Portrait

Appointment with Dr. Barbara Sturm

She's created a brand with ultra-precise anti-aging formulas and the glow we've all been dreaming of. Meet Dr. Barbara Sturm, founder of the eponymous brand. She tells us more about her philosophy, rituals and advice for healthy skin.

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What is your philosophy on inflammation?

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We're bombarded by inflammatory factors every day: from overly aggressive ingredients in skincare products, to UVA and UVB rays, stress, lack of sleep, free radicals, pollution, smoking, alcohol and sugar. These inflammations can appear on the skin as minor symptoms, such as mild irritation or flaky skin, or as more severe skin problems, such as acne, redness and sensitivity, premature aging, dilated pores, psoriasis, rosacea or perioral dermatitis. My entire skincare philosophy is focused on fighting inflammation, identifying these inflammatory causes and their consequences, and then adapting our lifestyle for an anti-inflammatory lifestyle. This is the key to beautiful skin for me. 

Photo credit: Patrycia Lukas

What do you consider to be the basics of a healthy skin routine? 

It's not just about topical cream application; there's a holistic approach to reducing inflammation and achieving wellness. My basic advice never changes - healthy skin is glowing, beautiful skin. Protect and strengthen your skin's barrier function, provide essential nutrition, infuse it with moisture and fight inflammation with ingredient science. Avoid make-up wherever possible, skin-aggressive products and harsh treatments, and adopt a simple lifestyle. 

For me, this means: making sure I get enough sleep, exercising every day, avoiding stress, protecting myself from urban and digital pollution, and avoiding excess alcohol, sugar, fried and processed foods. Anti-inflammatory foods such as avocados, salmon, olive oil, tomatoes, nuts, dark berries and green tea are my daily self-care constants, sport (I like to move every day), and meditation, yoga and breathing exercises are also essential. I try to have a Buddhist outlook on life; I like to keep a cheerful spirit and try not to worry about the past or the future - it's important for me to live in the present.

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And what does your skincare routine look like at the moment?

At the moment I use theEnzyme Cleanser in the shower on my face and body to eliminate dead cells, stimulate circulation and promote skin renewal. I then apply Hyaluronic Serum and The Better B Radiance Serumbefore applying my Super Anti-Aging Face Creamand, in case of dark circles or puffiness, the Super Anti-Aging Eye Cream. My Face Maskwhich I use every day, acts as an effective boost of rich hydration for 15 to 20 minutes and can also be used as a night-time treatment, in which case you can mix a little of Night Serum Sérum de Nuit Régénérant.

"Heal and protect your skin, and it will glow."

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How do you deal with stress on a daily basis?

Stress releases excessive levels of cortisol, which can cause inflammation: increasing sebum production, leading to irritation, rashes, acne and so on. Personally, I give myself a moment just for me every day. I apply the Face Mask first thing in the morning while I'm having my coffee and checking my e-mails. I have to be efficient with my time, and it works quickly to bring optimal hydration to my skin. It also feels incredible. I've always been inspired by Dr. Deepak Chopra and often listen to his meditations for ten to twenty minutes to help me relax or when I need to refocus. I also love doing sport - it's a great relaxing way to stay fit and flexible. 

Photo credit: Chris Singer

And what do you do to get a good night's sleep?

Hormone levels and other changes during sleep make this time critical for cellular rejuvenation. Cortisol also interferes with sleep. I don't drink much, I avoid heavy, hearty meals just before bedtime, and I always make sure my bedroom is dark, quiet and free of electronic devices - the blue light emitted by screens triggers cortisol, which keeps you awake. I stick to my anti-aging skincare routine with the Super Anti Aging Night Cream followed by my Super Anti-Aging Eye Cream or the Eye Creamand I take my supplements about an hour before going to bed. These are essential steps to support the skin's renewal processes.

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What are your favorite glow-inducing activities?

Deep down, I'm a real tomboy and I love sport. I like to vary the pleasures - walking, cycling, Pilates, yoga, tennis and skiing. I take the same approach to fitness as I do to my skin - nothing hurts. It's normal to feel a little sore or tired during exercise, but avoid sports sessions that leave your body physically sore as this can be a sign of inflammation. Movement isone of the main anti-aging devices. It's also a great way to start the day, as endorphins provide an incomparable sensation.

Photo credit: Chris Singer

You share a lot of recipes on Instagram, what does a day on your plate look like?

I love starting my day with Bircher Muesli. It's easy to prepare and oatmeal is rich in several nutrients, including fiber, carbohydrates, plant-based protein and B vitamins, which together can aid digestion, reduce oxidative stress in the digestive tract, lower cholesterol levels and boost brain function. I have my own perfected recipe which you can find here.

For lunch, I usually prepare an anti-inflammatory salad with greens, pomegranates, vegetables and sometimes feta cheese, all accompanied by my homemade vinaigrette. For dinner, we vary, but I love to cook a Thai vegetable curry or teriyaki salmon with roasted vegetables. My daughter Pepper loves pasta, so I often cook pasta with a fresh tomato sauce, or the other day I made one with arugula salad, pine nuts and sun-dried tomatoes. We're trying to stay healthy while enjoying ourselves.

Dr. Barbara Sturm's selection

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