Icelandic Glacial Skincare

This idea of eternal youth that we know of does not exist. But looking younger is a possibility as we search for elixirs that will keep our skin looking youthful. We are a little obsessed with anything that mentions anti-ageing. While there is still no quick-fix solution, there is one place that not only has one of the highest life expectancies in Europe but that also has skincare rituals that people all over the world are inspired by. That place is Iceland. So, what are their anti-aging secrets? And how can one skincare brand take all these Icelandic secrets and unite them into the perfect product? Find out in Icelandic Glacial Skincare here.

Maybe there is something in the water.

Now, Icelandic water is not like water elsewhere. It is not just a liquid to the people of Iceland; it is a fundamental part of their psyche, cherishing and protecting it as a source that gives and sustains life. As a bonus it also happens to be free of chlorine, calcium, and nitrate because nearly all of it comes from the natural springs around the island, therefore making it one of the cleanest drinking waters around.

The Icelandic’s have always had a very strong connection to nature, and it is their dramatic landscapes are what draw people to the remote island. They also have a plethora of geothermal baths so people can reap the rewards of the glacial water whilst embracing the beauty around them. From volcanoes and geysers to glaciers and hot springs, it makes sense that the country is known as the ‘land of ice and fire’.

This close relationship with nature goes all the way back to when people first settled on the island and can be seen in the Norse mythology tales. They used water for natural healing in the beginning and while we have advanced in healthcare since then, some things like fishing for survival still heavily remain in their culture today.

Iceland may be best known for its looks but maybe we can learn some lessons from their harmonious relationship with nature and work with it instead of against it. For example, you may not expect a place with a very rainy climate to have a wide range of water sports. They have created these opportunities that best suit their climate and do not let the rain dampen their mood.

Is spending all this time out in nature their secret to anti-aging?

 Or maybe it really is in the water. Because the water is filtered naturally through the country’s porous volcanic bedrock it means it is less acidic than elsewhere and could be one of the reasons they have a higher life expectancy. The naturally higher pH of Icelandic water makes the water an alkaline which helps to reduce the acidity in your body, therefore restoring it to its natural balance. This in turn means you are less susceptible to major illnesses.

As well as being good for you internally it has external benefits too. Containing natural minerals means it helps to calm inflammation and skin conditions, and hydrates your skin further therefore smoothing out fine lines. These are all things promised in skincare products, but it is more beneficial to use something natural to slow down the process of ageing or something filled with chemicals?

Well Icelandic skincare brand BIOEFFECT have found the answer to that by creating a range of anti-aging products, all of which contain natural products and pure Icelandic water in their formulations.

Founded by science, the brand was born out of a love for science and they are dedicated to ensuring that science is implemented into their products in the best way possible. Their mission is to restore and maintain the skins natural youthfulness and vitality through healthy, pure ingredients and truly effective advancements in skincare using biotechnology.

Their country’s values are the core of the brand. They unite natural elements to create products that not only represent the country but also what they stand for. Their formulation not only unites their rich history of Vikings and Norse Mythology but also modern day science, therefore creating something that it truly Icelandic at heart.

In the past they used water as a healing element and now they are keeping to that tradition by using it in their formulas. In their latest collaboration they have created a range of giftsets using packaging designed by Icelandic artist Kristjana S Williams. Everything that they do represents their core values, showing that not only are they passionate about skincare but also their country and they have united these passions into the brand. They want to spread these values with the rest of the world.

It is not just their values that make them stand out as a brand but also their simplicity. They use few ingredients in their products to ensure that everything in each one is there for maximum effect. Over a decade of research has led them to the invention of the world’s first plant-based epidermal growth factor (EGF) made from barley plants.

Epidermal growth factor is a key factor in anti-aging. It is a naturally producing signalling protein in our skin that starts to decrease as we progress through our twenties and start to see signs of aging in fine lines and wrinkles. Therefore putting a man-made version into creams and serums helps to slow down these signs. For years we have been putting chemicals on our face but now BIOEFFECT have created a pure, green and clean product instead. This plant-based EFG has a powerful effect of the skins appearance, with regular use it will lead to smoother and firmer skin.

The brands use of the natural world extends beyond their use of barley and Icelandic water in their formulas. They are also using sustainable geothermal energy to power their ecologically engineered greenhouse where the barley is grown. By uniting skincare and nature, they are ensuring that this industry does not leave a bad mark upon the earth.

They are looking to the future and now more than ever we need to preserve our natural world.

The Icelandic’s know what they are doing when it comes to skincare regimes. They view these routines as rituals. Instead of having a couple of products in the bottom of the draw that get used occasionally they carve out a part of their day for these routines because it is important to schedule time for self-care. To get long lasting results, skincare is something that should be done every day.

From creating products that use natural products to combating ageing to drinking pure glacial water, we should all take a page out of their book and create a skincare regime that will last.

Their recently released gift sets are great for a loved one this holiday season or even just as a little treat for yourself. Encased in exclusively designed boxes that combine the magical aesthetic of the artists work with the clean philosophy of the brand, you will definitely want to keep these boxes out on display.

Kristjana S Williams specialises in creating 3D fine art pieces inspired by nature, merging mythical and modern aesthetics to create something totally unique. The techniques she use involve either digitally or physically layering up images of nature to create a new magical universe within each piece. With her studio now in London, she has gone back to her Icelandic roots on this collaboration taking inspiration from the scenery of Iceland.

The Skin Saviours gift set contains a full-size EGF Serum, EGF Essence and an Imprinting Hydrogel Mask all of which will help those with dehydrated skin and combat the visible signs of ageing.

The Firming Favourites gift set includes the EGF Serum and EGF eye serum together with an imprinting eye mask. These all create an impressive skincare routine that will give lasting results.

Finally, the Hydration Heroes gift set is perfect for hydrating the skin with its combination of barley EGF and Icelandic water. This set contains a hydrating cream and an EGF serum.

These are all available on their website here.

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.Cent Magazine London, Be Inspired; Get Involved