She’s going to help us face quarantine. As the beauty maven behind the natural creams, serums, and oils that celebrities crave (hello, Meghan Markle…), Susanne Kaufmann knows how to help give your skin a glow-up. And thanks to running her family’s renowned spa in the Alps, the Austrian skincare expert also has the inside track on DIY self care. Here are her tips for good vibes and great skin.

What’s a constant in your routine that you’re still doing?
I always use a cleanser, a toner, and serum, day cream and SPF.

Is there a link between anxiety and breakouts? How do we keep our skin calm if we’re not calm?
Anxiety creates stress, and stress causes blemishes. We can turn red with shame, pale with fright, and sweat with fear or excitement… or we get goosebumps! The skin is the mirror to the inner psyche, and our mental state can improve or worsen, and the skin can react to the smallest stimuli such as emotions or external stressors. Our skin reflects how we feel on the inside, so it’s important to treat ourselves holistically and take care of the mind, body, and spirit.

What “super ingredients” are most helpful for skin care right now?
My favorite clean ingredient is Ectoin. It’s obtained directly from bacteria—not produced artificially. Roughly speaking, it’s kind of a “stress protection molecule,” and enables life in very harsh conditions like tundra, hot springs, and salt lakes. It has been used as an active ingredient in cosmetics since 2001 because it has a cell-protecting and anti-inflammatory effect. And it’s an excellent anti-aging ingredient!

What’s one self-care product that everyone uses incorrectly? How should we use it?
I think one of the most common mistakes is to use products that don’t suit your skin type or treat your current skin condition. We each have individual skin conditions… but external factors can change them, so it’s important to evaluate your skin’s needs and adjust. For example, if I have dry skin, I care for it with a lot of moisture. But in the winter, or with constant air conditioning, it makes sense to incorporate [even more nourishing] products into my routine because the conditions outside (or inside) are harsher.

What’s your skincare routine before wearing a face mask outside?
I use a mild, water-soluble facial cleanser with a soft, clean washcloth. Cleanse the skin surface gently, and if possible, use products with a gel texture or light, liquid lotions. Rich, weight-bearing lotions and creams could clog the pores. Use daily a high-quality exfoliator with fruit acids, like our enzyme peel… and remove excess sebum. This can be done by using a clay mask regularly around the greasy areas of the face.