The Ultimate European Beauty Tips for Radiantly Glowing Skin, as Suggested by an Austrian Aesthetician

      Even though I've been writing about beauty for many years, the aspect I appreciate the most about my profession is the continual opportunity to learn something new. You might think that by now I would have my skincare routine perfected, but the reality is quite the opposite. It’s challenging to determine what is effective for my extremely sensitive skin, and honestly, it's still evolving. However, during a recent visit to Stanglwirt Resort in Austria, I gained valuable insights from one of the resort's leading aestheticians, Michaela Stieber. Stieber is a key contributor to the resort's own skincare line, The Good Conscious. Stanglwirt is a beautiful mountain resort that also functions as an organic farm, making it an ideal location for a complete wellness refresh. Stieber’s skincare philosophy and her product range align closely with the resort's values. She emphasizes the importance of using organic skincare ingredients and minimizes the use of those deemed questionable by the European Union's regulations. "I understood early on that it’s not merely about using as many products or active ingredients as possible, but about comprehending the skin as a system and providing specific support," she shared. "For me, clean beauty isn’t just a passing fad—it’s a responsibility and involves understanding the skin. Our skin, being our largest organ, necessitates careful consideration of the ingredients we apply daily. With TGC, I’ve crafted formulations that work harmoniously with the skin and promote long-term health." Furthermore, I couldn't help but notice how her skin almost sparkles in person—yet another indication that her skincare advice is priceless. Being curious, I couldn't resist asking her for her top skincare secrets. As an expert European aesthetician with extensive experience, here are her essential tips for achieving glowing skin.

      1. Prioritize the skin barrier

      "Radiant, healthy skin always begins with a strong and balanced skin barrier," says Stieber. While this is a familiar concept, it reaffirms our instinct to use products that repair skin barrier damage. I personally understand this struggle and the chaos it can cause if the barrier isn't intact, including heightened redness, sensitivity, breakouts, and more. So, as Stieber advises, don't neglect barrier care! Below are some of my favorite moisturizers that support the barrier.

      2. Emphasize multi-level hydration

      For optimal skin hydration, Stieber recommends using moisturizers and serums that deliver hydration to multiple skin layers—not just the surface. Her key ingredient for this is hyaluronic acid with varying molecular weights to thoroughly and sustainably hydrate the skin across its layers. However, if you find hyaluronic acid makes you feel drier, consider alternatives like tremella mushroom, which effectively locks in moisture. You might try options like Three Ships Jelly Drops, which contain tremella mushroom.

      3. Incorporate microcirculation and stimulation

      To keep your lymphatic system and skin in top shape, Stieber suggests treatments that enhance microcirculation. "Facial massages, oxygen treatments, or LED light therapies stimulate blood flow and create a natural luminosity," she notes. Personally, I enjoy using my Omnilux red light mask along with my ZIIP device—both of which were recommended by another esteemed organic aesthetician, Katie Sobelman. ZIIP combines microcurrent and nanocurrent technology, stimulating lymphatic drainage and promoting improved circulation for a radiant complexion.

      4. Opt for intelligent formulas and ingredients

      Stieber’s primary focus with The Good Conscious was to design formulations that work synergistically with the skin. "It's not just about the active ingredients, but also how the formulation is designed as a whole. I prioritize textures that absorb well and avoid unnecessary fillers or traditional gelling agents. Lightweight textures and carefully chosen, minimal, skin-friendly preservatives offer considerably better long-term benefits for the skin." Although it's currently challenging to find The Good Conscious in the U.S. (but that might change soon!), I recommend Skinfix and Dime Beauty as brands that exemplify this approach. Both brands utilize thoughtfully crafted formulas with minimal ingredients that are gentle on sensitive skin and aim to work with the skin's natural rhythm, promoting promising long-term outcomes. I'm particularly fond of Dime Beauty's TBT Serum and Skinfix's Triple Lipid Activating Serum for added skin support.

      5. Remain consistent and prioritize professional treatments

      I know better than anyone how costly monthly facials can be, yet Stieber emphasizes their importance for achieving long-term results. "Sustained results come from a consistent at-home routine combined with targeted professional treatments," she explains. This necessitates adherence to your skincare regimen. Admittedly, with the abundance of beauty launches happening weekly, maintaining a consistent routine can be difficult, but Stieber insists it's worth it. This is something I've realized I need to focus on more, and I must learn patience while seeking results rather than constantly changing my routine. Presently, I'm using Dime Beauty and couldn't be more satisfied with this affordable, EWG-