The Perfect Skincare Balance: ARK Skincare
Writer’s note: Even though these products were gifted to me, all the thoughts and opinions shared here are completely my own. My reviews are based on my personal experience with the products, aiming to give you an honest and unbiased perspective.
ARK Skincare is a British brand recognising that skin changes with age and should be treated based on evolving needs. This philosophy drives their entire approach. Their three "Age Intelligent" ranges, originally developed for professional use, are now available for home use. These salon-grade, high-performance products are designed to address the specific needs of each age group - protecting young skin without overstimulation and nourishing mature skin to maintain firmness and suppleness. ARK’s Age Intelligent approach avoids categorising individuals by a single skin type for life, encouraging users to reassess their skincare as their skin changes with age.
First Impressions
I spoke to a representative from ARK who asked me a little about my skin. I mentioned that I’m in my 30s and still get acne, so she sent me the entire Age Defend range, along with the Clearing Serum, so I had a full new skincare system to try.
What I Received
As I said, ARK was very generous when they sent me some products to try. I received:
Instructions
The instructions for each product can be found on their website and on the packaging itself.
Age Defend Conditioning Cleanser
Apply to a damp face and neck, gently massage, then rinse off with warm water using a clean muslin cloth. Use morning and night.
Age Defend Replenishing Moisturiser
Apply a thin layer to the face and neck after cleansing in the morning.
Age Defend Soothing Facial Oil
After cleansing, gently massage into your face and neck until fully absorbed. Use 2-3 drops of this oil, applying it directly to your skin or mixing it with your ARK moisturiser in your palm before applying.
Age Defend Regenerating Night Treatment
Apply at night after cleansing and using your preferred skin perfector treatment serum. Gently massage into your face and neck.
Clearing Serum
Use after cleansing and before moisturising. Apply as a targeted spot treatment or over the entire face to help reduce excess oil.
Review
I’ve been told by an aesthetician that my skin is in great condition, which is encouraging, but it’s hard for me to see past the persistent oiliness and blemishes that always seem to pop up. No matter how much care I take with my routine, these issues make me feel like my skin is never quite where I want it to be. That’s why I’m constantly on the lookout for the next miracle product - the one that will finally balance my skin, banish the blemishes, and give me that clear, glowing complexion I’ve been dreaming of. Skincare has become a bit of a quest for me, fueled by the hope that the perfect product is out there somewhere, waiting to transform my skin for the better.
Age Defend Conditioning Cleanser
Using this cleanser morning and night has been a game-changer. Its gentle formula effectively removes makeup and daily grime without stripping my skin. After each use, my face feels clean yet nourished, with no dryness or tightness. The added step of rinsing with a warm muslin cloth provides a mini spa-like experience, leaving my skin smooth and refreshed.
Age Defend Replenishing Moisturiser
This lightweight yet deeply hydrating moisturiser is perfect for daytime use. It absorbs quickly, leaving no greasy residue, and provides a great base for makeup. Over the month, I’ve noticed improved skin elasticity and a subtle plumpness that makes my complexion look healthier and more vibrant.
Age Defend Soothing Facial Oil
I’ve been using this oil every evening, either on its own or mixed with the Age Defend Replenishing Moisturiser, and it’s a standout product. Just a few drops are enough to hydrate and calm my skin, especially on days when it feels extra sensitive. The silky texture is luxurious, and the light, soothing scent makes my nighttime routine feel indulgent.
Age Defend Regenerating Night Treatment
This night cream has been a saviour for my skin. Every morning, I wake up with a refreshed and well-rested complexion. It feels rich but not heavy, and I’ve noticed an overall improved skin tone. The fact that it can also be used around the eyes is a bonus, as it has helped diminish the appearance of dark circles.
Clearing Serum
I applied this serum as a spot treatment and occasionally over my T-zone to combat oiliness. It works quickly to calm blemishes without drying out the skin, and I’ve seen a noticeable reduction in shine and redness. It balances my skin beautifully, making it a reliable addition to my routine.
What is ARK Skincare?
ARK Skincare is a British skincare brand that offers age-targeted products formulated with bioactive natural ingredients. Their product lines are designed to address the specific needs of different age groups:
Age Protect: For teens and individuals in their 20s, focusing on protecting youthful skin.
Age Defend: For those in their 30s and 40s, aiming to maintain skin firmness and elasticity.
Age Defy: For individuals in their 50s and beyond, targeting signs of ageing and promoting skin vitality.
