This season marks the 20th anniversary of Copenhagen Fashion Week. The Danes have not only transformed their city into an international fashion hub but also continue to inspire with their sophisticated outfits and their beauty and wellness habits. According to research conducted by Lookfantastic, Copenhagen is the European city with the slowest skin aging rate, unlike Barcelona, where skin ages the fastest.
What’s the secret? The quality of life is exceptionally high, while the level of environmental pollution and the average hours of sun exposure are low. However, the Copenhagen residents themselves also directly influence their skin’s aging process.
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Habits of Danish Women That Prevent Aging
1. A Cozy Home
Hygge (the art of creating a warm atmosphere) is a core element of Danish culture. As Mae Wiking explains in her book “Hygge: The Danish Art of Happiness,” it’s embedded in the country’s DNA. Danes find happiness in small pleasures and strive to make their homes a true “safe space.” It’s worth noting that Denmark consistently ranks among the happiest countries in the world.
Their homes are more than just places for recuperation and rest; they are centers of social life. They are keenly aware of how their environment and interior design affect their mood, which is why Danish homes typically follow certain principles: islands of light, candles during meals, round tables to encourage conversation and strengthen bonds, as well as throws, rugs, and cushions (even on the floor).
2. Sauna for Detoxification
In Scandinavian countries, the tradition of saunas and cold plunges is deeply ingrained and offers numerous health benefits, partly explaining why Danish women’s skin retains its youthful appearance longer. As Beatrice Larrea, an expert in holistic nutrition and anti-aging care, explains during the masterclass “How to Be Younger Tomorrow,” a high level of toxins accumulated in the body is a cause of accelerated biological aging. One way to counteract this is by spending a few minutes in a sauna several times a week. Since 2023, public saunas are available in Denmark, and Danes make it a habit to book a session at least once a month.
3. Constant Movement
In 2015, Copenhagen was recognized as the most bicycle-friendly city. The fact that the city has more bicycles than cars indirectly affects aging: by cycling to work daily, Danes get additional cardiovascular exercise, which can subtract years from their biological age. This is a way to increase NEAT (Non-Exercise Activity Thermogenesis) – the energy expended during daily activities not related to sports.
Danish women are true experts in this. For instance, stylist Jeanette Madsen told Vogue Scandinavia that she always cycles to work. Stylist Sofia Roe shared in an interview with Rose Inc that she takes long walks (without her phone) throughout the day. The key is to keep moving.
4. Balanced Nutrition
The Danish diet is characterized by high consumption of fish, fruits (especially berries), vegetables, healthy fats, whole grains, and oats. All of these directly impact skin health. Mae Wiking also explains that “hygge is about feeling protected from the outside world and preparing for winter, meaning stocking up your pantry.”
The goal is to ensure you have an adequate food supply. “It’s about making your evenings special and never feeling like you’re lacking anything,” he adds. For example, this includes buying seasonal produce, pickled beetroot, roasted peppers, kimchi, and blackberry jam.
5. Minimalist Makeup
“The Danes are very relaxed about beauty. What really matters is that whatever you wear is comfortable. When you feel good, you feel strong. And when you’re comfortable, you look your most attractive,” says Danish influencer Pernille Teisbaek in an interview with Into the Gloss.
This is why, in their makeup choices, Danish women favor minimalist, effective products that also care for the skin. They use just enough cosmetics to look good and feel comfortable – without heavy foundations or ultra-pigmented eyeshadows.
6. Connection with Nature
A connection with nature is a fundamental element of Scandinavian philosophy. Regarding Danish women and Copenhagen specifically, it’s worth noting that their skin suffers less from pollution and free radicals because city residents have access to numerous green spaces thanks to thoughtful urban planning.
It is easy to reach open green landscapes here. This not only helps reduce pollution and improve air quality but also provides opportunities to spend more time outdoors. Experts often recommend spending at least two hours a day in the open air. Being exposed to natural light helps regulate our biological rhythms, among other benefits. And even if the weather in Denmark isn’t always favorable, Danes know how to enjoy the sun at the slightest opportunity, organizing picnics outdoors.
7. Skincare Minimalism Was Invented by the Danes
While we are all proponents of skincare minimalism, and our obsession with multi-step Korean routines has waned, Danish women are the true pioneers of this philosophy. It is “characterized by an emphasis on mental well-being and high expectations regarding effectiveness and environmental friendliness,” explains Rasmus Nørgaard, one of the three founders of the Danish brand Grums Aarhus.
Danes focus on four pillars: cleansing the skin, using antioxidants (like Vitamin C or E), year-round SPF, and hydration. One of their main secrets is using facial oil at the end of their beauty routine to combat dehydration caused by low temperatures.
Based on material from: Vogue.fr