Steaming milky-blue geothermal water of the Blue Lagoon in Iceland with mountains in the distance
Island Facial Guide · Iceland

Icelandic Facials: Silica Mud, Algae & Geothermal Seawater

Iceland's newest skin tradition began by accident in 1976, when runoff from a geothermal power plant pooled in a lava field and became the Blue Lagoon. Here is the history, the science on silica mud and algae, how an Icelandic-style facial works and our closest facial.

In short: An Icelandic facial is built around geothermal seawater and what it leaves behind: white silica mud, blue-green algae and minerals, made famous by the Blue Lagoon, which formed in 1976. The ritual is a warm soak, a silica mud mask, an algae mask and hydration. Lumina's closest match is our Express Hydrating Facial.

Reviewed by Kira Tia, Licensed Esthetician (FL Full Specialist license FS946982), Lumina Skin Sanctuary, Fort Myers.

How was Iceland's geothermal skin ritual discovered?

Iceland has bathed in geothermal water for centuries, and today its public swimming-pool culture is so central to national life that UNESCO added it to the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in December 2025. More than 120 pools operate across the country, many heated by the same geothermal energy that powers homes.

The famous Icelandic 'facial' has a far more recent and accidental origin. Shortly after the Svartsengi geothermal power plant opened on the Reykjanes peninsula in 1976, its runoff pooled in the surrounding lava field. Silica in the water sealed the porous rock and a milky-blue lagoon formed. In 1981 a psoriasis patient bathed in it and noticed his skin improved; word spread, public bathing facilities opened in 1987, and research into the water began. The Blue Lagoon's water is geothermal seawater, about 70 percent ocean water and 30 percent fresh water, carrying silica, algae and minerals.

Aerial view of white silica-coated lava rocks and aqua geothermal water at Iceland's Blue Lagoon
From above, the Blue Lagoon's lava rocks are coated white with the silica that settles out of its geothermal seawater.

What does Iceland's climate do to skin?

Iceland's climate is subarctic and oceanic: cool summers, long dark winters, frequent wind and rain, and very low humidity when cold air is heated indoors. Winter sun is weak, but summer brings nearly round-the-clock daylight. Skin is more likely to feel dry, tight and wind-chapped than oily, which explains the Icelandic focus on barrier care and warm-water soaking.

  • Cold wind: Wind strips moisture from the skin surface and can leave cheeks red and chapped.
  • Dry heated air: Indoor heating in winter lowers humidity and dehydrates skin.
  • Long summer daylight: Nearly constant daylight in summer means UV exposure is higher than people expect.
  • Geothermal water: Hot pools are part of daily life; long soaks feel wonderful but can dry skin without moisturizer after.

How did the Icelandic skin ritual develop?

  1. Centuries of bathingIcelanders use natural hot springs for washing and bathing; geothermal pools become part of everyday life.
  2. 1976The Svartsengi geothermal power plant opens; its runoff forms the pools that become the Blue Lagoon.
  3. 1981A psoriasis patient bathes in the lagoon and reports relief, and the lagoon becomes popular.
  4. 1987Official bathing facilities open.
  5. 1992–1995The Blue Lagoon company is founded (1992), a psoriasis clinic opens (1994) and silica, algae and salt skin products launch (1995).
  6. 2008Grether-Beck and colleagues publish lab and volunteer research on silica mud and microalgae extracts and skin barrier function.
  7. 2014A randomized trial reports faster, longer-lasting psoriasis results when geothermal seawater bathing is combined with UVB therapy.
  8. 2023–2024Volcanic eruptions on the Reykjanes peninsula force repeated closures; lava reaches the lagoon's car park in November 2024.
  9. December 2025UNESCO inscribes Icelandic swimming-pool culture on its intangible heritage list.

How is an Icelandic-style facial performed, step by step?

Lagoon spas and Icelandic-inspired facials usually follow the same three-mask logic: cleanse, nourish, hydrate.

