23 Self-Care Essentials Dr. Barbara Sturm Swears By

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Welcome to Take the Edge Off, a series that breaks down the beauty and self-care routines of influencers, CEOs, experts, and celebrities. Find out how they unwind and decompress, while taking a closer look at the holy grail essentials they're currently raving about.

For those looking for the recipe behind the glowy skin of stars like Kate Moss and Angela Bassett, allow us to re-introduce you to German aesthetics doctor and beauty brand founder, Dr. Barbara Sturm. You may already be familiar with her namesake range of face, body, and lifestyle products, each featuring understated packaging that feels elevated in its simplicity. But one thing that's not pared back about her products? Their efficacy—which is rooted in anti-inflammatory formulas.

"Combating inflammation has been a central target of my entire medical career," Sturm tells BAZAAR.com. "I studied sports medicine and worked in the field of anti-inflammatory molecular orthopedics before shifting into anti-inflammatory aesthetics. Inflammation is the trigger for most of the dysfunction and disease in our bodies and in our skin. And aesthetics is a combination of art and science, a fascinating challenge with immediate and very gratifying results for patients."

Before launching her eponymous skincare line in 2014, Sturm worked in orthopedics as part of the team that pioneered the "Kobe Procedure," a treatment that uses a patient’s own blood cells to stimulate their healing process. She later transitioned from sports medicine into aesthetics, opening a clinic in Düsseldorf, Germany to apply the same orthopedics learnings to her skincare practice.

"I started injecting hyaluronic acid and Botox in the early 2000s, and translated the science from orthopedics to skin to create the first patient blood plasma facial in 2002," she adds. "That same year, I invented my first doctor-issued blood plasma-based cream, called MC1, and prescribed it to my patients. They later asked me to create an entire skincare regimen, and my anti-inflammatory line was born." Since developing MC1 and her viral Molecular Cosmetics line, Sturm's influence in beauty has continued to grow. She's since garnered investments from other entrepreneurs, including Oprah Winfrey, and developed a number of boutiques and medi-spas around the world to make her signature treatments even more accessible.

Here, BAZAAR.com catches up with the expert for all the details on her holy-grail beauty and wellness staples (many of which include her cult-favorite skin essentials), along with her new favorite fitness obsession, and the one book that keeps her feeling grounded.

What are you reading these days?

I always have a book close by from the Indian philosopher, J. Krishnamurti, called Freedom from the Known, and I like to pick it up and start reading it anywhere. It helps me keep my feet on the ground.

What are some of your go-to bath and/or shower products?

Two to three times a week before showering, I spend a few minutes using my Body Brush on my arms and legs to remove dead skin, boost my body’s metabolism, blood circulation and lymph flow. And twice a week, I’ll either use the Facial Scrub or Enzyme Cleanser in the shower on my face and body. The rest of the time I use my Body Wash. My Facial Scrub works well on the areas of the body that are drier or congested: I use it on my back, chest, knees, and elbows.

I’ll also use my Super Anti-Aging Shampoo and Hydrating Conditioner, which repairs stressed and lifeless hair and boosts shine and volume. For extra care, my Repair Hair Mask provides deep and intensive conditioning benefits. After showering, I apply my newest innovation, the Super Anti-Aging Body Serum. I honestly can’t live without it. It has powerful anti-stretch-mark and anti-aging properties, and boosts hydration for healthy, youthful-looking skin from head-to-toe.

What beauty or self-care products do you use on a regular basis to help combat Zoom fatigue?

For Zoom calls and Instagram Lives, I’m never without my Glow Drops. They’re the perfect tool to boost your skin’s radiance throughout the day for the ultimate Sturm Glow. I’ll also apply my Anti-Pollution Drops, which protect against digital screen exposure and my Lip Balm which is deeply hydrating and gives a light sheen to the lips.

Do you have a favorite hand sanitizer, soap, and/or cream right now?

I always use my Hand Wash which contains aloe vera and purslane to thoroughly cleanse without removing the skin’s natural oils and moisture, followed by my Super Anti-Aging Hand Cream which uses potent anti-aging ingredients such as daisy flower extract, hyaluronic acid, mangosteen, and quince to plump and firm the skin and help counteract pigmentation or age spots. I carry it with me all the time.

Do you ever light a candle or stick of incense to decompress? If so, what are some of your favorites?

I love my Naeem Khan Rose and Byredo Bibliothèque candles.

What was the last beauty product you put on today?

Before I leave the house, I apply my Face Cream for long-lasting hydration, and I’ll carry my mini Sun Drops SPF 50 and Hydrating Face Mist with me during the day for an instant refresh and to protect against sun exposure.

Are you into bold makeup, no makeup, or no-makeup makeup right now, and why?

I have always been a tomboy and prefer not to wear makeup, just my skincare. The only time I do wear makeup is when I am attending events. My go-to is an eyeshadow by Anastasia Beverly Hills. I also love Jillian Dempsey’s Lid Tints because I can apply those with just my fingertips. I’ll also apply my Glow Drops which you can use after your moisturizer for a lit-from-within glow, or over makeup. My Lip Balm is amazing for a super glowy effect and for maintaining hydration—I never go anywhere without it.

What's the last fitness class you streamed or attended in person?

My daughter Charly introduced me to Pilates by Bryony Deery, and now I love her. I follow classes online, and it’s a great and relaxing way to keep fit and flexible.

What's one piece of self-care advice you'd recommend to our readers?

To combat inflammation and promote overall wellness, it’s essential to prioritize a good night’s sleep. I’m in bed by 9pm most evenings. Try to turn off your phone, or even better, don't take it into your bedroom at all—I always leave mine outside.

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