Chances are, if you’re on social media, you’ve seen Dr. Barabara Sturm’s products.
Bella Hadid credits Sturm herself with “changing my skin forever“. Emily Ratajkowski relies on Sturm’s cleansers and exfoliants to keep her skin fresh between flights. And Hailey Bieber loves the brand’s Vitamin C Serum, which contains zinc for her sensitive skin.
Prior to her career in aesthetics, Dr. Barbara Sturm started her career in orthopaedics, developing treatments for inflammatory joint conditions like osteoarthritis — and famously developed the treatment used for the late Kobe Bryant. With the launch of her Better B, Niacinamide Serum in Australia (stay tuned for my review), we spoke to Dr. Barbara Sturm about her fascinating career — and what keeps her motivated.
POPSUGAR Australia: How did you get your start in the beauty industry?
Dr. Barbara Sturm: I began my medical practice in anti-ageing orthopaedics, with a focus on anti-inflammatory treatments. I co-created the Kobe Procedure — named after one of my patients at the time — the late Kobe Bryant. This procedure uses the body’s own natural proteins and healing factors to stop the inflammatory process and help heal joint tissue. I later translated some of this science into my aesthetic practice.
When my aesthetic patients asked me to prescribe creams for them to use in between treatments, I couldn’t find anything on the market I would recommend. I created a skincare range focused on targeting inflammation, reactivating the cell’s reparative function and locking in the body’s natural moisture reserves by protecting the skin’s barrier function.
Above: Dr. Barbara Sturm tended top models like Winnie Harlow and Anok Yai at this year’s Met Gala.
The original line-up was developed quickly to provide tailored solutions for specific skin concerns, from acne to redness and pigmentation across a variety of skin tones.
As an industry, we are exiting the era of one-size-fits-all, marketing-driven skincare products and entering a period of more tailored, science and results-driven products. My goal is to give each individual customer their best and healthiest skin.
You’ve just woken up, what do you do?
BS: Because my team is spread across LA, NYC and Germany, I wake up early in the morning so I can get in touch with everyone. The first thing I do is apply my face mask, make coffee and prepare breakfast for my 7-year-old. I check emails and then try to fit in a quick workout, occasionally while on calls with my team.
What’s your go-to breakfast option?
BS: I always eat breakfast for energy and to correct blood sugar levels. I have my own Bircher Muesli recipe that I make the night before with my girls, and I’ll have that with fresh fruit and a latte macchiato (no sugar). You can find the recipe for it on my website. I take my Skin Super Anti-Ageing, Skin Recovery and Skin Protection supplements.
What’s your morning get-ready routine if you have an event?
BS: My Deep Hydrating Face Mask ($166) is a must for me — I use it almost every morning and it is truly my beauty secret for that extra boost of hydration and glow. I rarely wear makeup but when I do have a night out I love Anastasia Beverly Hills, “Brow Wiz” ($36), Jillian Dempsey, Lid Tint in “Peach” ($42), and Charlotte Tilbury, “Pillow Talk” Lip Cheat, ($32). There are a few skincare products in my line that arent makeup – but that I love for a night out. The Lip Balm ($79) is amazing for a super glowy effect and for maintaining hydration. I love having the Hydrating Face Mist ($142) in my bag to refresh and replenish my skin throughout the night, and of course, Glow Drops ($217) as a base give a natural and healthy glow.
Where do you find your daily motivation?
BS: My motivation and inspiration come from everyday life; with family, patients, everybody around me, being in nature and everything I do, see and feel. And professionally, I feel fortunate to have met some amazing entrepreneurial women that I call friends, and they all share these inspirational traits — total devotion to their customers and an insane work ethic.
Any tips for staying productive?
BS: Studies have shown that spending time immersed in nature is amazing for us; the smells within a forest can influence numerous metabolic processes and negative ions, which are found in high quantities throughout dense forestation and absorbed through your skin and lungs, have the potential to lower inflammation, reduce stress, and boost serotonin levels. I grew up in nature so whenever I need a boost, taking a walk in the forest or even in a local park or nature preserve does the trick.
What do you do to keep your energy up throughout the day?
BS: An anti-inflammatory lifestyle is key for me. We are bombarded every day with inflammatory influences, from harsh skincare ingredients to UVA and UVB rays, stress, tailpipe emissions, HEV rays, smoking and drinking and sugar. If we learn what the inflammatory and anti-inflammatory influences are, we can avoid the bad and seek the good and it will have both an immediate and long term effect on skin ageing and your overall health. Adequate sleep, daily exercise, avoiding excess alcohol, sugar, and fried and processed foods, while eating anti-inflammatory foods like avocados, salmon, olive oil, tomatoes, nuts, dark berries and green tea are my constants for daily self-care.
What is something you’re passionate about?
BS: Personally, seeing my children grow up is the most exciting part of my life. Shaping children is the greatest responsibility and my biggest passion and the most fantastic thing. Professionally, treating patients and creating new products and approaches – the creative process – is what always excites me in my field.
What’s something you are excited about currently?
BS: I have so many exciting things coming up. I have recently launched my Microbiotic Collection– a skincare regimen designed for the next generation which focuses specifically on bringing a healthier balance to teenage and young adult skin. Finally, I am opening a Spa & Boutique in St. Tropez this summer — I am looking forward to having a new spa location where I can see clients and customers in person. There’s plenty more in store so stay tuned!
