Iceland and the Arctic region have a short growing season due to it being light only part of the year. This in conjunction with Iceland's mineral-rich volcanic soil and pure, unpolluted air, creates plants that have hyper-potent properties. The same botanicals which grow in other climates do not have the same potency or benefits. The same is true for the marine elements and algaes which are derived from this region; the fact that they survive in sub-zero temperatures, means that they have special protective properties that protect them from freezing.
Here are some of the ingredients we source from the region for skyn ICELAND. Roll over each item to find out more.
Angelica Archangelica
One of the most legendary plants in Iceland's history, Angelica archangelica has been used for hundreds of years by the Vikings to help them survive the harsh winters and recover from a variety of ailments. Native to Northern Europe, it's believed to be one of the few medicinal herbs that originated in the northern hemisphere, and that survived the Ice Age eight- to ten- thousand years ago. Among its many benefits, this botanical is an anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, and provides circulation-boosting properties. Angelica archangelica is also used to help in the treatment of dull, congested skin.
Butterfly Bush
Butterfly bush is derived from a fragrant bottle-brush shaped flower, whose sweet scent and color is known to attract butterflies, bees and hummingbirds. Its beneficial properties help diminish the detrimental effects of pollution and other environmental stressors on skin. This botanical is also an effective natural antioxidant and anti-inflammatory, which helps protect skin against signs of premature aging and redness.
Icelandic Moss
Icelandic Moss was traditionally used as a food source to stabilize metabolism and provide energy. More recently, it has been used for its moisturizing properties to soothe damaged and dry skin. Its antiseptic properties also aid in treating acne-prone skin.
Arctic Cloudberry Seed Oil
Native to Iceland's peat bogs and marshes, the seed oil of the Arctic Cloudberry is rich in essential fatty acids, phytoesterols, and antioxidants, which are all beneficial for maintaining healthy skin. Arctic Cloudberry's most effective property is its emollient function, which allows it to naturally soothe dry, irritated skin.
Arctic Cranberry Seed Oil
Arctic Cranberry Seed Oil contains a high concentration of natural antioxidants, as well as its natural balance of omega-3, 6, and -9 essential fatty acids. These EFA's help protect the skin's natural lipid barrier, which is critical in keeping skin hydrated, plumper, and younger looking. This botanical also is rich in tocotrienols, which help relieve skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis and other occurrences of itchy, irritated skin.
Arctic Thyme
Traditionally used as an herbal medicine for respiration, Arctic Thyme has since been developed to treat a variety of skin issues. The plant's essential oil contains a powerful disinfectant that is effective against the bacteria that causes acne and irritation. This botanical is also an effective natural antioxidant and anti-inflammatory, which helps protect skin against signs of premature aging and redness.
Icelandic Kelp
Icelandic Kelp is a type of seaweed that grows and thrives in Iceland's pristine waters. It naturally aids in hydration by forming a layer between the skin and the environment, acting as a sealant and thus reducing the loss of moisture. Commonly used as an anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial, Icelandic Kelp also helps treat both psoriasis and acne-prone skin.
Rhodiola Rosea
Native to the Arctic and other cold regions of the world rhodiola rosea is part of a class of plant derivatives called adaptogens, which increase the ability of an organism to adapt to stress and avoid damage. Its properties not only aid in the healing of dry, damaged skin, but also in alleviating the effects of environmental stressors.
Glacial Waters
Icelandic glacial water is one of the purest sources of water in the world. Over centuries, the waters go through a natural filtration process as the ice melts and gradually runs down the mountains, flowing through inert layers of lava rock, trickling into the ground picking up minerals from the volcanic bedrock, then flowing into naturally occurring underground reservoirs. These waters contain naturally occurring trace minerals that hydrate and soothe skin.
Siberian Ginseng
Siberian ginseng, much like other types of ginseng roots, has traditionally been used as an energy booster in teas. Its root has recently been found to inhibit the muscle response to nerve stimuli, calming the muscle so that it is less prone to contraction. The calming property has been shown to be useful in decreasing lines and wrinkles in the skin.
