Review of ARK Skincare - Tailor Your Products To Your Skin!

I have always struggled with keeping my skin blemish free - from having acne as a teenager (it was so bad that there are actually a couple of years where there are no photos of me because I was so self conscious) to still having spots and blemishes in my late twenties. I've had to keep a strict routine when it comes to cleansing and looking after my skin - one of my best friends can get away with simple soap and water wash every night but I need to double cleanse, exfoliate, and use the right moisturisers and serums to keep my skin clear and bright.

I was very excited to hear from ARK Skincare, an award winning British skincare brand who use bioactive natural ingredients in their products and exclude parabens, SLS, mineral oil, S.D Alcohol, Formaldehyde, and artificial colours & fragrances. ARK Skincare have 3 key ranges: Protect (for teens & 20s); Defend (for 30s and 40s); and Defy (for over 50s). Each of these ranges is supported by skinperfectors which is a collection of highly effective targeted treatment products to treat specific skin concerns. Combining the skinperfectors and products from ranges helps you create a bespoke skincare plan which suits you!

I spoke to ARK Skincare about my skin concerns before they created a bespoke plan for me. My skin needs deafening from ageing as I am nearly entering my 30s (eeeek, it's an end of my twenties era!) but at the same time I struggle with spots and blemishes and am still in my twenties at 29. The team sent me a selection of products which included cleanser, moisturiser, serum, and skin protector.

The ARK Skincare Age Protect Skin Clear Cleanser is a vegan-friendly soap-free cleanser designed with young skin in mind. It cleverly balances oily and dry areas of skin to keep it clear and comfortable. And this is so important because I have combinations skin and often find it hard to find a balance however this cleanser made my skin feel clean without drying it out. I actually can't believe it doesn't have soap in it because it lathers up wonderfully and leaves my skin feeling like I've just used soap but without drying my skin! The natural ingredients in this cleanser include watercress, nettle and horsetail which reduce excess sebum and balance skin; oat amino acids wash away impurities without damaging the skin's natural barrier; and white tea is anti-microbial which also protects skin from free radicals. Tase ingredients keep skin clear gently without damaging it but work so well! I love using this cleanser - and a little goes a long way as it lathers up so nicely!

I follow up with the ARK Skinperfector Clearing Serum which is designed to reduce blemishes and spots. It's a pore-refining serum which banishes bacteria, tightens pores and eliminates excess shine. The serum has a plant based formula which includes margosa lead extract for antibacterial properties and helps tighten pores and prevent blemishes; watercress, nettle and horsetail which all regulate sebum production and prevent acne. If you have oily skin this helps keep the oils at bay naturally - and is also vegan-friendly. There are two ways to use this serum: apply 2-3 drops directly to skin by dabbing on the spots; or mix a couple of drops into your moisturiser for all around care. The serum is so lovely to use, it doesn't sting or make your skin feel uncomfortable like some other harsher blemish treatments do. I use this when my skin is feeling oily and before I know I have a breakout by mixing it into my moisturiser; or when there's a particularly large or persistent spot I dab it straight onto the spot!

 The moisturiser which suited my skin type most was the vegan-friendly Age Protect Vitality Moisturiser by ARK. It offers the perfect balance for younger skin and is high in antioxidants, as well as protecting skin from pollution which is very important to consider especially if you live in more built up areas or work in the city. The moisturiser features avocado and peach lipids which are rich in Vitamins A, C and E as well as Omega 9 fatty acids to keep skin hydrated and soft; olive oil which penetrates deep into skin to effectively hydrate and regenerate skin cells; and panthenol which is a form of Vitamin B to soothe irritated skin and plump fine lines (yesssss!). I love using the moisture - it makes my skin feel super soft without feeling greasy and keeps skin moisturised throughout the day/night! It's ideal for my skin and honestly it's rare that I love a moisturiser this much but it is absolutely wonderful. I wouldn't have gone for this myself because I think my skin is older and needs more anti-ageing properties but this moisturiser helps my skin looks fresh and bright!
An interesting fact about ARK Skincare jars is that they are airless - this means they are very hygienic to use as the contact with air is minimised; as well as reducing product waste!

The final product to mention is the ARK Skincare Skin Essentials Skin Protector which is a fab all-rounder! This is an award winning primer, sunscreen (SPF 30), and moisturiser all in one! You can use this as your daily moisturiser knowing your skin is protected from UVB and UVA rays, or use on top of your daily moisturises to add hydration and protection. I pop a little bit on top of my moistures because it also makes for the perfect primer - after applying my skin feels very smooth and creates a great base for foundation. This all rounder protects, hydrates, and perfects all in one. Bravo! The key ingredients include Vitamin E which is an antioxidant and provides protection; shea butter which nourishes skin and protects from free radicals; sunflower which is packed with minerals and vitamins!

So how did I get on with ARK Skincare tailored range of products? Well, after two weeks my skin is looking amazing! My blemishes have cleared up, my skin is looking bright and even, and feels so great throughout the day. The products are all so nice to use - I love the daily cleanser, love the moisturiser, and the blemish serum works fast and so well when I have big spots but also prevents breakouts with daily use; and what can I say about the Skin Protector? It's a desert island product! If you could only take one skincare product with you definitely choose the ARK Skincare Skin Protector. The beauty of ARK Skincare is you can tailor your products for your skin and pick and mix for the perfect result.

What are the two skin concerns you have? What mix of ARK Skincare ranges would you go for?

Find out more about ARK Skincare - visit their website: ARK Skincare

Buy ARK Skincare Age Protect Skin Clear Cleanser: purchase here

Buy ARK Skincare Age Protect Skin Vitality Moisturiser: purchase here

Buy ARK Skincare Skin Perfector Clearing Serum: purchase here

Buy ARK Skincare Skin Essentials Skin Protector: purchase here

*The item featured in this post have been gifted by ARK Skincare for review & collaboration purposes.