Daniel Stangl of La Prairie talks about how to take proper care of the skin

Recently in town for the star-studded launch of the reformulated White Caviar Illuminating Moisturizing Cream, Daniel Stangl shares with us the secrets of the Swiss brand’s success and some top tips for skincare.

How has the brand and products evolved over time?

When we started in 1978 with only nine products, it was always La Prairie’s mission to provide the best in terms of excellence, performance and science. We try to incorporate the latest insight into skin biology, ingredients, technologies, packaging and design to provide and create state-of-the-art products for our consumers. But at the heart of La Prairie, luxury, Swissness and state-of-the-art science, performance and innovation have always been the basis of everything we have done in the past 35 to 37 years. We evolved but never wandered away from our roots and heritage.

Could you describe what you mean by “Swissness”?

I’m Swiss, and the quality of Switzerland is what we call precision. It’s quality, it’s craftsmanship like mechanical watches, it’s innovation. In Switzerland, we don’t have any resources other than the brain. We don’t have oil and we don’t have gold, so innovation is a very important part of what we call “Swissness”.

How do you pick the right products for your skin?

Too many women pick products because they heard from their friends that they’re great. It really comes down to analysing your skin condition and needs. Once you know about your needs, which are often determined by your genetic predisposition, then you can start thinking about: where do I live and in what climate? Do I live in a big city with a lot of pollution, or do I live somewhere where it’s very cold or very warm and humid?

All these external factors, plus lifestyle – do I sleep a lot, or do I enjoy nightlife? – have to be considered.