SAGA SHOP - Haust I Fall 2019

34 Icelandair Stopover White columns of steam rise from the otherworldly lava landscape. There’s a faint smell of sulphur in the crisp morning air. The Blue Lagoon Research & Development Center is located next to the lagoon itself, harnessing silica, salt and algae—as well as the surrounding lava—to make unique skincare products. The Happiest Discovery Geothermal seawater originates approximately 6,650 ft (2,000 m) within the earth, where ocean water and fresh water converge in a tectonic realm of searing heat and immense pressure. Ascending through geothermal extraction wells to the earth’s surface, this unique resource emerges enriched with silica, algae, and minerals— the elements that give the water its cleansing, nourishing, thera- peutic powers. The water’s aston- ishing abilities were first discov- BOTTLING THE BENEFITS OF NATURE The Blue Lagoon skincare products make use of geothermal seawater and its unique ingredients. ered in the early ’80s by residents of the Reykjanes Peninsula, who couldn’t resist the temptation to bathe in the otherworldly blue reservoir that formed beside the Svartsengi geothermal resource park. People with chronic skin conditions—including psoriasis and eczema—experienced a form of relief they’d never known. The water soon became the target of intense scientific research, with multiple peer-reviewed studies confirming its profound efficacy. Likewise, the lagoon itself was eventually designated a wonder of the world by National Geographic —an honor that propelled the site into the upper echelons of global travel destinations. The White Wonder “We started out making skincare products when people bathing in the lagoon—who had applied the white silica mud on their skin and noticed how soft it felt—wanted to take the healing power of the lagoon home with them,” says Director of R&D Ása Brynjólfs- dóttir. The Blue Lagoon Silica Mud Mask was their first product and remains a bestseller. It strengthens the skin’s barrier function, deep cleanses the skin and reduces the visibility of pores. Ása explains that they harvest the silica by cooling the geothermal seawater, allowing the silica to precipitate as a white mud separate from the water. “We always imitate what happens in nature.” Anti-Aging Algae A unique, blue-green microalgae that thrives in the water is culti- vated in glass-tube bioreactors at the R&D Center. It’s the key ingredient for the anti-aging Blue Lagoon Algae Mask . Clinical studies have shown that the algae stimulates the skin’s collagen renewal and prevents its break- down caused by sun exposure. It nourishes and moisturizes skin, Special Promotion while minimizing the visibility of fine lines and wrinkles. Nothing Goes to Waste The Blue Lagoon is rooted in sustainability and it’s the ethos for the company’s ongoing evolution. The algae is fed only on geo- thermal seawater and geothermal gas rich in carbon dioxide that otherwise would be emitted into the atmosphere. “Whenever new buildings are constructed in the lava field, we save the lava for decoration. We also grind lava as a natural scrub for our products,” says Ása. The Blue Lagoon Lava Scrub cleanses and exfoliates the skin, while also stimulating blood flow and reducing the appearance of fine lines. Salt is also harvested from the geo- thermal seawater, both for the Blue Lagoon’s restaurants and the Blue Lagoon Mineral Mask , which revitalizes, moisturizes, and soothes the skin. All of these products are available on board this flight. Flip over this magazine and you’ll discover our exclusive Saga Shop Collection of on-board duty-free products.