In a world where skincare trends come and go, Dr Barbara Sturm has built a beauty empire focused on longevity (before longevity was even in the skincare dictionary). The German aesthetic doctor, known for her science-backed formulas and her global spas, has turned clinical expertise into a cult obsession. Her passion for anti-inflammatory science runs just as deep as her distaste for retinol, and her skincare philosophy has A-listers like Hailey Bieber and Nicky Hilton hooked.
Dr Sturm chats with Cosmopolitan Middle East about her career, skin rituals, and go-to products.
Cosmo ME: What made you choose aesthetics, and what’s the most unexpected lesson you’ve learned?
Dr Barbara: I think for me personally my eyes are my strongest sense. I like beautiful art, beautiful faces, and beautiful scenic nature. When I became a doctor, I slipped into the Orthopedics but only because the Aesthetic field didn’t offer me a place the time I was asking. I started Orthopedics and I fell in love with it, so that I stuck around there, and a little later I started injecting Botox and fillers. I learned everything from the best doctors, and that’s how I became so good. I created the Vampire Facial. I brought my science background from Orthopedic into the skin field. Then I created my cream because I couldn’t find anything in the market.
And for what I learned, is that you can’t plan out your life. Life happens as it happens, and you go with the flow, you take opportunities, you take risks, you just do the things you believe in, and it takes you where you belong.
Cosmo ME: What’s the biggest misconception clients walk in with?
Dr Barbara: I think the misconception for skin is that skin hasn’t been taking seriously enough and respected enough because of how we’re doing the wrong approach. Your skin needs to be treated with so much care, and if you love your skin, your skin will love you back because healthy skin is very dewy and hydrated.
Cosmo ME: Share a career ‘pinch me’ moment…
Dr Barbara: 15 years ago, I was taken into Net-A-Porter, and that was mind-blowing to me because it was the hottest thing out there. People would tell me, ‘No, you cannot sell beauty online, that doesn’t work,’ and I was fighting so hard to get in, and then I got in.
Cosmo ME: What’s your ultimate holy grail treatment?
Dr Barbara: It’s sleep! I need sleep, exercise, cuddles with my children, and my skincare routine. When I do my skincare, especially in the evening, I put on my Hyaluronic serum, my face cream, I look in the mirror, and I just love everything.
Cosmo ME: What’s one trend you’d never spend your dirhams on?
Dr Barbara: I don’t really buy makeup, I’m not a makeup person, I don’t spend money on makeup or fragrances either.
Cosmo ME: Name three non-negotiable products in your handbag right now.
Dr Barbara: My lip balm! I have these mini lip balm; I take them everywhere seriously. Then my face mist, and my glow drops.
Cosmo ME: If you could ban one beauty myth on social media, what would it be?
Dr Barbara: I think Retinol should be taken off the market because it causes inflammation, disruption of your skin barrier, and it takes healthy skin layers off. It does so much damage to your skin, and it brings the future closer to you.
Cosmo ME: Beyond the clinic, what’s your “unwind and recharge” ritual?
Dr Barbara: Sleep is non-negotiable for me. If I didn’t have enough sleep I feel miserable and I can’t give my best.
Cosmo ME: Give us the scoop – what’s the next big thing on your radar?
Dr Barbara: I won’t tell you my best next thing, but it’s on the horizon, I’m the most secretive skincare brand on this planet. You know I have my CIA team that is a very few people who get to know all the newness!
Cosmo ME: If you weren’t a dermatologist, what would your dream job be?
Dr Barbara: I probably would do interior design.