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Product Focus: ARK Skincare's Age Intelligent Cleansers
Mar 31, 2021
Here at ARK Skincare, we understand that skin changes with age and needs to be treated accordingly. Young skin needs protecting but not over stimulating, whilst mature skins need higher levels of nourishment, and help to keep skin supple and firm.
With that in mind, ARK Skincare offers three Age Intelligent Cleansers, each packed with active ingredients to cleanse, nourish and target the skin in each age group. We have Protect for teens & 20s, Defend for 30s and 40s and Defy for the over 50s.
In this post, we focus on how each of our Age Intelligent Cleansers work to help you achieve optimum skin health and share some independent reviews from customers and brilliant quotes from the press. Keep reading to find out more!
Age Protect Skin Clear Cleanser
The best skin clearing cleanser for your teens & 20s
Clear blemishes and smooth your complexion with ARK Skincare’s Age Protect Skin Clear Cleanser. Especially designed for young skins, our Age Protect Cleanser contains an anti-spot formula, helping to keep hormonal skin clean and clear by gently lifting away any dirt, grime and excess sebum. It also cleverly balances oily and dry areas, helping to leave skin feeling clean and comfortable.
Ingredients
Watercress, Nettle & Horsetail herbs reduce excess sebum, eliminate excess shine and help to naturally balance the skin, whilst Oat Amino Acids gently wash away any impurities. White Tea provides anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory properties and protects from free radicals (these are unstable molecules that can cause damage to your skin cells). Vitamin E, with antioxidant and anti inflammatory properties protects against environmental damage and leaves skin feeling smooth.
Reviews
"I love using this cleanser - and a little goes a long way as it lathers up so nicely!" - Darly Rose, Beauty Blogger
"I use this after the pre-cleanse makeup remover and it is amazing. I have suffered with teenage spotty skin in my late 20s and this range has completely changed my life (might sound drastic but my skin ruined my confidence!) I normally get a lot of sebum causing spots around the jaw and mouth and no other cleanser has really cleared that without leave my skin ridiculously de-hydrated and dry. This range is my life saver please never discontinue!" - Charlotte S, Customer
“When I first started using the cleanser I was quite surprised how light and liquidy, almost gel like the cleanser was… It leaves my skin feeling so clean and refreshed. It's not harsh or drying and I'd definitely say it's had a positive impact on my skin with regards to blemishes - especially with all the hormones in my body just now.” Jenna Suth, Beauty & Fashion Blogger
"Best my skin has ever been since using this amazing cleanser. Worth a try if you have really sensitive skin..." Laura Crane, Love Island Contestant
Age Defend Conditioning Cleanser
The best cleanser for use in your 30s and 40s
When we hit our 30s and 40s, skin may be beginning to show signs of ageing or sensitivity. During this age, we would recommend reaching for ARK Skincare’s Age Defend Conditioning Cleanser.
This ultra nourishing cleanser gently removes impurities and daily grime, while a blend of natural ingredients boost skin’s firmness and defend against moisture loss. An ideal cleanser for sensitive skin it instantly calms the appearance of redness whilst conditioning agents promote elasticity and keep skin supple.
Ingredients
Kiwi and Passion Fruit Lipids quench the skin and Passion Fruit helps to reduce sensitivity and redness. Moringa Oil removes impurities and gently exfoliates to leave skin feeling soft and smooth. Vitamin A Palmitate provides antioxidant support and protects the skin, whilst Omegas 6 & 9 protect against moisture loss. Blue Lotus keeps skin supple and acts as an anti inflammatory.
Reviews & Press
"This is probably my favourite...as it's such a pleasure to use. The gel-type consistency that my skin always seems to favour, it also has the loveliest light and natural fragrance to it... I've been using this morning and night for a while now, and it always leaves my skin feeling clean but not stripped, and beautifully balanced." - 'Kate Louise Blogs' Beauty Blogger
"I have always struggled with sensitive dry skin and have tried numerous cleansers. I have been using this for a couple of weeks and so far so good. No issues so I am pleased. Also it isn't tested on animals so thats another bonus :)" - Jayne M, Customer
"I’ve been using Ark for around 7 years and I cant recommend it highly enough. The cleanser paired with the Ark pre-cleanser are extremely effective while still leaving your skin feeling hydrated and without that tight face feeling afterwards" - Stephanie D, Customer
"I recently ran out of all my facial products by another brand and swapped to Ark. That was a fantastic move - the cleanser cleans my skin beautifully (and removes all makeup!) and doesn’t leave it feeling tight. Lovely fragrance. I have waited 6 weeks before reviewing and I am so happy with the swap!" - Hannah S, Customer
Age Defy Brightening Cleanser
The best cleanser for your 50s and onwards
When we get to our 50s, the skins natural processes have slowed down which can leading to less efficient moisture retention and more potential for sensitivity, dehydration, fine lines and wrinkles.
