Superstar Aesthetician Barbara Sturm Shares Tips about Sculpting and Defining One’s Face
Leading aesthetics doctor Barbara Sturm is known and loved for her line of innovative, science-backed skincare that deeply hydrates and nourishes the skin. From serums and moisturisers, to masks and exfoliators, they’ve proved to be a huge hit and amassed a cult following among influencers and A-listers. Celebrities such as Gwyneth Paltrow, Katie Holmes, Bella Hadid, Hailey Bieber, Victoria Beckham and Rosie Huntington-Whitely have all turned to the German doctor for their skincare routines. Not only are her products cruelty-free, they’re also free of fragrances, silicones, and parabens, in line with Sturm’s clean-living ethos.
Sturm’s journey into medicine started at Heinrich Heine University in Düsseldorf where she studied Medicine and Sports, followed by a medical career in orthopaedics. Here, she worked on progressive treatments for ailments like osteoarthritis, using the body’s own proteins and healing factors to stop the inflammatory process, and in turn, help heal joint tissue.
With all this expertise, in 2002 she applied these learnings to the world of aesthetics, commenting on the merging of techniques, “Aesthetics is a combination of art and science, and it is a fascinating challenge with immediate and very gratifying results for patients,” says Dr. Sturm.
“I started by injecting hyaluronic acid and Botox which provided great results, but I kept thinking that it would be a great additional anti-ageing booster for the skin if we also started mixing it with the body’s own anti-inflammatory healing factors, like we did in orthopaedic medicine.”
How Dr Barbara Sturm became an aesthetician to the stars
Also in 2002, she developed her MCX treatment — a platelet-rich plasma facial that’s been dubbed the ‘Vampire Facial’ and went viral in 2019 after Kim Kardashian posted an Instagram picture of her treatment.
The MC1 Blood Cream, a bespoke moisturiser infused with plasma extracted from the user’s own blood, soon followed and found famous fans in the likes of Victoria Beckham, Jaime King, Hailey Bieber and Emma Roberts. These cult treatments formed the basis of Sturm’s brand, and with clients asking for a complete skincare regimen, she set to work on a skincare range and launched Molecular Cosmetics, an anti-inflammatory collection, in 2014.
Today, Sturm’s brand is booming. Oprah Winfrey invested in it last year, and in tandem Sturm has extended her product line, as well as opened eponymous boutiques and spas worldwide. You’ll find the brand in London, New York, Miami, and Los Angeles, with her products available at Joyce Beauty and Rosewood Hong Kong.
As a pioneer of anti-inflammatory products and treatments, she’s the person to look to for facial routines that give definition. “My philosophy is that every skincare routine should combat inflammation, deeply hydrate, nourish, and heal the skin and be packed with the highest optimal doses of active compounds and void of aggressive ingredients. It is important to heal rather than attack your skin,” says Sturm.
Incorporating gentle lymphatic drainage techniques into a facial routine reduces the build-up of fluid in the tissue that is collected under the skin by stimulating the lymph vessels. The result? Reduced swelling, for a sculpted complexion. “As we age, the lymphatic system starts to slow. It is responsible for getting rid of toxins, so you may notice more puffiness around the eyes and cheeks. A gentle lymphatic drainage massage is incredible for waking up the skin and gives a de-puffing effect, so the skin instantly looks healthy and radiant. It’s a key part of my facials but you can also give it a try at home.”
A guide to face sculpting, by Dr Barbara Sturm
Step 1
First, apply a serum such as Sturm’s Super Anti-Aging Serum all over your face and neck.
“Beginning just above the collarbone, gently massage the skin using your fingertips in downward, circular motions for about a minute. Move up the neck, massaging very slowly for seven to 10 gentle pushes, then use the edges of the hands to continue the massage towards the outer sides of the neck.”
Step 2
“Next, move to your forehead and using your fingers, gently massage the skin from the temples to the jawline, using a downward facing, sweeping motion.”
Step 3
“Repeat the same movement from your chin towards your ears, and then from the upper lip and cheekbones outwards.”
Step 4
“Move to the delicate eye area and continue to softly massage the skin in outward facing motions towards the hairline. Try this with the Super Anti-Aging Eye Serum and pat in with your ring finger to help de-puff tired under eyes.”
To ramp up the experience, Barbara recommends placing your products in the fridge, as the cooling effect can help reduce puffiness on application.
(Main and featured images: Barbara Sturm)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
– Why are Barbara Sturm products so expensive?
A lot of science and research goes into the creation of Barbara Sturm products. Coupled with packaging, marketing and the celebrity stamp of approval, these lead to a steeper price tag.
– What kind of Dr is Barbara Sturm?
Dr Barbara Sturm started out as an orthopaedics doctor and is now more known for her work in aesthetics and anti-inflammatory treatments.
– Who is Barbara Sturm married to?
Sturm is married to lawyer Adam Waldman, and they have two daughters.
– Which celebrities use Dr Barbara Sturm?
Many celebrities are advocates of Dr Barbara Sturm’s products. These include Kim Kardashian, Hailey Bieber, Emma Roberts and Victoria Beckham.
Source: Prestige Online
