Ole Henriksen reveals the secret to perfect Scandinavian skin and his famous scrub

Ole Henriksen has been perfecting his skincare techniques for years and has worked on some of the most notable faces in Hollywood, and he recently dished to AOL that the secret to looking as good as an A-list star this season, is to try and combat some of those pesky spring allergens.

"Many people find that in the Spring, their skin turns red and irritated. This is often a side effect of seasonal allergies. The biggest spring allergy trigger is pollen. When allergens get into the nose of someone who's allergic, the body's defense mechanics go haywire," Henriksen shared. "To address this condition the rule of thumb is to keep your skin care routine very simple, with a focus on using calming and soothing formulations. No hot water used on the skin, only tepid temperatures. No physical exfoliants, like scrubs, during the duration of the allergy flare ups."

So how exactly do you keep your skin calm and looking fabulous? Henriksen recommends picking up a Complexion Oil based on Essential Fatty Acids.

"Natural fats like Avocado Oil, Sesame Oil, Rose Hips Seed Oil, and Sunflower Seed Oil to name a few, have amazing anti-inflammatory benefits on the skin. Likewise look for a moisturizer based on high concentrations of Essential Fatty Acids like my Nurture Me Moisturizing Crème.

Henriksen, who is of Scandinavian descent, is also well-known for his incredible anti-aging products, and she says the best time to turn back time is during the spring. "If you haven't already, Spring time is also a perfect time to adopt a healthy anti-aging routine. I always recommend you use my Truth Serum. It is like a daily multivitamin for the skin. Supercharged with True-C Complex™ and boosted with collagen, this powerful antiaging serum helps brighten, visibly firm, and deliver all-day hydration."

Another great way to slow down Father Time when it comes to your skin is also to do a physical and chemical exfoliation. "Exfoliation gets ride of old, dull and lifeless skin cells, exposing younger, smoother and more even toned skin. Keeping the skins cell turnover rate operating at optimum also allows for all the other active ingredients in serums and creams to absorb and perform at their best," Henriksen says.

At his popular Los Angeles spa, Henriksen says that clients love the HydraDermabrasion Complexion Treatment, which is all about exfoliation. Here's Henriksen's recipe to replicate the facial scrub at home!

Cinnamon Complexion Scrub.

1 oz. of finely ground raw brown sugar (a coffee grinder does the job really well) - an amazing deep cleansing exfoliation.
1 oz. of finely ground organic oatmeal (coffee grinder again) - reduces excess oil flow, while impacting the skin with retexturizing benefits.
1/4 oz. of cinnamon - Enhances skin circulation for detoxifying benefits, while also plumping the skin.
5 drops of Eucalyptus Essential Oil – this has purifying and Antiseptic properties


Mix all the ingredients together. Store in the refrigerator in a small Tupperware jar.
Dampen your face and palms before use. Blend between both hands and transfer onto the face. Work into the skin in gentle tiny upward circular motions for approximately 30-60 seconds. Rinse well with lukewarm water.
Use once or twice a week. Stir well before use, since kitchen formulations like this tend to separate in between use.

. Everything I share in terms of skincare advice is inspired by my Scandinavian roots. Diet is a key element of enjoying healthier skin. My favorite natural foods for healthy, radiant and youthful looking skin include: Walnuts, Blueberries, Raspberries, Blackberries, Broccoli, Beets, Apples, Oranges, Spinach, Cinnamon, Oatmeal, Flaxseed, Rosehips and Quinoa. Be careful with sugar, too much of a sweet tooth can lead to glycation which can cause acne.

. Also, enjoying life, being happy I truly believe lends itself to a beautiful complexion. Americans are now learning about something we embrace in my native Denmark – Hygge. Hygge isn't just about being cozy and candles but about being present and appreciating moments that feel so sweet, cozy and special. And, you don't have to enjoy Hygge alone, being happy with your loved ones is the first step to glowing from the inside out.

Advertisement