Especially designed for mature skin, ARK Skincare's Age Defy Brightening Cleanser is packed full of active ingredients to help brighten, nourish and hydrate. The rich cleansing cream helps to create a more radiant complexion, rejuvenating skin and reduce the signs of ageing.
Ingredients
Apricot Kernel Oil moisturise and nourishes mature, dry, sensitive skin, whilst Vitamin C and Red Algae help to reduce pigmentation or age spots and brighten the skin. Blackcurrant and Starflower Oil are rich in fatty acids which help to strengthen skin and boost moisture retention. Gojiberry provides protects, detoxifying and rejuvenating properties particularly suited to mature skins.Reviews & Press
"...it was the nicest cleanser I've used in ages, and it did appear to make my skin brighter...... A really impressive brand: I loved everything I tried" - India Knight in The Sunday Times Style
"Bought this with the pre cleanse, it is amazing. Have used Ark products over the years, but this just gels them all together. The cleansers leave your skin so soft, no dryness at all, and with my oils and moisturiser, my skin really is feeling lovely! I love this cleanser and would definitely recommend it" - Mandy W, Customer
"I've been using this cleanser for a few weeks now and I'm loving it, it cleans all my makeup off leaving my skin so hydrated and it seems my skin is clearer as well. I've used lots of very expensive cleansers in the past but this is my new best friend and I will be using this from now on." - Jane C, Customer
"I've Often found cleaners for mature skin drying, but this was easy to use and made my skin feel smooth and soft afterwards. Will definitely buy again" - Sallie C, Customer
How To Cleanse Your Face Properly
Mar 27, 2021Washing your face... It sounds so simple, doesn’t it?
The truth is there is more to cleansing than one may first think - but why is it so important?
During the day, dirt, grime and excess oils can build up on the skin through touch, airborne bacteria and environmental pollutants. Therefore, it is crucial to ensure you are cleansing your skin properly to get rid of every last trace of make-up or grime that could clog your pores.
If you didn’t wash your face and left bacteria to build up on the skin, it could contribute to skin concerns and early signs of ageing, so it's important to get your cleansing routine right.
It’s not just about how you cleanse either. It’s also important to think carefully about which products you use and get into good habits to make sure you're taking good care of your skin.
In this post, we share our top do’s and don'ts for cleansing to help you establish a great cleansing routine. Keep reading to find out more!
Pictured: ARK Skincare's Age Intelligent Cleansers
DO'S
DO Choose formulas that are free from harsh cleansing ingredients
When choosing your cleanser, don’t just reach for a bar of soap. Instead, make sure you choose a product which contains high-quality ingredients made for delicate skin. Believe us, your skin will thank you in the long run!
All ARK Skincare cleansers are made with sensitive skin in mind and use a blend of natural ingredients to cleanse and nourish. All of our cleansers are also Sulfate free, meaning that they cleanse skin gently and effectively without any harsh chemicals.
DO Select a Cleanser suited to your skin's age-related needs
It’s always best to choose a cleanser that is suited to your age. Young skin needs balancing, but not over stimulating. Mature skin needs to be nourished with ingredients to rejuvenate and repair.
Skin changes with age and needs to be treated accordingly which is why ARK Skincare offers three Age Intelligent Cleansers, specifically formulated for each age group.
To learn more about your Age Intelligent Cleanser, click the links below to head over to our product pages.
Age Protect Skin Clear Cleanser
Formulated for your teens & 20s
Age Defend Conditioning Cleanser
Formulated for your 30s and 40s
Age Defy Brightening Cleanser
Formulated for your 50s and onwards
DO Take your time massaging the cleanser into your skin
Give your skin some TLC. Make sure that you massage the cleanser into your skin for at least 30-60 seconds to allow the active ingredients to absorb into the skin and lift away any excess dirt and grime. Use the pads of your fingertips & work in gentle circular movements to work the cleanser into your skin before washing off.
DO Use a fresh muslin cloth or flannel everyday.
It may seem excessive, but it is important to use a clean face cloth every day to avoid spreading bacteria. Re-using the same wash cloth over and over again will spread more bacteria to your face which could contribute to skin concerns.
Top tip: Make sure you have a couple of high-quality face cloths so that you can pop them in the wash after each use, while still making sure you have a clean one to use the next day.
DO Keep to a consistent routine.
Caring for your skin takes time and persistence, but it is time worth spending. Consistency is key. By taking good care of your skin and keeping it clean, it will look much brighter, healthier and also help you to avoid skin concerns in the future.
It’s important to note that it takes time for your skin to regenerate, so try to avoid switching up your routine too often. You will see the best results by practicing an effective cleansing routine with a few high-quality products which you consistently.
