The surprising secrets behind supermodel Helena Christensen’s next-level glow

June 4, 2024

Welcome back to Well Connected’s Skincare Seven, where we pull back the curtain on some of our favorite creators to learn their deepest, darkest skincare secrets in just seven questions. This month, we’re thrilled to feature Global UNHCR ambassador and model Helena Christensen. One of the original 90s supermodels, Christensen burst onto the fashion scene and quickly gained icon status for her stunning features. Think: chiseled cheekbones, envy-inducing skin and piercing aquamarine eyes. (And who can forget that music video she starred in.) Now 55, the supermodel has never looked better. Read on to discover the unorthodox secret behind her next-level glow, the best beauty advice she learned early in her career and how she keeps those eyes in tip-top shape.

01
Dr. Murad believes that skin health is tied to whole body health. What are your top 3 non-product related tips for healthy skin?

The obvious ones are good sleep and hydration. The third is one of the best beauty hacks ever: plunging into cold water, even in the winter. 

02
Being one of the most iconic supermodels in the world, you’ve worked with the best of the best in beauty. What are the most memorable skincare tips you’ve learned from experts over the years?

One thing I picked up early on is to wear sunscreen every day. Before that, I didn’t wear SPF routinely even though I spent a lot of time outdoors. Now, I make sure to apply SPF before going out.

I also learned that I should be scrubbing and exfoliating my skin regularly, which I love doing—it really helps my skin glow. 

03
Your stunning eyes are one of your trademarks. What do you do to keep them so vibrant and healthy?

I do cold plunges in rivers and oceans all year, which I feel make my skin and eyes look vibrant and full of life.

I make sure to cleanse, tone and moisturize every morning and evening, and use the best products I can find for the delicate skin around my eyes.

04
Dr. Murad believes stress can have a negative effect on your skin. How do you manage your own stress levels?

Stress is not easy to manage because it’s a somewhat instinctive reaction. We all have  difficult situations in our lives. Ironically, sometimes trying to not stress makes us even more stressed out.

Breathing correctly, working out and being active socially are great distractions from the stress in our lives. I also try to spend as much time in nature as possible, which is so peaceful, it overrides the stress. 

05
You’re from Denmark. Can you tell us a bit about the Danish approach to beauty and skincare?

Nordic women have always taken such great care of their skin. Since the weather is so intense and powerful in Norway, the elements can really affect our skin. So we tend to protect and moisturize with high quality products. 

Nordic women also eat very healthy; mostly natural, organic food like fish and berries. 
 

06
You’re big into the Wim Hof method of plunging into extremely cold water—even making it look fun on Instagram. What are the health and beauty benefits of that? How do you get over the mental hurdles of jumping into a freezing cold lake in the middle of winter?

I’ve been doing it for years. It’s a very Scandinavian thing to do. We cold plunge year-round, followed by a steam or sauna. It’s the Viking method, I guess. 

I’m obsessed with water and always yearning to be submerged in it, so it’s natural for me to take a plunge in the dead of winter. I’m always searching for new water holes to plunge into.

The thrill that comes from it directly affects countless parts of your body and mind, all beneficial in miraculous ways

 

07
What’s been your favorite beauty trend of late?

I’m liking the freckle trend. I spend a lot of time outdoors and when mine come out, I love the way they look. 

But I’m not much of a trend person. I stick with what I’ve always loved, or even unknowingly doing the opposite of what’s trendy. 

My signature looks are sun-kissed cheeks and kitten eye liner. It takes awhile to master the liner application, but it looks beautiful on everyone. 

More from our Skincare Seven series:
7 questions with this self-made TikTok skinfluencer
This Harvard educated, board-certified derm’s best advice for you
40+? Here’s what this TikTok famous makeup artist wants you to know about skincare
A beloved home decor influencer reveals how to make your skin look as good as your living space
Want glass skin? Here are the secrets behind this J-beauty influencer’s iconic glow

The views expressed in this article do not necessarily represent the views of Murad, and are for informational purposes only, even if the advice of physicians and medical practitioners are included. This article is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment, and should not looked be considered specific medical advice.  

About the Author

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Sheela Soskin is a beauty editor and copywriter who has written for luxury and lifestyle brands such as Tom Ford, The Honest Company and Ipsy. She currently lives in London, where she spends her spare time exploring every corner of the Victoria and Albert Museum and obsessively searching for the perfect red lipstick.