  1. Warm soak or steamIn Iceland it is a soak in 37 to 39°C geothermal water; in a treatment room, warm towels or steam soften the skin.
  2. Gentle cleanseA mild cleanser removes sunscreen and oil without stripping.
  3. Silica mud maskA thin layer of white silica mud is applied for a few minutes, then rinsed. Silica precipitates naturally as the geothermal water cools.
  4. Algae maskA green or blue-green algae mask follows to nourish and comfort the skin.
  5. Mineral hydrationA hydrating serum and moisturizer lock in water, important after warm soaking.
  6. ProtectEven in Iceland's soft light, sunscreen finishes the routine.

Which botanicals, minerals and extracts are used?

Tap any ingredient with a link to open its guide in our Botanicals & Supplements library.

Silica mudWhite mud formed as silica precipitates from cooling geothermal water; used as a cleansing mask.
Blue-green microalgaeA novel species native to the lagoon, patented in 2006 and studied for skin-barrier effects.In our botanical library →
Geothermal seawaterAbout 70% ocean water and 30% fresh water, around 2.5% salt and pH about 7.5 in the lagoon.
Marine mineralsSalts and trace minerals carried in the geothermal seawater.In our botanical library →Icelandic moss and arctic botanicalsLichens and hardy herbs traditionally used in Nordic folk remedies and modern Icelandic skin care.In our botanical library →Sea buckthornA Nordic berry oil rich in omega-7 and carotenoids, used for dry, wind-exposed skin.Read the guide →

What does the evidence actually say?

Iceland's geothermal ritual has more research behind it than most spa traditions, though most of it comes from teams connected to the Blue Lagoon. A 2008 study in Experimental Dermatology found that silica mud and microalgae extracts supported skin-barrier function and markers related to skin aging in lab models and in volunteers. For psoriasis, a 2014 randomized trial found that bathing in geothermal seawater combined with UVB phototherapy gave faster and longer-lasting improvement than UVB alone.

Two cautions keep this honest. First, psoriasis results came from supervised medical programs, not spa visits. Second, a jar of silica mud at home is not the same as soaking in the lagoon. Expect a silica mud mask to feel cleansing and an algae mask to feel hydrating and soothing; treat anything beyond that as unproven.

Steam rising from geothermal vents across rocky volcanic ground in Iceland
Iceland's geothermal fields heat its pools and lagoons, the backbone of the country's bathing culture.

How did a power-plant runoff pool become a global skincare brand?

The Blue Lagoon grew from an informal swimming spot into a clinic, a spa and a skincare company in about twenty years. Its products are built on the same three elements found in the water: silica, algae and minerals. Other Icelandic brands followed with skin care based on geothermal water, arctic botanicals and even biotech ingredients, turning Iceland into a small but influential skincare origin.

Nature has recently written a new chapter. Since late 2023 volcanic eruptions on the Reykjanes peninsula have forced repeated closures of the lagoon and nearby town of Grindavík, and lava reached the lagoon's car park in November 2024. Meanwhile, the everyday tradition Icelanders value most, the neighborhood geothermal pool, was recognized by UNESCO in 2025.

Is it safe? What to know before you try it

  • Silica mud can feel drying: Keep masks short and follow with moisturizer, especially on sensitive or dry skin.
  • Warm water and rosacea: Long, hot soaks can trigger flushing; keep water warm rather than hot if you are redness-prone.
  • Medical conditions: Psoriasis and eczema need a dermatologist; geothermal bathing studies were supervised programs.
  • Hair: Geothermal seawater is famously hard on hair; lagoon visitors are advised to condition it and keep it out of the water.

Which supplements and foods fit this tradition?

Nordic diets rich in fish and cold-climate berries fit this barrier-first tradition.

Omega-3sFish-rich Icelandic diets are high in omega-3 fats for the skin barrier.Read the guide →Vitamin DLong winters mean low sun; vitamin D status is worth checking with your doctor.Read the guide →Astaxanthin & carotenoidsMicroalgae-derived carotenoids are studied for skin under UV stress.Read the guide →Collagen peptidesPopular in Nordic 'beauty from within' routines for skin hydration.Read the guide →

What is the closest Lumina facial?

