The list of elite athletes, models, and actresses who want to put themselves in Barbara Sturm's hands is endless. The creator of the "vampire facial" and a custom-made plasma-rich cream in 2002 was just getting started. Her eponymous line is the closest thing to having her anti-inflammatory and anti-aging treatments without surgery at home. Discover her skincare routine below.
Efficiency, minimalism, and elegance—three words that serve to describe both the Dr. Barbara Sturm brand and its creator. If you asked us which of their products we would take to a desert island, we would be clear: moisturizing facial cream and eye contour .
JC: How did your career begin?
BS: My medical field is anti-inflammatory orthopedics. At the clinic where I worked, we made significant scientific breakthroughs regarding joint inflammation. I later translated some of those advances into skincare and aesthetics. Inflammation is truly the body's bane and the root of many dysfunctions and diseases. As a scientist, I'm always on the lookout for the latest ingredients and breakthroughs, new techniques, and cutting-edge treatments. I invented a blood plasma-based facial and injectable in 2002, which the public later dubbed the "Vampire Facial," and soon after, I created a custom plasma-infused moisturizer (MC1) for my patients. When people asked me to recommend products for their skincare, I couldn't find anything that really resonated with me, so I set out to create a high-performance line based on science and with an anti-inflammatory focus. It took me several years, and the result was my science-forward Molecular Cosmetics collection.
"Inflammation is truly the body's bane and the root of many dysfunctions and diseases."
JC: Complete the sentence: Dr. Barbara Sturm's skincare line is...
BS: A line of high-performance products backed by ingredient science and with an anti-inflammatory focus.
JC: What's the first thing you do in the morning?
BS: The first thing I do after hugging my daughter is make a latte macchiato and answer emails. My team stretches from Los Angeles to Hong Kong, so I need to check in with everyone in the morning. In the meantime, I try to get in some quick exercise, usually while on calls. I also do a lot of my Instagram Lives in the mornings.
JC: Define your skincare routine in 3 words.
BS: Moisturizing, anti-aging and anti-inflammatory.
JC: What skincare routine do you follow yourself?
BS: I'm a busy, working mom, so I need to keep my skincare routine simple. Now I use my mask. Dr. Barbara Sturm Face Mask every day. Twice a week in the shower, I exfoliate my face and body to remove dead skin cells, stimulate circulation, and promote skin renewal. Every day, I cleanse my skin with Dr. Barbara Sturm Cleanser , then apply my Dr. Barbara Sturm Hyaluronic Serum , the moisturizing cream Dr. Barbara Sturm Face Cream and Eye Contour Dr. Barbara Sturm Eye Cream . I always call this hyaluronic acid serum the "white shirt" of my line because it's essential for skin health. Not counting the face mask, my entire routine only takes 1-2 minutes.
"I'm a busy, working mom, so I need my skincare routine to be simple. Aside from a face mask, my entire routine only takes 1-2 minutes."
JC: What are some common mistakes you see in skincare?
BS: There are two mistakes I see very frequently. First, combining products that contain contraindicated ingredients. Second, aggressive, rapid-fire anti-aging solutions like chemical peels or laser facials create inflammation instead of healing the skin. The goal of skincare is to soothe and reduce inflammation, not cause it. The products in your routine should not cause any discomfort.
"The goal of skin care is to soothe and reduce inflammation, not cause it."
JC: Best skincare advice you’ve ever received?
BS: I learned from my mother that healthy, hydrated skin doesn't require makeup and is beautiful on its own. And that's a central pillar of my skincare line and my anti-inflammatory approach as a physician.
JC: Dream destination?
BS: I love going to the mountains in the summer, but if I really want to relax, my favorite destination is the Maldives. You can do water sports and it's so beautiful, it's a dreamy place. My husband proposed to me there, on a small deserted island.
JC: You're a mother of two girls and have one of the most successful skincare lines on the international scene. What do you do to relax?
BS: I play tennis, swim, walk, do yoga, and spend time with my family. I enjoy taking care of my body with a good dry brushing, applying my body cream, and more. Dr. Barbara Sturm Anti-Aging Body Cream or my Dr. Sturm Face Mask for an extra glow. I also love to relax by reading, and I've started painting and playing the piano again.
JC: What's on your nightstand?
BS: A supplement to promote restful sleep and my lip balm Dr. Barbara Sturm Lip Balm .
JC: We know you're an excellent chef, especially when it comes to anti-inflammatory cooking. Are there any easy anti-inflammatory recipes that you and your family should try?
BS: I have my own recipe for Bircher Muesli, which I made just last night. Simply mix 1 1/2 cups of oat flakes, 1 1/4 cups of plant-based milk, 1 cup of plant-based yogurt, 1/2 cup of raisins, 1/2 cup of sliced almonds, and 1/2 tablespoon of cinnamon, which has anti-inflammatory properties and is rich in antioxidants, in a bowl. Let the mixture sit in the refrigerator overnight. The next morning, combine it with 1 freshly grated apple, a cup of yogurt, and a little honey for a touch of sweetness. Of course, you can add other ingredients like chia seeds, walnuts, or berries. This recipe is the perfect way to start your day.