Korean beauty products have been all the rage lately, especially when it comes to their place in the famous Korean skin care routine, which frequently features steps such as toning, cleansing, moisturizing, more moisturizing…did we mention moisturizing?
We love these popular products for their seriously glow-boosting benefits. A luxurious nighttime routine of serums and face masks can’t be overlooked either. And neither can one area of the world known for its strong roots in simple, natural beauty. Where, you ask? Scandinavia, of course.
Scandinavians are known for their aesthetics as well as for blessing the world with a host of clear-skinned supermodels like Helena Christensen and Freja Beha Erichsen. In fact, Scandinavian women in general have a reputation for maintaining youthful, radiant skin even into midlife. What’s the secret?
According to a recent article in Elle Magazine and interview with anti-aging expert Dr. Miguel Stanley, the Scandinavian skin care secret is essentially the same one we’ve been preaching all this time: a healthy diet, balanced lifestyle and lots of sunscreen.
A holistic approach to health, Dr. Stanley explains, is the key to Scandinavian supermodel skin. Since skin is your body’s largest, most visible organ, it makes sense that any issues going on within your body—stress on your liver from too much alcohol, a lack of vitamins from a poor diet, or emotional issues like anxiety—will show up outside of it. Dr. Stanley observes that Scandinavian women “have found balance in all the important aspects of health: what to eat, how to exercise, what to apply to their skin, and last but not least, how to live a happy life.”
In terms of a healthy diet, make sure to eat largely plant-based meals. About 50% of each of your meals should be composed of fresh fruits and veggies. You’ll get an extra boost by including foods high in antioxidants and fatty acids, which fight free radicals responsible for rapid aging and increase skin’s protective capabilities.
Healthy diet is an essential part of a balanced lifestyle, and combining it with exercise can in turn boost your levels of happiness, another factor that Dr. Stanley says is important in maintaining good skin. Scandinavian countries consistently rank higher for overall happiness. Of course, we all know that “be happy” is hardly as simple as it sounds, so consider this goal a long-term one. Eating well and getting your endorphin boost on will definitely help, though.
Lastly, we wouldn’t be responsible skin care experts if we didn’t end with a push for sun protection. As Dr. Stanley points out, fair-skinned Danes, Norwegians and Swedes have good reason to obsessively protect their skin from the sun’s rays. No matter what your skin tone, we strongly advise that you get serious about sunscreen if you aren’t already and protect yourself from sun-related aging.