Closest match on our menuExpress Hydrating Facial · $75 · 30 minutesAn ultrasonic polish and hyaluronic hydration surge for dull, dry, dehydrated skin: the closest match to the hydrate-and-restore goal of an Icelandic geothermal ritual.
The tradition: The Icelandic ritual soaks in geothermal seawater, then layers a silica mud mask, an algae mask and hydration.
At Lumina: Your esthetician polishes and deeply hydrates in 30 minutes. We do not use Blue Lagoon water, silica mud or proprietary algae.
Want a full hour of mask and hydration? The Essential Radiance Facial (from $95) adds cleansing, exfoliation and a targeted mask.See the facial →

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New to Lumina? Join our email list to unlock your first-visit offer, then book your facial online. Have a question first? Contact the studio.

Frequently asked questions

What is an Icelandic facial?

An Icelandic facial is a treatment inspired by Iceland's geothermal bathing culture and especially by the Blue Lagoon. It typically includes a warm soak or steam, a white silica mud mask to cleanse, a blue-green algae mask to nourish, and hydration to finish. The ingredients come from geothermal seawater, about 70 percent ocean water and 30 percent fresh water, which carries silica, algae and minerals up from deep underground.

How was the Blue Lagoon formed?

The Blue Lagoon is man-made by accident. Soon after the Svartsengi geothermal power plant opened in 1976, its runoff water pooled in the lava field nearby. Silica in the water settled into the porous lava and sealed it, so the water collected rather than draining away. In 1981 a psoriasis patient bathed there and reported relief, bathing facilities opened in 1987, and a psoriasis clinic followed in 1994.

Does a silica mud mask work?

A silica mud mask works as a gentle cleansing mask: it absorbs surface oil and leaves skin feeling clean and smooth. Research led by Grether-Beck and colleagues in 2008 found that silica mud and microalgae extracts supported skin-barrier function and aging-related markers in lab models and in volunteers. That research was connected to the Blue Lagoon, and home use is not the same as bathing in the lagoon, so expect a pleasant cleansing mask, not a treatment.

Is the Blue Lagoon good for psoriasis?

There is real clinical research. A 2014 randomized trial published in Photodermatology, Photoimmunology and Photomedicine found that combining geothermal seawater bathing with UVB phototherapy led to faster and longer-lasting improvement than UVB alone, and a clinic has operated there since 1994. Those were supervised medical programs, though. Anyone with psoriasis should work with a dermatologist rather than rely on spa bathing or skincare products.

Is the Blue Lagoon open after the eruptions?

Volcanic eruptions on the Reykjanes peninsula have repeatedly closed the Blue Lagoon since November 2023, and in November 2024 lava reached and destroyed its car park. Its status has changed several times as the situation develops, so check official Icelandic sources and the lagoon directly before planning a visit. Iceland's more than 120 public geothermal pools offer another way to experience the bathing culture UNESCO recognized in 2025.

Can I get an Icelandic-style facial in Fort Myers?

Lumina does not use Blue Lagoon water, silica mud or its proprietary algae. The closest match on our menu is the Express Hydrating Facial ($75, 30 minutes), which pairs an ultrasonic polish with a hyaluronic hydration surge for dull, dry or dehydrated skin. For a full hour with cleansing, exfoliation, a targeted mask and hydration, choose the Essential Radiance Facial from $95. Book either online at our Fort Myers studio.

Where does this information come from?

  1. Blue Lagoon (geothermal spa): formation, psoriasis research, water, closures, Wikipedia
  2. Blue Lagoon Iceland: geothermal seawater, silica, algae and minerals
  3. Perlan: How the Svartsengi power plant created the Blue Lagoon
  4. Grether-Beck et al., Bioactive molecules from the Blue Lagoon (2008), PubMed
  5. Eysteinsdóttir et al., Psoriasis treatment and geothermal seawater, randomized trial (2014), PubMed
  6. Reykjavík City: Icelandic swimming pool culture inscribed on UNESCO list (2025)
  7. UN Regional Information Centre: UNESCO recognises Iceland's swimming pool culture

Where should I go next?

← Island Facial GuideNordic facialsCaribbean volcanic mud facialsEurope Facial GuideSea buckthorn for skinExpress Hydrating FacialEssential Radiance FacialBook a facial online

By Lumina Skin Sanctuary, a licensed-esthetician facial studio at 7940 Dani Dr, Suite 135, Room 209, Fort Myers, FL 33966. Cultural skin-care education about island traditions: general information, not medical advice, and a description of heritage practices rather than services we perform. Lumina offers facials only; each page names the closest match on our menu.