"An elfin, age-defying force of nature, it’s no surprise she is celebrity-land’s favourite facialist."
Barbara Sturm is a German aesthetic doctor, world-recognised for her non-surgical, anti-ageing treatments and methods for rejuvenating the skin. Dr. Sturm began her medical career in orthopaedics as part of the team that developed cutting-edge, anti-inflammatory treatments for osteoarthritis and back pain. She then translated this knowledge from her clinical research and orthopaedic practice into the field of aesthetics, and opened her own medical clinic in Düsseldorf.
One of her signature treatments rejuvenates tired skin to deliver healthy, glowing skin without surgical intervention. Dr. Barbara Sturm Molecular Cosmetics is the amalgamation of scientifically-driven aesthetic medicine and nature’s reparative contributions.
This dynamic skin expert, brand founder and non-stop traveller is the best advertisement for her own treatments and products. An elfin, age-defying force of nature, it’s no surprise she is celebrity-land’s favourite facialist. Sturm has revolutionised the skincare landscape with her pioneering scientific understanding of the molecular structure of cells and their process of ageing. Dr. Sturm’s anti-ageing concept includes a range of minimally invasive therapies with different focuses such as skin quality, skin structure, facial contours and skin firming, which complement each other perfectly. Her aim is always to freshen up and rejuvenate the appearance of her clients, delivering smooth, firm skin and a positive, fresh and natural appearance. Achieving a natural result is Dr Sturm’s trademark and her recipe for success. Her clinic in Düsseldorf is one of the world’s leading centres for aesthetic anti-wrinkle treatments, molecular skin therapies and holistic anti-ageing. At this Molecular Spa, in addition to the medical treatments, deep-penetrating cosmetic treatments are offered that improve the skin’s health and radiance in the long term.
As you would expect of a woman juggling a global business, family and a host of celebrity clients, Dr. Sturm knows how to multi-task - and so do her products. World-recognised for her incredible skin treatments and ground-breaking research, Dr Sturm has found a way to trick old skin cells into behaving like new skin cells. Better still, this scientific breakthrough is delivered to her clients using a key natural ingredient, purslane. She explains, “Purslane stimulates the youth enzyme telomerase which stops the length of the telomere cap at the end of our DNA from shortening. The shortening of our telomeres leads to cellular dysfunction which is ultimately the process behind the wear and tear of the skin and premature ageing.” As you would expect of a woman juggling a global business, family and a host of celebrity clients, Dr Sturm knows how to multi-task, and so do her products. Many can be used in combination to enhance results or add to other formulas. For example, her revolutionary Sun Drops can be added to other products to provide protection. It’s this clever, practical approach that women love.
How often do you visit London?
I’m in London all the time. I love this city, so it’s always a pleasure to visit. I’m a big foodie and love to try new restaurants when I’m in town, and I love to travel with my five-year-old and visit museums and playgrounds. London has so many wonderful things for children to see. Staying at Corinthia London is always a pleasure: the rooms are wonderful, and the spa is incredible.
How did you discover Corinthia London?
I first heard about Corinthia London from friends who kept telling me about it. I hadn’t been, but when I heard it had the best spa in London, I had to visit! Then I met Thomas Kochs, the Managing Director and the team and I fell in love with the hotel.
Travel can take a toll on our skin. What advice do you give to clients who travel frequently?
Yes, so many of my clients are travelling all the time, and London is a real jet set destination. They might only be there for two days and then on to the next destination, which can be problematic for skin. To avoid dryness, irritation and redness, I suggest my clients always travel with their basics and make sure they look after their skin with extra hydration and a masque. Waking up the circulation is really important for irritated skin. It’s also great to take my supplements so you’re looking after your internal health too.
Air quality in all cities is really bad and in the cold weather it gets worse. My anti-pollution drops are great for skin in the city. Air conditioning and heating are also a problem, so it’s important to hydrate more, exfoliate and change to a richer moisturiser. Beyond products and treatments, what other lifestyle advice do you give your clients to make sure they look and feel their best? I can tell you what I do. I avoid alcohol and make sure I get to bed early; rest is very important to help restore and rejuvenate. I make sure I’m hydrated, try to keep stress levels under control and eat an anti-inflammatory diet, avoiding fried and processed food.
I try to overcome my daily guilt trip! It’s not easy juggling work and children, so I plan carefully, keeping some precious time for family. I love to wake up in the morning and have breakfast with my five-year-old. That’s a routine I try to keep to.