The skin ageing process with Dr. Barbara Sturm
A pioneer in anti-inflammatory and anti-ageing skincare, Dr. Barbara Sturm is a globally renowned German doctor and aesthetics expert with a background in orthopaedic research. Built on 25 years of scientific research, Dr. Barbara Sturm’s skincare collections star cutting-edge technology, innovation and powerful ingredients to help a variety of concerns and skin types throughout your life.
As you age, your skin changes and so does its needs, so it’s important to change your skincare routine in line with this. A serum you apply in your teens won’t give you results you’re looking for during menopause. We spoke to the experts at Dr. Sturm about the best skincare products for each key stage of life.
The story of the Dr. Barbara Sturm brand
Dr. Barbara Sturm began her career developing innovative anti-inflammatory treatments for conditions like osteoarthritis using the body's own proteins. Inspired by these results, she applied the same anti-inflammatory principles to skincare. She pioneered treatments combining the body's healing proteins with hyaluronic acid fillers, leading to the creation of the famous blood plasma-based "Vampire Facial," which stimulates skin rejuvenation and healing.
Facing her own skin challenges, Dr. Sturm developed a pure plasma-based cream called MC1, delivering immediate visible improvements. This inspired her to create a simple, effective, science-driven skincare line. In 2014, she launched Dr. Barbara Sturm Molecular Cosmetics, a collection designed to help calm redness, protect, hydrate, and regenerate skin.
Dr. Sturm’s philosophy
Dr. Sturm’s philosophy is that every skincare routine, no matter age or gender, should focus on combating inflammation while deeply hydrating and nourishing the skin with highly active, gentle anti-ageing ingredients. Beyond skincare products, she emphasises adopting a simple anti-inflammatory lifestyle: getting sufficient sleep, exercising daily, managing stress, protecting skin from urban and digital pollution, and avoiding excess alcohol, sugar, fried and processed foods. This holistic approach supports healthier, more resilient skin from within and out.
Dr. Sturm’s key principles
When formulating new skincare products, Dr. Sturm emphasises several key principles to ensure every product is the most effective it can be:
Anti-Inflammatory Ingredients : Dr. Sturm prioritises ingredients that reduce inflammation and promote skin healing. This stems from her background in orthopaedics and her understanding of the role inflammation plays in skin ageing and damage.Scientific Efficacy : Dr. Sturm values scientifically proven ingredients and formulations like hyaluronic acid and purslane, which have been clinically proven to provide significant skin benefits.Safety and Tolerability: Dr. Sturm avoids using aggressive or irritating ingredients. Her formulations are designed to be non-toxic, non-irritating, and suitable for sensitive skin.High-Quality Ingredients : Dr. Sturm focuses on using the highest quality ingredients available, including clinical-grade components that ensure maximum efficacy and stability.Simplicity and Effectiveness: Dr. Sturm’s skincare routines are designed to deeply hydrate, nourish and support the skin's natural barrier function.Sustainability: Dr. Sturm is committed to reducing packaging materials, using recyclable materials like glass, and exploring sustainable ingredient sourcing.
The skin ageing process
0-12 Years
Infancy: Skin is delicate and thin, with a higher risk of irritation and rashes. Babies often experience conditions like diaper rash and eczema.
Childhood: Skin becomes more resilient but remains sensitive. Common issues include atopic dermatitis and viral infections like chickenpox.
Baby & Kids Collection
Dr. Sturm’s collection of babycare products was made with the expertise of a doctor combined with the love of a mother. The Baby & Kids collection is formulated without fragrance or harmful irritants and is gentle enough to use every day.
£40.00
£30.00
13+ Years
Teenage Years: Hormonal changes during puberty lead to increased oil production, resulting in acne and oily skin.
Microbiotic Collection
The collection includes pre- and probiotics to promote a healthy skin microbiome, essential for managing teenage skin issues like blemishes, and ingredients that restore and strengthen the skin for a healthy, balanced complexion with an even, fresh appearance. Each product is packed with anti-inflammatory and detoxifying ingredients that address hormonal and lifestyle-induced imbalances.
£155.00
20-30 Years
Young Adulthood: Skin starts to show early signs of aging, such as fine lines and dullness. Collagen production begins to decrease, and sun damage may become more apparent. Establishing a good skincare routine, including sunscreen is crucial.
STURMGLOW™ Collection
The STURMGLOW™ is an expression of healthy, functioning, hydrated and dewy skin and can be achieved by balancing your skin with ingredient science and a simple routine that hydrates, nourishes and protects your skin. Dr. Sturm recommends these must-haves as the building blocks to deliver the coveted STURMGLOW™ - radiance, even tone, hydration and optimal skin health.
£265.00
£55.00
£185.00
40-50 Years
Middle Age: More pronounced signs of ageing appear, including wrinkles, loss of elasticity, and age spots. Skin may become drier and thinner due to decreased collagen and elastin production. Sun damage and hormonal changes can exacerbate these issues.
Menopause
Post-Menopause: Rapid decline in estrogen levels leads to significant skin changes. Common issues include dryness, thinning, sagging, and increased wrinkles. Collagen production drops sharply, and skin may become more prone to bruising and slower to heal. Managing these changes involves using hydrating and collagen-boosting products.
Super Anti-ageing Collection
Powered by purslane, hyaluronic acid, skullcap, and glutathione, this collection delivers deep hydration, essential nourishment, and strengthens the skin’s defences. Skin appears firmer, smoother and more youthful looking.
£290.00
£170.00
£220.00
From a young age I’ve been immersed in the beauty industry, getting my first job at a skin clinic and staying there for almost 5 years. My love for skincare was born from the constant exposure to new French pharma skincare products, award-winning supplements and revolutionary techniques to snatch your face. My go-to look is a dewy, natural base using a tinted moisturiser, enhanced by a colourful eyeliner. The Garnier SPF50+ Face Fluid and YSL Touche Éclat Blur Primer are my holy grails.
