When it comes to living a healthy life, it seems there is plenty we can learn from the Scandinavians. The UN’s World Happiness Report, in fact, now ranks Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden at the top of its happiness list.
And for good reason. So, when we aren’t coveting their minimalist interiors or enviable work-life balance, we should look to take more leaves from their lives — such as absorbing a superior understanding of how to keep our skin healthy in wintry weather.
If you’re feeling the cosmetic costs of the recent drop in temperature, then allow us to introduce you to the Hygge-worthy products that should be lining your bathroom cabinet this winter…
Banish your red nose...
One notable reindeer aside, a red nose is not a good look on anyone. Colder weather can cause fragile skin to crack and become painful, making your skin visibly red and causing irritating flare ups. But the Swedish skincare experts over at Recipe For Men have produced the perfect, calming anti-redness gel to provide instant relief.
Pucker-up with a heavy-duty lip balm...
OK, so these guys aren’t technically a Scandi brand, but they do adhere to Hygge’s number one rule: keep it natural. This Ultra Conditioning Lip Balm by Burt’s Bees is infused with rich kokum, shea and cocoa butter to leave your lips richly moisturised and soft. The hydrating butters will keep your lips juicy, happy and healthy — avoiding any less-than-comfortable encounters under the mistletoe later this year.
Wash away the wintry day…
When winter strikes, it’s more important than ever to ensure that your skin is getting the deep clean it needs. Scandinavians are famed for keeping it simple yet effective, and this cleansing wash from Mirins Copenhagen is made using an organic soap base to gently prepare you for the day.
Face the frost with a hydrating day cream...
Packed full of the hydrating goodness your skin cries out for after your work Christmas party, the Dr. Jackson 01 Day Cream is a hero product for any man (or woman — its full collection is unisex). Designed to protect your skin against bad weather, good weather, pollution, frowns, tears and laughter — this moisturiser has you covered until your head hits your pillow.
Get a summer glow in winter…
L:A Bruket is the Swedish skincare sensation with a typically Scandinavian focus on function-first recipes. Its Facial Oil, with carrot and bergamot nourishes, softens and revitalises dry skin, and will calm any irritation caused by cold city air.
Protect against shaving sores...
Dragging a blade across your face should be taken seriously at the best of times, but during the colder months you need to take extra care. Another imposter to the Scandinavian list, Heath is a quintessentially British brand, but its pared back approach to quality skincare qualifies it for this list.
Its post shave balm stops skin from becoming dry and irritable in the fluctuating temperatures, with soothing ingredients including Allantoin and Aloe Vera.
Give yourself a hand…
We couldn’t write a round-up on the best Scandi skin-savers without including this cult favourite. Quite possibly already a staple in your bathroom cabinet, Neutrogena’s Norwegian Formula Hand Cream will allow you to shake on any business deal without fear, by relieving your hands of the dryness that comes with colder weather.
It’s also a total bargain, with only a dab needed for each application, each 50ml tube contains over 200 applications.
Looking for more grooming advice? Here’s how you can get a Hollywood smile…
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