Known for the popular vampire facial that went viral with Kim Kardashian, Dr Barbara Sturm became widely popular for her research-based and science-backed products. She’s known for her MC1 cream – a prescription- based personalised face cream that’s mixed with the client’s own white blood cells. Her skincare line has taken that path; it’s boosted with active ingredients and designed to heal the skin and reduce inflammation.
ELLE: What is your skincare routine like?
Barbara Sturm (BS): During the day, I use a facial scrub or DBS enzyme cleanser, twice a week, to remove dead skin cells, boost circulation and encourage skin renewal. After showering, I apply my balancing toner, hyaluronic serum and The Better B niacinamide serum. I follow it up with the Super Anti-Aging range of face cream, neck and décolleté cream, and when I have dark circles or puffiness, the eye cream. The face mask, which I use daily, acts as an effective 15–20-minute boost of rich hydration. In the evening, I’ll use the make-up remover and Super Anti-Ageing cream cleanser to remove impurities and deeply nourish my skin and the balancing toner. I layer it with the Super Anti-Aging range of serum, night cream and eye cream, and a lip balm and supplements.
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ELLE: During your India launch, you mentioned not blocking the goodness of the sun completely. Could you elaborate on that perspective?
BS: It’s essential to always protect against both UVA and UVB rays. Whenever you spend more than 15 minutes in direct sunlight, even in winter, I recommend using an excellent broad-spectrum sunscreen. That said, getting a little sun can be great for your health. When exposed to sunlight, your body produces Vitamin D, which is essential in helping regulate the absorption of calcium and phosphorus, facilitating normal immune system function and for normal growth and development of bones and teeth, as well as improved resistance against certain diseases.
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ELLE: What are some of the trends that you want people to leave behind and move on?
BS: The idea that you should ‘feel the burn’ and aggressively attack the skin to get results is a dangerous trend in the beauty and skincare community.
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ELLE: Is that why you are not a big fan of retinol?
BS: As a doctor, I believe everything that touches your skin should heal rather than inflame it. So, I do not recommend aggressive anti-ageing ingredients like retinol. To some, it’s a controversial opinion because retinol has an effect, and it’s popular, but I don’t believe the benefit is worth the cost.
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ELLE: What recent beauty technology has captured your attention?
BS: I’ve been researching Exosomes for over 20 years; membrane-bound spheres inside a cell, which contain a complex variety of contents derived from the original cell, including proteins, lipids, and genomic DNA. They are key mediators in cell-to-cell communication. They have been shown to be pivotal in reducing inflammation during ageing and encouraging skin regeneration for a healthy, youthful- looking complexion.
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