The Top European Beauty Secrets for Radiant Skin, as Shared by an Austrian Aesthetician

      While I have been writing about beauty for many years, what excites me most about my job is that there is always new knowledge to gain. You might think that by now I would have my skincare routine perfected, but in truth, that is not the case. It’s challenging to determine what works for my extremely sensitive skin, and I am still navigating it. Recently, during a visit to Stanglwirt Resort in Austria, I learned a great deal from Michaela Stieber, one of the lead aestheticians at the resort. Stieber is a key figure behind the skincare line, The Good Conscious, that the resort offers. Stanglwirt is a stunning mountain resort that also operates as an organic farm, making it an ideal place for a wellness getaway. Stieber’s skincare philosophy aligns closely with the property's core values, emphasizing the use of organic ingredients and minimizing the inclusion of components deemed questionable by European Union regulations. "I realized early on that skincare is not merely about using numerous products or active ingredients, but about comprehending the skin as an integrated system and offering focused support," she explained. "For me, clean beauty isn’t simply a fad—it’s a responsibility and a deep understanding of the skin. Our skin is our largest organ, which is precisely why we need to be exceptionally mindful of the ingredients we apply daily. With TGC, I’ve created formulations that work synergistically with the skin and promote long-term health." Also, it was hard to miss the glow of her skin when I saw her in person, a solid indication that her skincare advice is invaluable. Being my curious self, I couldn't resist asking her for her top skincare tips. As a seasoned European aesthetician, here are the crucial elements she believes are necessary for achieving radiant skin:

      1. Focus on the skin barrier

      "Healthy, radiant skin begins with a robust and balanced skin barrier," says Stieber. While this advice may not be new to many of us, it reinforces the importance of using products that address any damage to the skin barrier. I have personally experienced the negative effects of a compromised barrier, which can lead to increased redness, sensitivity, and breakouts. So, as Stieber pointed out, prioritizing barrier care is essential! Some of my favorite moisturizers that support the barrier are listed below.

      2. Emphasize multi-level hydration

      Stieber emphasizes that thorough hydration requires moisturizers and serums that hydrate at various levels of the skin, not just the surface. Her go-to ingredient for achieving this is hyaluronic acid with different molecular weights, which deeply and sustainably hydrates the skin. If, like me, you find that hyaluronic acid sometimes leaves your skin feeling drier, consider alternatives like tremella mushroom, which effectively retains moisture. Recommended products include the Three Ships Jelly Drops, which feature tremella mushroom.

      3. Encourage microcirculation and stimulation

      To promote the health of your lymphatic system and skin, Stieber suggests treatments that enhance microcirculation. "Facial massages, oxygen treatments, or LED light therapies stimulate blood flow and create a natural glow," she notes. Personally, I enjoy using my Omnilux red light mask and my ZIIP device, both suggested by one of my favorite organic aestheticians, Katie Sobelman. The ZIIP device employs microcurrent and nanocurrent technology to stimulate lymphatic drainage, and according to founder Melanie Simon, this electric stimulation boosts skin circulation and imparts a glow.

      4. Opt for intelligent formulas and ingredients

      Stieber’s primary goal with The Good Conscious was to create formulations that collaborate well with the skin. "It’s not solely about the active ingredients but also about the overall structure of a formulation," she states. She prioritizes textures that are easily absorbed and avoids unnecessary fillers or traditional gelling agents. Lightweight textures and thoughtfully minimal, skin-friendly preservatives offer better long-term skin support. Although The Good Conscious may be occasionally difficult to find in the U.S. (but this might change soon!), my current favorite brands that embody this philosophy are Skinfix and Dime Beauty. Both brands utilize intentionally crafted formulas with minimal ingredients safe for sensitive skin, designed to align with the skin’s natural rhythms for promising long-term effects. I’m particularly fond of Dime Beauty’s TBT Serum and Skinfix’s Triple Lipid Activating Serum for additional skin nourishment.

      5. Maintain consistency and prioritize professional treatments

      I fully understand how expensive regular facials can be, but Stieber insists they are crucial for achieving lasting results. "Sustained results come from consistent at-home care combined with targeted professional treatments," she explains. This implies the need for adherence to your skincare routine. I can relate; with countless beauty launches each week, it's challenging to stick to one regimen, but Stieber assures the benefits are noteworthy. This is an area where I need to improve, cultivating patience in my journey for results rather than frequently changing up my routine. Currently, I’m using