DONT'S
DON'T Wash your face under the shower
The water you use in the shower will most likely be too hot. Hot water strips skin of its natural oils & can exacerbate sensitivities, so it is always best to cleanse your face over the sink with lukewarm water instead. Lukewarm water helps to loosen the dirt and grime, but preserves your skin's natural hydrating oils.
DON'T Use face wipes
Although face wipes may seem like a convenient option, they do not cleanse your face anywhere near as well as a high-quality cleanser as they are not able to breakdown the dirt and excess oils on the skin.
Not only are wipes poor at cleansing the skin, they often contain lots of chemicals which are responsible for leaving skin dry and irritated - especially as you have to rub and pull at your skin.
The extra couple of minutes it takes to cleanse properly is most definitely worth it and you will certainly see a difference.
DON'T Ever sleep in your make-up.
When you go to sleep, your skin works hard to regenerate and repair. During the skin cell turnover process, new skin cells push to the surface while your skin sheds old cells.
Leaving make-up on overnight can trap the dead skin cells, preventing the skin from regenerating. This can cause buildup of dead skin cells, excess oil and bacteria which can lead to a number of skin concerns and leave the skin looking dull and aged. So, no matter how late it may be or how tired you are, make sure to always cleanse before bed!
DON'T Avoid using a cleansing oil if you have oily skin
Pictured: ARK Skincare's Skin Essential Pre-Cleanse & Make-Up Remover
If you suffer from oily skin, don't shy away from using an oil based cleanser. It will not produce any more oil on the skin. In fact, the cleansing oil helps to attract the excess oil and carefully balances and nourishes the skin, leaving it feeling clean and comfortable.
DON'T Skip the double cleansing step from your evening routine
If you haven’t heard of double cleansing before, it may come as a surprise that you should actually be cleansing your face twice. Double cleansing is essential for removing daily grime and ensuring the skin is left properly cleansed.
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.
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.
To learn more about double cleansing, click here to read our double cleansing Q&A with ARK Skincare's CEO, Tamsin Styles
We hope these tips can help you to put together an effective cleansing routine. Should you have any questions or need any product advice, please do get in touch via office@arkskincare.com or reaching out to us on socials! @arkskincare.com
Double Cleansing Q&A with ARK Skincare's CEO Tamsin Styles
Mar 18, 2021
Here at ARK Skincare, we are passionate about cleansing. We truly believe that practicing a good cleansing routine with high-quality products is one of the most important ways to keep your skin looking and feeling great.
Throughout the day, bacteria builds up on the skin from touch, sweat and airborne pollutants. Therefore, it is important to cleanse regularly to remove any dirt, oil and excess sebum.
If you don’t cleanse your skin, your pores may become congested which could lead to unwanted skin concerns. Cleansing thoroughly also helps to create a clean surface before applying your skincare products, helping them to absorb properly into your skin.
In this post, we share the answers to our frequently asked questions on double cleansing and help you to understand how it can benefit your skin.
Q: What is double cleansing?
A: Double cleansing is simply cleansing twice with two cleansers. Step one is to cleanse with an oil-based cleanser to remove make up, pollutants and daily grime; step two is to cleanse skin with a gel or cream water-based cleanser to leave skin thoroughly clean.
Q: Why use a first step oil cleanser?
A: Oil attracts oil so a first step oil-based cleanser will efficiently lift away make up and oil-based grime, and excess sebum, as well as clinging to pollutants to ensure they are thoroughly removed. This is essential for skin health.
Q: I have oily skin so is using an oil cleanser a good idea?
A: It is. Oil cleansers are very efficient ways of removing excess sebum from the skin and preventing congestion and shine without stripping away natural oils needed for healthy balanced skin. Massage the ARK Skincare Pre Cleanse oil onto the skin and once you add water it turns milky, and washes off very easily along with unwanted oils, dirt and grime leaving your skin soft, clean and clear, but never greasy.
Q: How long will it take as I just do not have time….
A: Using a first step pre cleanse is faster than a wipe! Our pre cleanse was formulated for professional use by facialists wishing to have a very fast efficient way of removing their client’s make up when they arrived for a treatment. It is so fast you won’t look back!
Q: My skin feels clean after the first step, so why do I need a second?
A: Once you remove your daily makeup, pollutants and grime, you can move on to cleansing the skin. Use an age specific cleanser which also includes active ingredients to treat and nourish the skin as you clean it. You will really notice a difference.
Q: Do I need to double cleanse morning and night?
A: You should always double cleanse in the evenings to ensure every last bit of makeup, daily pollutants and SPF are removed. It is vital that you do not go to sleep with these clinging to your skin. However, in the morning it is not necessary to perform a full double cleanse, but it is still important to clean skin with your age intelligent cleanser before applying your serum, moisturiser and daily SPF.
Q: Will all this cleansing make my skin feel tight?