The company emphasises a positive approach to ageing, steering clear of anti-aging rhetoric and instead embracing the natural changes that occur over time. Their products are vegan-friendly, cruelty-free, and free from parabens, SLS, mineral oil, and artificial fragrances.
Manufactured in the UK, ARK Skincare collaborates with a specialist manufacturer in Yorkshire to produce their products in small batches, ensuring quality and freshness. Their head office and a dedicated skincare boutique are located in Haslemere, Surrey, where customers can receive personalised consultations and explore the product range.
In addition to their age-specific lines, ARK Skincare offers targeted treatments for various skin concerns, including sensitivity, redness, blemishes, and dryness. Their commitment to natural, effective skincare has garnered positive reviews and several awards within the beauty industry.
For those interested in exploring their products or seeking personalised skincare advice, ARK Skincare provides consultations via phone or at their Haslemere boutique. They also have stockists and salon partners across the UK, making their products accessible to a wider audience.
Pricing and Where to Buy
ARK products start at £22 for their Intensive Hand & Nail Cream, and go up from there.
The prices for the items I tested are as follows:
Age Defend Conditioning Cleanser - £26
Age Defend Replenishing Moisturiser - £41
Age Defend Soothing Facial Oil - £48
Age Defend Regenerating Night Treatment - £42
Clearing Serum - £48
Each product line comes as a complete collection; for example, the Age Defend Complete Collection, at £87, provides savings of £70 over buying the products individually.
You can buy ARK’s products either directly or from any of the below stockists:
Glow - Skincare by Roxie (Godstone)
Paloma Blanca Beauty (Walton on Thames)
Rose's Beauty Room (East Grinstead)
Tara Maynard (Addlestone)
The Aesthetics Club (Watford)
Susanne Aram - Holistic Beauty (Bourne End)
Emma Morrissey (Markyate)
The Spa Retreat (Ashford)
Bargate Beauty (Haslemere)
Products
Age Defend Conditioning Cleanser
This ultra-nourishing cleanser is ideal for those in their 30s and 40s, targeting early signs of ageing and sensitivity. It effectively removes daily impurities and makeup, leaving skin clean, plump, and supple. Vegan-friendly, it’s designed to enhance skin firmness and prevent moisture loss.
This moisturising cleanser boosts skin’s firmness and helps retain moisture. Perfect for sensitive skin, it instantly soothes redness, while conditioning agents promote elasticity and keep skin supple.
Age Defend Replenishing Moisturiser
This replenishing moisturiser is ideal for those in their 30s and 40s. It is rich in hydrating and plumping ingredients to enhance firmness and elasticity. It is perfect for sensitive skin and vegan-friendly.
This daily moisturiser plumps and smooths the skin, helping it appear fresh, replenished, and toned. With skin-plumping peptides and Coenzyme Q10, it works to reduce visible signs of aging.
Age Defend Soothing Facial Oil
A silky facial oil with a gentle glide, designed to hydrate, soothe, and calm sensitive skin. This formula features Collageneer®, an advanced active ingredient that promotes natural collagen production and protects against visible signs of ageing.
Age Defend Regenerating Night Treatment
The ideal night cream for those in their 30s and 40s, this treatment supports the skin's natural repair process during sleep and combats signs of daily stress. This vegan formula is enriched with bioactive ingredients that detoxify and repair, boost hydration and elasticity, and soothe sensitivity. The Age Defend Night Treatment can also be applied around the eyes to diminish signs of fatigue, such as dark circles.
Clearing Serum
This anti-blemish serum is designed to clear congested skin and control excess oil. This plant-based formula effectively targets blemishes, acne, and shine while maintaining the skin's natural moisture balance - ideal for oily skin.
Final Reflections/Thoughts
The Age Defend range addresses specific concerns like sensitivity and signs of ageing and leaves my skin looking radiant and healthy. The vegan and cruelty-free formulations make these products even more appealing. I highly recommend the ARK Skincare Age Defend range to anyone looking to take their skincare routine to the next level!
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Hana Ames is a professional content writer with hundreds of pieces of content under her belt. She is a cat and dog mama, a feminist, and a musical theatre fan, who enjoys cooking, playing board games and drinking cocktails. She has been writing professionally since 2018 and has a degree in English. Her website is www.hrawriting.com and she is always interested in discussing exciting new projects to see how she can help your business grow. Catch her on Twitter @hrawriting, Instagram @hrawriting and Facebook: www.facebook.com/hrawriting
