare. 

To learn more about the products mentioned and the rest of the ARK Skincare range, head over to our website! www.arkskincare.com