How Finnish Women Maintain Glowing Skin: 8 Nordic Beauty Secrets

Finnish women are renowned for their radiant, healthy skin, even in the harsh Nordic climate. Over the years, I've picked up many Finnish beauty tips from my mother and Mummi (Finnish word for grandma). Finnish women are in tune with nature and take an inside-out approach to health, and many glow-boosting habits are simple and intuitive. Here’s a list of the skincare and lifestyle secrets that lead to glowing skin all year long.  

1. High-Antioxidant Berry Consumption

Finnish women eat a diet rich in wild berries like:  
- Bilberries (wild blueberries) – Packed with anthocyanins for skin protection.  
- Lingonberries – High in antioxidants and vitamins A & C.  
- Sea buckthorn – Loaded with omega fatty acids and vitamin C for hydration and glow. 
- Cloudberries – Rare golden berries with high vitamin E content.  

Why it works: These berries fight free radicals, reduce inflammation, improve skin elasticity, and contribute to giving Finnish women their signature healthy glow. 

Where to find them: Some of these berries are hard to find here in the U.S., but you can find them ALL in drink form from Robert's Berrie. They're a family owned business, all berries are hand-picked in Finland, and the ingredients are super clean. I've tried all the flavors, and the bilberry is my favorite. Use my code LIZZY for a free 6-pack with your first order!

2. Sauna 

Regular sauna use (several times a week) helps:  
- Open pores and deeply cleanse the skin.  
- Improve circulation for a natural glow.  
- Promote sweating, which detoxifies the skin.  

Pro Tip: Many Finns use a vihta (birch whip) to boost circulation and follow sessions with a cold plunge to tighten pores. 

3. Hydration Inside & Out

- Drink plenty of filtered water and herbal teas, like birch leaf or nettle.  
- Use hydrating skincare with hyaluronic acid and natural oils (like Arctic raspberry seed oil).  

4. Minimalist, Effective Skincare

Finnish skincare focuses on gentle, high-quality products with:  
- Lanolin or glycerin for moisture in dry climates.
- Fragrance-free formulas to prevent irritation.
- Vitamin D supplements in winter to combat lack of sunlight.  
- Cold-pressed oils (like arctic raspberry seed oil) for nourishment.  

Best Finnish skincare brands: Lumene, Henua Organics, and Niki Newd (which has food-grade formulas, very important to me).

5. Protection Against Harsh Weather  

- Apply rich moisturizers with ceramides.  
- SPF even in winter to prevent UV damage from snow reflection. The girls who ski know you can get a sunburn just from that!

6. Natural, Nutrient-Rich Diet  

- Oily fish (salmon, herring) for omega-3s.  
- Rye bread & fermented foods for gut health (linked to clear skin).  
- Root vegetables (like carrots and beets) for beta-carotene. Research shows some find a beta-carotene glow more attractive than a tan!

7. Active Outdoor Lifestyle 

- Walking, skiing, and hiking in fresh air boost circulation and oxygenate skin.  

8. Stress Management

- The Finnish concept of sisu (resilience or grit) helps manage stress, which benefits skin.  
- Forest bathing (metsänpeitto) for relaxation and reduced inflammation.  
- Finnish society is known for body neutrality and a neutral, non-stigmatized approach to aging--this helps everyone embrace themselves as they are!

Final Thoughts: Finnish Beauty Secrets for Glowing Skin

By combining antioxidant berries, sauna sessions, hydration, and a nutrient-rich diet, Finnish women maintain flawless skin despite the harsh climate. Try incorporating these Nordic skincare tips into your routine for a radiant, healthy complexion!