A: No. Not if you are using a good quality oil cleanser and an age specific cleanser. The ARK Skincare cleansers are formulated with the antioxidants, vitamins and lips your skin requires for optimal health and will leave a soft, calm feeling after use.
New to the idea of double cleansing? We have everything you need to get started:
Skin Essential Pre-Cleanse & Make-Up Remover
Introduce a pre cleanse to your skincare and make-up removal routine and you'll never look back. This multi-fruit lipid blend with Omegas 3, 6 & 9 is perfect for thoroughly removing your make-up and clearing away everyday grime build-up.
Age Protect Skin Clear Cleanser
The best skin clearing cleanser for use in your teens and 20s.
Our Age Protect Cleanser, specially formulated for younger skin, is packed with hard-working active ingredients which help to clear blemishes, reduce excess sebum and illuminate excess shine. It also cleverly balances oily and dry areas of the skin, leaving skin clear and comfortable.
Age Defend Conditioning Cleanser
The best cleanser for use in your 30s and 40s.
Our ultra nourishing Conditioning Cleanser helps to effectively remove daily grime and make up while boosting the skin's firmness, leaving skin clean, plump and supple. This moisturising cleanser also defends against moisture loss and instantly calms any appearance of redness or irritation.
Age Defy Brightening Cleanser
The best cleanser for use in your 50s and onwards
Specially formulated to combat the signs of hormone loss in mature skin, our rich cleansing cream encourages a radiant complexion while helping to reduce the signs of ageing. Natural ingredients help to strengthen the skin and give it a generous boost of moisture. Perfect for skin needing brightening and hydrating.
We hope these answers have helped to clear up any questions you may have on double cleansing. Should you ever need any help or product advice, please do get in touch via office@arkskincare.com or mentioning us on socials @arkskincare. We will be more than happy to help!
Stormvoe - Favourite Cleansers For Different Needs
Aug 19, 2019Read the full blog post HERE
Beauty | Let's take it off, Let's Talk Cleansers - The Naughty Forty Diaries
Aug 06, 2019Lippy in London - Age Defend Cleanser & Moisturiser Review
Jul 19, 2019Back to you Beauty's list of 'perfect cleansers on all budgets' - ARK Skincare Age Defend Conditioning Cleanser
Jul 17, 2019
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Read the full blog post HERE
Shop our Age Defend Conditioning Cleanser HERE
The RAWRDROBE: Loving ARK Cleansers
Apr 12, 2017You'll have a good memory if you remember me (well, my Mum) raving about ARK's Reverse Gravity Eye Cream almost a year ago. She's still totally in love with it and even asking for a new one for Mother's Day. So the point I'm making is that ARK Skincare is a working miracle.
What ultimately sucks me into their brand is the fact they have a really positive approach to ageing and each product is specially designed for a number of different ages for anyone from their teens to over fifty. So whatever age you are, there is a product there dedicated to the needs of your skin. I find this so refreshing as I think so many brands these days just recommend anything to anyone but oh no, not ARK!
Both of these products work together to form a two-step cleansing regime and for those days where I have a bit more time to myself , it's perfect. It feels like I'm having a mini pamper session!
First things first, I'll start with the Skin Essential Pre Cleanse and Makeup Remover by gentle rubbing it into my face then rinsing my hands and using that water to delicately wash my face. The idea of the pre cleanser is to prepare your skin for the second cleanse so it removes makeup, excessive sebum and grime and you're skin will instantly feel better for it. Not going to lie, it does a smashing job of removing any traces of makeup, even my stubborn Maybelline mascara! Normally after removing my makeup my skin feels a bit sore but surprisingly I don't get that at all with this which makes a change so there's the thumbs up for anyone with sensitive skin. My only problem with this is it does feel a bit oily/greasy on my skin and after removing my makeup I can feel it on my skin for quite a while.
Now it's time for the Skin Clear Cleanser designed for anyone in their teens or twenties. I generally have combination skin and my cheeks can get really dry which would normally be a pain for most cleansers but this one worked really well! This really helps to balance the oil in my skin and for the time being has done a pretty good job at keeping blemishes at bay. I use this in the same way as a hot cloth cleanser which takes no time at all and also gently exfoliates my face a little bit making it silky smooth once I'm finished! PS. it smells amazing but does sting your eyes a little if you put too much on that area.
I honestly can't recommend this combo enough and even though I haven't tried any other ranges of the cleanser, if they're as good as this one then you need to get your mitts on it pronto! And just remember in this overwhelming world of skincare, that you need to use products suited to your skin, whether that's for age or type. It's so easy to pick up any cleanser which you've heard rave reviews about and slap it on your face but next time, try and tailor your skincare to your skin. The clue is in the name!
FEATURED: ARK AGE PROTECT SKIN CLEAR CLEANSER*, ARK SKIN ESSENTIAL PRE CLEANSE & MAKEUP REMOVER*