Embrace the Glow: Skincare Wisdom from Iceland

It is perhaps in our Scandinavian nature to follow a minimal yet effective approach to wellness. From natural ingredients and simple skincare routines to recognizing that a healthy mind supports a healthy body, below are some of the core principles of Icelandic beauty: natural, simple, effortless.

Icelandic wellness and beauty principles come together to create a holistic approach to not just skincare or beauty, but living in general. Less a routine and more of a lifestyle, Icelandic beauty extends beyond a range of products. It's about feeling healthy and beautiful both on the inside and on the outside. Read on to learn more about how you can embrace that unique Icelandic glow.

Nourishing diet

Beauty comes from within, and a healthy diet is one of the foundations to healthy skin. An Icelandic diet focuses on local, seasonal foods, like root vegetables, berries, skýr yoghurt, whole grains, local meat and fish rich in omega three fatty acids and collagen. As we have less sun during the winter month, people in Iceland also supplements their diet with Vitamin D, tailoring their supplement intake to meet their body's unique needs.

Natural ingredients, green beauty

In Iceland, we embrace both tradition and innovation. Tradition keeps us grounded in our roots, as we channel generations of knowledge and wisdom, while innovation and new technologies help us become more effective and less wasteful. We love products that focus on natural, organic ingredients that are sustainably harvested and we embrace a smarter, greener approach to beauty that respects nature, ensuring we can continue to enjoy everything it has to offer.

Seasonal & hydration-focused skincare

Icelandic beauty routines emphasize the importance of a hydrating skincare routine, as maintaining skin moisture levels in this challenging climate is crucial to preserving a healthy and youthful appearance. Furthermore, we adapt our skincare routine to seasonal changes to ensure that the skin receives optimal care, addressing specific challenges posed by different weather conditions throughout the year; whether that is constant daylight in summer or freezing temperatures and dry winds in winter.

Adequate sleep

Icelandic women prioritize rest. We recognize the crucial role that sufficient sleep plays in promoting skin rejuvenation. When we sleep, our body goes into repair mode so allowing our skin to rest, repair and regenerate helps us wake up to a radiant and healthy complexion. 

Sauna sessions

Visiting the local pool is a way of life in Iceland. The heat from saunas not only relaxes tight muscles and increases blood circulation, sweating is also a great way to detox the body. We also like a cold plunge, as exposure to ice-cold water also stimulates circulation, tightens pores and invigorates the skin, contributing to a rejuvenated and revitalized complexion. Try incorporating a weekly sauna session and a cold plunge into your routine to promote healthy, glowing skin. Just don't forget to hydrate and moisturize afterwards!

Communing with nature

A connection with nature is ingrained in Icelandic life. Walking, hiking, skiing, cycling, even winter swimming... Icelanders love to spend time outdoors as it promotes both physical and mental health. Spending time outdoors in the fresh air contributes not only to a serene mindset, it also positively impacts overall beauty, offering skin a healthy glow.

Icelandic glacial water

Icelandic water is renowned for its purity and mineral content. We make the most of this valuable natural resource means by using skincare products that feature Icelandic glacial water. It is incredibly hydrating and leaves the skin feeling refreshed and revitalized.

Sun protection

Winters in Iceland may be dark and cold but our summers are filled with light thanks to the midnight sun. We understand the importance of sun protection and make it a priority to shield our skin from harmful UV rays. Sun damage is the number one cause of premature skin aging, so photoprotection helps us maintain a youthful complexion year-round.

Minimalist philosophy

In Iceland we tend to focus on functionality and practicality, and this extends to our wellness rituals. Embracing a minimalistic approach to beauty means prioritizing simplicity, avoiding excessive products or make-up, and allowing our natural beauty to shine through effortlessly. Our skincare routines focus on natural ingredients and high-quality products that target specific skin concerns. Because indeed less can be more.

Holistic approach

Icelandic beauty practices encompass a holistic perspective, recognizing the interconnectedness of physical, mental and emotional well-being. Beauty extends beyond just the skin and special care is given to the whole body, including hair and nails. A comprehensive beauty routine nourishes the body from head to toe, resulting in a radiant and harmonious kind of beauty that is clean and effortless.

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