Dr. Barbara SturmDr. Barbara Sturm
A medical doctor based in Dusseldorf, Germany, Dr. Barbara Sturm first became known for the bespoke, blood plasma-based creams she whipped up for her patients. In 2014, she created her Molecular Cosmetics line in order to make her innovative approach to skincare—with its focus on simple, effective products—available to the public.
What drove you to start your own brand? I’m an aesthetics doctor whose medical career has also focused on combatting inflammation. In 2002, I invented anti-inflammatory medical treatments using a patient’s own blood plasma. This was later termed the “Vampire Facial.” Soon after, I created a blood plasma-based cream for my patients. When my patients then asked me to recommend a post-medical treatment skincare regime, I surveyed the market and found it was all aggressive ingredients and marketing, so I set out to create something unique: a skincare regime built around anti-inflammatory ingredient science. It took me several years, but the result was my high-performance Dr. Barbara Sturm skincare range.It’s in my nature to create, design and invent new techniques, products and formulations. I am driven on the creation side to invent new solutions for patients, and that passion has driven my scientific work for the last two decades. The secret is that I never give up, and try and try and try to find the perfect combination and concentration of ingredients.
What’s your favorite product in the line? I love all of my products, and I created all of them for a reason, so it’s difficult to choose a favorite. If I had to single out one, it would be my anti-aging Face Cream, which is the final seal-and-protect step in any of my regimens. It moisturizes the skin and nourishes it with valuable oils like grape seed, balancing the skin and protecting it from dehydration. It also contains purslane, which calms the skin, promotes anti-aging and has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. That’s closely followed by my Hyaluronic Serum, which I call the “white t-shirt” of my regimen. It’s a high concentration of low- and high-weighted hyaluronic molecules that supports skin barrier function and provides both surface hydration and replenishment of moisture reservoirs at deeper skin layers. It also acts as a delivery vehicle to transport active ingredients more deeply into the skin.
What’s your morning and evening routine?
The first thing I do is apply my Face Mask, make a coffee and prepare breakfast for my 6 year-old. I check my emails and then try to fit in a quick workout, sometimes while on calls with my team. I’m busier than ever, so I need my skincare routine to be simple. Twice a week, I’ll either use the Facial Scrub or Enzyme Cleanser in the shower on my face and body to remove dead skin cells, boost circulation and encourage skin renewal. The rest of the time I use my Cleanser. Then I immediately apply my Hyaluronic Serum and Anti-Pollution Drops (to protect against both air pollution and digital screen exposure), then my Face Cream. For Zoom calls and Instagram Lives, I use Glow Drops instead of makeup, which I very rarely wear. I use my Lip Balm throughout the day, and Sun Drops SPF 50 every day.
In the evening, I usually go to bed with my 6 year-old and read her a story, and we both fall asleep early. I apply my Super Anti-Aging Serum and Night Serum before bed and finish with my Eye Cream and then the Face Cream. I also take my Sleep Food supplement before bed, especially after a stress-filled day. It’s a blend of natural active ingredients that relax the body and mind, which helps me fall asleep sooner and deeper. What would people be surprised to learn about you? That I don’t come from a beauty angle. In fact, I grew up as a tomboy and loved spending my childhood outside in nature, where I would often go into the forest and pick medicinal herbs and roots with my mom. I didn’t even see an eyeliner until I was 24 years-old. What advice would you give to someone thinking about starting their own business? I always tell people to focus on their passion and not on money, and to create something that does not exist.
In the evening, I usually go to bed with my 6 year-old and read her a story, and we both fall asleep early. I apply my Super Anti-Aging Serum and Night Serum before bed and finish with my Eye Cream and then the Face Cream. I also take my Sleep Food supplement before bed, especially after a stress-filled day. It’s a blend of natural active ingredients that relax the body and mind, which helps me fall asleep sooner and deeper. What would people be surprised to learn about you? That I don’t come from a beauty angle. In fact, I grew up as a tomboy and loved spending my childhood outside in nature, where I would often go into the forest and pick medicinal herbs and roots with my mom. I didn’t even see an eyeliner until I was 24 years-old. What advice would you give to someone thinking about starting their own business? I always tell people to focus on their passion and not on money, and to create something that does not exist.
The Founders Series
Learn how some of the beauty industry’s most dynamic entrepreneurs find inspiration and develop must-have products as they share their advice for aspiring business moguls and much more
