A Scandinavian Woman Enters a Skincare Store—Here’s What She Chooses

A Scandinavian Woman Enters a Skincare Store—Here’s What She Chooses

      French women are well-known for their 'quality over quantity' skincare philosophy, while Korean women have perfected their 12-step routines. In contrast, Scandi and Nordic women embrace minimalism in their skincare, focusing on a holistic, wellness-oriented approach that utilizes fewer, high-quality products. Scandi skincare resonates with me greatly—like many, I adhere to the belief that less is more when it comes to skincare. Instead of succumbing to fleeting trends or the latest product launches, Scandi skincare emphasizes essential practices: cleansing, hydrating, and protecting the skin. This method may be traditional, yet it remains fresh and contemporary. Similar to the French perspective, the aim of Scandi skincare is to attain a natural, healthy glow without excessively relying on makeup to conceal imperfections. Furthermore, Scandi skincare extends beyond just topical solutions, incorporating an emphasis on overall wellness, hydration, nutritious eating, adequate sleep hygiene, and stress management. The products themselves often draw inspiration from the diverse natural environments of Scandinavia, frequently featuring local, natural ingredients like cloudberries and glacier water. Additionally, Scandi skincare brands exhibit a strong commitment to transparency and sustainability.

      Josefin Landgard, co-founder of Swedish skincare brand Mantle, describes Scandi skincare as "minimalist innovation inspired by nature. It centers on simplicity that delivers—products designed for real lives that genuinely work." According to Landgard, effective quality is paramount in Scandi and Nordic skincare. "It embodies generations of resilience and adaptation in the north. Here, quality is crucial, not optional. With up to 70% of individuals experiencing dry or sensitive skin, every formula must be nourishing, effective, and intelligent. At Mantle, we blend Scandinavian minimalism with skincare innovation. Each product is crafted and tested in our Northern Swedish lab to thrive in extreme climates." She elaborates, "Scandinavia is the world's most egalitarian region. Scandinavian women have a longstanding history of intentional living connected to nature, where work, family, and interests coexist." This principle forms the foundation of Mantle's philosophy: Life first, skin second. "While we desire (or rather, need!) high-performance formulas to protect and enhance our skin against harsh winters and intense midnight sun, we don’t want to spend hours in front of a mirror," she continues. "Instead, we prefer a minimalist routine that works effectively, allowing us to face the world with confidence and comfort. Life first, skin second."

      Landgard explains that "Scandi beauty emphasizes maximum efficiency with minimal effort—using sustainably sourced, biomimetic ingredients that nourish, strengthen, and safeguard." "We incorporate skin-strengthening essentials like ceramides, oat oil, and shea butter, alongside contemporary actives like pre- and postbiotics, centella, and lactobionic acid. One notable ingredient is jellyfish mucin—historically esteemed for its wound-healing properties and now demonstrated to hydrate skin up to three times more effectively than hyaluronic acid. This serves as an excellent example of transforming an ecological concern (jellyfish overpopulation due to rising ocean temperatures) into natural skincare innovation."

      To follow a Scandi skincare routine:

      1. **Cleanser:** The Scandi and Nordic approach to cleansing avoids harsh cleansers and excessive steps. Scandi cleansers often feature cream or milky formulations that effectively remove makeup and impurities without drying or irritating the skin.

       - **MANTLE** The Magic Milk Microbiome-Balancing Cream Cleanser: This mild cream cleanser contains nourishing components like oat and squalane, along with prebiotics to calm and balance the skin.

       - **Lumene** Nordic Hydra [lähde] Oat Milk Oil Cleanser: Utilizing the calming properties of oat, this lightweight cleansing milk features an innovative oil-in-water formula that easily dissolves even stubborn makeup, leaving the skin feeling soft and moisturized.

       - **Bioeffect** Facial Cleanser: This gel-to-milk cleanser suits all skin types, delivering refreshing and effective cleansing (including for waterproof mascara) while remaining gentle.

      2. **Serum:** Rather than layering multiple serums, the minimalist Scandi and Nordic approach typically includes only one. Scandi women are selective, opting for serums that address their main skin concerns or provide multifunctional benefits.

       - **Bioeffect**: Developed by Icelandic scientists, this brand's flagship ingredient is a plant-based version of EGF (epidermal growth factor), infused into every formula to enhance hydration, diminish fine lines, and improve skin texture. The bestselling Bioeffect EGF serum is highly regarded within the Who What Wear UK team.

       - **Verso**: A well-known Swedish skincare brand featuring Retinol 8, an ingredient known to be eight times more effective than standard retinol. This serum targets dark spots and hyperpigmentation from aging, sun exposure, and breakouts.

       - **Ole Henriksen** Banana Bright Vitamin C Serum: Launched

A Scandinavian Woman Enters a Skincare Store—Here’s What She Chooses A Scandinavian Woman Enters a Skincare Store—Here’s What She Chooses A Scandinavian Woman Enters a Skincare Store—Here’s What She Chooses A Scandinavian Woman Enters a Skincare Store—Here’s What She Chooses A Scandinavian Woman Enters a Skincare Store—Here’s What She Chooses A Scandinavian Woman Enters a Skincare Store—Here’s What She Chooses A Scandinavian Woman Enters a Skincare Store—Here’s What She Chooses A Scandinavian Woman Enters a Skincare Store—Here’s What She Chooses A Scandinavian Woman Enters a Skincare Store—Here’s What She Chooses A Scandinavian Woman Enters a Skincare Store—Here’s What She Chooses A Scandinavian Woman Enters a Skincare Store—Here’s What She Chooses A Scandinavian Woman Enters a Skincare Store—Here’s What She Chooses A Scandinavian Woman Enters a Skincare Store—Here’s What She Chooses A Scandinavian Woman Enters a Skincare Store—Here’s What She Chooses

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A Scandinavian Woman Enters a Skincare Store—Here’s What She Chooses

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