Is Scandi skincare as genius as Nordic noir?

Scandinavian dramas. Love. Scandinavian decor. Love. Scandinavian holidays. Real love. But since I’m trudging through a UK winter, I thought I’d look into Scandi skincare. Plus, I’m going to the Abba Voyage concert (does that count as another reason to explore the wealth of cleansers, oils and serums now available and bring those Scandinavian nous to your dressing table?).

‘Scandinavia’ usually refers to Denmark, Norway and Sweden, and products from these countries often have common characteristics: minimalism; natural ingredients sourced from, or inspired by, the Scandinavian countryside (think berries); deep cleaning; power hydrators to combat cold weather; and sustainability.

Foreo is a Swedish brand specializing in hi-tech appliances with designs that combine form with function. The new Luna 4 Series has a cleansing and toning massager in one (£269). A “brush” of sorts made from super-hygienic, extremely soft silicone, it uses transdermal sonic pulsations to remove 99 percent of dirt, oil, and makeup residue, exfoliate and prep skin for products, and provide deeper cleansing in 60 seconds then simply use your hands to apply cleanser.

With several cleaning modes plus five massage patterns from deep tissue to shiatsu, it’s like a spa in the palm of your hand and I love the meticulous cleaning. Considering it’s a hefty investment, it’s worth checking out Foreo’s previous Luna models and travel sizes. Use with Foreo’s cleaner (£41.99) or your own (just make sure it’s not gritty or silicone or clay based as these can damage the device).

Another way to cleanse comes courtesy of Green People’s Nordic Roots, a fabulously functional natural and organic line that builds on founder Charlotte Vøhtz’s Danish upbringing and features ingredients sourced from the region. The Cranberry Micellar Foam (£20) contains micelles – molecules that pull dirt and makeup away from the skin and pores – combined with sustainable apple water to boost elasticity and antioxidant-rich cranberries. It leaves the skin feeling like it has been splashed in a mountain stream. Even the eco-friendly outer packaging is made from Storch, which, as you ask, is 25 percent grass and requires less energy to produce.

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Speaking of mountain freshness, face mists are becoming increasingly popular as a method of delivering active ingredients in a fast-absorbing form (a layer of serum or oil on top helps to lock in moisture). Marina Miracle’s Flower Berry Essence (£30), which works as a toner and hydrator, is particularly effective. Contains hyaluronic acid, a probiotic ferment to support the skin barrier, and cucumber, elderflower, raspberry and strawberry.
on the glow.

Made in Norway in small batches, the brand is the brainchild of Marina Engervik, who suffered from childhood eczema and teenage acne, which inspired her to create plant-based skincare and study probiotic formulations. She is an expert on oils, currently a popular way to moisturize, known to protect skin from harsh weather and balance sebum production. Marina Miracle’s Herbal Face Oil (£36), which is unusually runny, is super-smoothing with a non-skincare scent.
typical – rather authentic, of course.

In terms of that Scandinavian simplicity, skincare doesn’t get more slimming than it does with Fjor, a brand that so far only has one genderless hero serum for all skin types (£97). It contains a hydrolytic enzyme developed by a Swedish biotech company that acts as a protective film, helping to create a thriving balance of supporting microorganisms while moisturizing, reducing redness and protecting against pollution.

All good things. Now for the bad… off to watch some Scandi crime.

Read last week’s column: The Best Lip Balms to Banish Dry Winter Lips