What do Kim Kardashian, Victoria Beckham, Bella Hadid, Irina Shayk and Hilary Duff all have in common, you ask? For one thing, these Hollywood A-listers are all enamoured with the molecular skincare line developed by German skincare specialist, Dr Barbara Sturm. Whether it’s her rather strangely-named ‘vampire facials’ – an apparently highly-rejuvenating treatment, which sees platelet-rich plasma extracted from a client’s blood and then applied on their skin – or her highly-effective serums, it’s clear that the good doctor knows how to diagnose and treat a wide array of dermatological issues.
Now, Dr Barbara Sturm has turned her attentions towards Asia, and more specifically to Hong Kong, and recently launched her eponymous skincare products at luxury beauty retailer JOYCE Beauty. We caught up with the beauty guru, who share her top four skincare tips to keep your skin glowing through the ages.
Start a skincare regimen as soon as possible
According to Dr Barbara Sturm, it’s never too early to start setting a daily skincare regimen for yourself. In fact, the earlier you start – say in your 20s – the more you can counteract the effects of ageing and the impact of negative factors such as UV rays, pollution and acne. A basic schedule should at least include a foam cleanser to wipe away any dirt build-up, a moisturising face cream, and a hyaluronic serum – a substance naturally produced by our body to maintain optimal skin hydration – to boost your au naturale glow.
Sunblock is your friend
It’s no secret that the sun’s rays are not only damaging to your skin, but can lead to skin cancer as well. Sturm recommends selecting a sunscreen that offers both UVA and UVB protection. Avoid any products claiming to have unbelievably high SPF values as these are usually marketing gimmicks. Use sunscreen liberally and ensure you cover every part of your face, including your ears and neck.
Go the extra yard when travelling
Travelling places huge amounts of stress on your skin, with the pressurised air drying out your dermis and the stress / long hours causing dark circles and other unwanted skin problems. For Sturm, who travels regularly, her go-to includes a daily application of her hyaluronic serum, generous use of moisturing face creams and her rejuvenating face mask – a regimen she claims helps rehydrate and detox your skin.
Pay attention to what goes into the products you use
Dr Barbara Sturm uses only the gentlest, most natural products for her skincare line, and is known for researching those ‘superfood’ substances that provide huge levels of beneficial nutrients for your skin. Her go-to is purslane, a mineral and vitamin-rich leafy vegetable whose antioxidant properties offers strong regenerative effects on a cellular level. With any skincare product, though, Sturm recommends using caution and researching before using them.