Although I've been writing about beauty for years now, what I love most about my job is that there's always something new to learn. You might assume that I'd have my skincare routine down to a science at this point, but, in reality, that couldn't be further from the truth. It's tough to find out what works for my super sensitive skin and honestly, it's still a work in progress. On a recent trip to Stanglwirt Resort in Austria, though, I learned so much from one of the property's lead aestheticians Michaela Stieber. Stieber is one of the geniuses behind the property's very own skincare line The Good Conscious.
Stanglwirt is a gorgeous mountain resort that doubles as an organic farm—the perfect setting for the ultimate wellness reset. Stieber's skincare philosophy and subsequent line closely mirror the property's values. Overall, she favors organic skincare ingredients and a reduction in others considered questionable by the European Union's standards. "I realized very early on that it’s not just about using as many products or active ingredients as possible, but about understanding the skin as a system and providing targeted support," she explained. "For me, clean beauty isn’t just a trend—it’s a matter of responsibility and understanding the skin. The skin is our largest organ—and that’s exactly why it’s crucial to be very mindful of the ingredients we apply to it every day. With TGC, I’ve developed formulations that work in harmony with the skin and keep it healthy in the long term."
And, I couldn't help but notice that her skin practically sparkles when you see her in person—another reason you know her skincare tips are invaluable. Because I'm me, I just had to beg her for all her best skincare secrets. As a master European aesthetician with years of experience, read on ahead for all the things she considers absolutely key for glowing skin.
Article continues below1. The skin barrier comes first
"Healthy, radiant skin always starts with a strong and balanced skin barrier," Stieber says. This isn't the first time we've heard this one, but it's good to know that we're right to use products that target any skin barrier damage. I know this struggle firsthand and the havoc it can wreak on your skin if yours isn't in tact. I'm talking major increases in redness, sensitivity, breakouts, and more. So, like Stieber said, don't sleep on barrier care! A few of my favorite barrier-supporting moisturizers are below.
2. Focus on multi-level hydration
In order for your skin to be thoroughly hydrated, Stieber says it's important to focus on moisturizers and serums that bring hydration to multiple levels of the skin—not just the surface. Her solution for this is one key ingredients. "I specifically use hyaluronic acid with different molecular weights to deeply and sustainably hydrate the skin across its various layers," she says.
If you're like me, though, and hyaluronic acid tends to make you feel even more dehydrated or dry, try an alternative option that has ingredients like tremella mushroom to really lock in moisture. A few options you can try are below, including the Three Ships Jelly Drops which contain tremella mushroom.
3. Utilize microcirculation and stimulation
In order to keep your lymphatic system and skin extra healthy, Stieber recommends incorporating treatments that increase microcirculation. "Treatments such as facial massages, oxygen treatments, or LED light stimulate blood circulation and create a natural glow," she adds.
Personally, I love my Omnilux red light mask for this and using my ZIIP device—both of which were recommended by one of my favorite organic aestheticians Katie Sobelman. ZIIP is both a microcurrent and nanocurrent device that you can use to stimulate lymphatic drainage and, according to the brand's founder Melanie Simon, both of these electric frequencies help increase circulation in the skin and impart a glow.
4. Use intelligent formulas and ingredients
Stieber's number one focus with The Good Conscious was to create formulas that work synergistically with the skin. She says, "It’s not just about which active ingredients are used, but how a formulation is structured as a whole. I focus on textures that absorb well and on formulations that do without unnecessary fillers or traditional gelling agents. Lightweight textures and deliberately minimal, skin-friendly preservative systems provide significantly better long-term support for the skin."
Although The Good Conscious is a little tough to get your hands on here in the U.S. (but, that might change soon!), my favorite brands that do this right now are Skinfix and Dime Beauty. Both brands use consciously-crafted formulas with minimal ingredients that are safe for sensitive skin. Not only that, they're designed to work with the skin's natural rhythm, delivering promising longterm results. I'm obsessed with Dime Beauty's TBT Serum and Skinfix's Triple Lipid Activating Serum for extra skin support.
5. Stay consistent and prioritize professional treatments
Noe one knows more than me how expensive getting monthly facials can be, but trust me, Stieber says it's worth it to keep up with them. "Longterm results come from regular at-home care and targeted professional treatments," she says. This means you need to stay consistent on your skincare routine. Again, I'm not one to talk. When there are hundreds of beauty launches a week these days, it's hard to really stick to the same routine, but Stieber says it's worth it. This is something I need to put into practice more myself and, I need to learn to be patient when looking for results. This is key rather than switching things up once a month.
Right now, I use Dime Beauty and couldn't be happier with this affordable, EWG-verified brand. It's got everything you could possibly need and starts to deliver results qiuck. As I'm sure you've noticed, I could wax poetic about this brand forever, but a few more of my favorites from it are below.
6. Take a neurocosmetic approach to skincare
Stieber says that we often forget to address key internal factors in our skincare routine. "Modern skincare must also take stress into account," she explains. "Supporting the skin at the neurocosmetic level is now a crucial factor for healthy, balanced skin." This means doing your best to address any stress or potential hormonal imbalances. Stress, though, is the main thing. I'm a huge fan of adaptogens for this because they help your body adapt to stress in a healthy way, balancing the endocrine and nervous systems. Below are a few of my favorites that I like to add to my morning coffee.
