The Science Behind Glowing Skin

Dr Barbara Sturm’s eponymous luxury skincare brand is a celebrity favourite—her list of fans features A-listers like Bella Hadid, Kate Moss, Gwyneth Paltrow, Emma Roberts, among many others. Now available in India at The Global Store on the Nykaa app, we spoke to Dr Barbara about her skincare philosophy, the famous ‘Vampire Facial’, and her must-have products.

- Meghna Sharma

Cosmo: What prompted you to launch your own skincare brand?

Dr Barbara Sturm: “Combating inflammation has been a central target of my entire medical career. I studied sports medicine and worked in the field of anti-inflammatory molecular orthopedics before shifting to anti-inflammatory aesthetics. I began injecting hyaluronic acid and Botox in the early 2000s and translated that science from orthopedics to skin in order to create the first blood plasma facial over 18 years ago, in 2002.

Soon after, I invented my first doctor-issued blood plasma-based cream— MC1—and prescribed it to my patients. When my patients began asking me to recommend an entire regimen, I set out to create my own science-driven, high-performance skincare, and Dr. Barbara Sturm Molecular Cosmetics was born.”

C: Tell us about your skincare philosophy.

DBS: “It is focused on tackling inflammation and its consequences, and healing the skin with advanced-ingredient science. Inflammation is the body’s response to irritation and injury, and is a trigger for acne, premature ageing, redness, enlarged pores, and other diseases including psoriasis, rosacea, and perioral dermatitis.”

C: There are so many skincare trends doing the rounds currently. Do you approve of any?

DBS: “I am deeply interested in innovation, and closely monitor the advancement in ingredient science. But I am skeptical of marketing-based trends or aggressive approaches to skin. Science-backed products and treatments that embrace the individuality and diverse skincare needs of every consumer are the present and future of the beauty industry.”