The Blue Lagoon is one of Iceland’s most popular destinations, known for its healing wonders. Nestled in the black lava fields near Reykjavik, this geothermal spa is a splendid place to rejuvenate. Many go there seeking its healing properties, especially for skin conditions, such as, psoriasis. Also, the facility is used for research to help find cures for other skin disorders. I had a wonderful day there, so read on to learn about Iceland’s Blue Lagoon highlights.
First of all, to demystify the lagoon, as it’s man-made. A nearby geothermal power plant supplies the water and renewed it every 2 days. The warm waters are rich in minerals like silica and sulfur. This is what makes the milky blue hues, that are so inviting at temperatures averaging from 99-102 degrees F or 37-39 degrees C.
The spa regulates the mineral and salt content, matching the salinity of ocean water. Furthermore, they minimize the egg smell, normally associated with geothermal sites.
Blue Lagoon Accommodations and Restaurants
If you are so lucky to stay for accommodation onsite, here are 2 options:
Silica Hotel
The Retreat Hotel
There are 4 options for healthy dining onsite:
Blue Cafe for more casual dining, snacks and takeaway
Lava Restaurant for an immersion in the lava rocks with gourmet dining
Spa Restaurant for a casual meal to enjoy in your robe if you wish
Moss Restaurant for a Michelin-starred, gourmet food experience
Preparation for Blue Lagoon
Upon arrival, all guests must first take a shower before entering the lagoon. I highly recommend applying the hair conditioner in the showers. This coats and protects your hair from the heavy metals. Plus, tie your hair up so it’s off your shoulders. Take it from me, as I didn’t do this and I lost a lot of hair afterwards from the sticky metals gumming up my hair.
The Retreat Spa to Enhance Experience
If you want to go above and beyond the Blue Lagoon day visit, there is The Retreat Spa. Besides the Blue Lagoon, it includes the Retreat Lagoon, the Retreat Spa, private changing rooms, access to the Spa Restaurant and The Blue Lagoon Ritual.
My Day Visit at Blue Lagoon
Relax, Rejuvenate & Recharge
Tentatively I enter the water from inside, leading to a door that opened to the outside. Floating around taking in the warmth and relaxation is very rejuvenating. Many had applied silica mud masks to their face while in the waters. Even though many people are in the lagoon, it’s big enough with many coves and corners to indulge in privacy. I float around stopping to talk with my friends or just drift along by myself at times, taking in the atmosphere.
Many people enjoy this experience with some alcoholic beverages. There is a bar that you swim right up to and order. You can order beers, wine or non-alcoholic beverages for refreshment. I, personally, did not consider the alcohol, because of its dehydrating effects in a warm environment. But, others seemed to pull this off and enjoy themselves.
Also, there are photographers on the edge of the lagoon, taking free photos that they e-mail to you. This is nice, as the only other way to get a photo would be to use a water-proof camera. I took up the offer and greatly appreciated this!
Blue Lagoon Iceland Health Benefits
Silica and Sulfur
The healing properties of the Blue Lagoon are drawn from the mineral, silica, that is abundant in this geothermal hotspot. Silica is amazing for repairing connective tissue and collagen production. As we age, the silica in our tissue decreases, so it becomes even more important for supplementation to slow the aging process.
This mineral is also good for strengthening hair and nails, helping them to grow faster. This suggests that many with skin disorders or premature aging may be deficient in the mineral silica so tissue repair is slowed down, leading to skin disorders, such as, psoriasis.
Also, the necessity of silica for collagen production explains how it can slow the aging process, since the collagen is what holds us together. A decrease in collagen production can lead to wrinkles, joint degeneration, brittle bones, hardening of the arteries, dry skin, weakened teeth/gums and atrophied organs. Thus, it’s apparent how supplementing silica to increase collagen production can benefit our skin, hair, nails, bones, teeth/gums, and arteries/veins for circulation.
Interestingly, silica has also shown abilities to eliminate aluminum from the body. Aluminum is linked to Alzheimer’s Disease, so its elimination is essential for longevity and good mental health. Studies show that the average person intakes 20-60 mg of silica daily and results of supplementation with silica at 375 mg per day support its efficacy. Foods that contain high amounts of silica are wheat, oats, barley, millet and potatoes.
Sulfur another Healing Mineral
The other rich mineral at the Blue Lagoon is Sulfur, the third most abundant mineral in the body. Sulfur bonds are required for protein to maintain shape. Keratin is high in sulfur, giving connective tissue and cartilage flexibility. Aging causes the flexible tissue to lose elasticity, leading to sagging and wrinkling skin, along with stiff muscles and painful joints.
Due to the demineralization of our soils many people are deficient in sulfur, thus, contributing to these age-related problems. Fibrous, non-leafy vegetables are rich in sulfur, such as, cabbage, broccoli, brussel sprouts, mustard greens, onions, leeks, garlic, celery, fennel and asparagus. Other sulfur-rich foods include protein-rich animal products, nuts, seeds, dairy products and certain fruits, such as coconut, bananas, pineapple and watermelon.
Sulfur is also helpful for skin disorders, arthritis, heart disease and more. Other supplements that are rich in sulfur are MSM or methylsulfonylmethane and Epsom salt (magnesium sulfate). Both decrease pain and stiffness.
Sulforaphane increases the activity of the liver’s Phase 2 detoxification enzymes. These enzymes are well known for their ability to clear many toxic compounds from the body.
The mineral-rich waters of the blue lagoon, abundant in silica and sulfur, absorb readily through your largest organ, the skin. Because our modern world is inundated with processed foods and deprived from demineralized soils, swimming in these waters helps to replenish our body with rich minerals for health and longevity.
Blue Lagoon Iceland Skincare
The Blue Lagoon skincare products are luxurious. These therapeutic products harness the healing properties from the lagoon, such as the silica and algae. Shop onsite or online for their trademark masks, serums and creams for health and beauty.
Enjoy Blue Lagoon!
Overall, my experience was very therapeutic. The Blue Lagoon is just one of many geothermal spas in Iceland where people can enjoy their beauty, warmth and healing properties. If I had more time there, I would have loved to explore some of these less well-known sites.
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