How Barbara Sturm made Oprah an investor in her mission of educational skincare, and what motivates her research to go further.

Dr. Barbara Sturm has had a year. From working on developing more and more molecular formulas to further protect the skin, she has grown her business into a source of education for everyone, debunking deeply rooted misconceptions about one’s skin barrier, the aging process and most importantly, the dangerous practices swarming the industry and causing a lot more harm than good.

In the process of this, Dr. Sturm has become a cult favourite - Hollywood actresses, musicians, artists all around have put their trust into her hands about teaching them the ins and outs of skincare that aims to nurture, so much so that Oprah has become her biggest fan. In an interview on her podcast, Oprah exclaimed how after trying the products, she was immediately hooked and wanted to support her business further, by becoming an investor, something she exclaims “I have never done this before. That’s how good the products are.”

In an interview with Perfect, Dr. Barbara Sturm reflects on that very same interaction and what it means for her to have the support from one of the biggest entrepreneurs in the world, and most importantly, how that has fueled her passion for educating, innovating further than before.

Angel: Barbara, how did you first approach branching off from skincare towards lifestyle, and what was the process like?

Barbara Sturm: As a doctor, I have always wanted to provide education and information, and to talk with people about self-care, their skin, and their overall health. The ingredient science in my Molecular Cosmetics collection works to combat inflammation-mediated oxidation, and to provide protection of skin barrier function, hydration, nutrition, and healing. Keeping inflammation at bay by adopting an anti-inflammatory lifestyle is part of my overall philosophy, so educating people on the healthy and holistic habits you can adopt to support your skincare routine and creating products like my supplements has always been part of my approach. 

Angel: Recently, Oprah Winfrey became an investor to the Barbara Sturm brand, how has this process been like for you?

Barbara Sturm: When my friend Stella sent my products to Oprah and Oprah came back and said how much she loves the products - that was such a big moment because Oprah to me is one of the most respected people in the world. A power woman entrepreneur who is unafraid to speak up, to be real and authentic and speak her truth. She is someone I look up to so much. For her to appreciate my work in beauty and science is the ultimate approval, which makes me think ‘Ok, what I’m doing is worth it!’. I thrive on the feedback of my patients and customers - if they love my work I keep going and keep innovating.

Angel: Your work has been embedded into educating the consumer on breaking myths about the skin, what would you say is the biggest misconception in skincare now?

Barbara Sturm: The biggest misconception is that you need be aggressive rather than nurturing towards your skin, irrespective of any skin condition. The goal of skincare should be to soothe and reduce inflammation, not cause it. Quick fix topical acids or aggressive lasers are not anti-aging approaches, nor are they fixes. They are destroying healthy skin cells. Skincare should never cause any discomfort. The idea that you should “feel the burn” to get results is a dangerous myth in the beauty and skincare community. 

Angel: There is a big emphasis on protection of the skin and body within the Barbara Sturm products, what is the next avenue for you that you would like to explore in skincare?

Barbara Sturm: As it starts to get warmer and there are sunnier days ahead, skin becomes more prone to inflammation from sun damage. I have introduced some new sun products that are essential for protecting skin in the summer and provide my clients with a 360 approach to their suncare routine.  My sun-specific supplements are a science-driven and holistic approach to preparing the skin for sun exposure and protect the skin against UV exposure and oxidative stress caused by UV radiation as well as fortifying the skin against sun allergies and prickly heat. I also recently launched SUN CREAM BODY SPF 30 - which was inspired by one of my most-loved innovations, the sun drops. It protects skin against UVA/UVB rays but also supports the skin’s defences against the more unknown causes of premature aging: infrared and HEV light. And it has an incredibly lightweight and fast-absorbing formula that's great for all skin types. 

Angel: What are you looking forward to this upcoming year, both personally and professionally? 

Barbara Sturm: As a doctor, I am deeply interested in ingredient science and am constantly working with leading scientists around the world to develop new ways to improve health and longevity on all levels. We have so many interesting inventions and delivery methods for potent ingredients and new compounds, increasingly tailored products, and advanced procedures. Stay tuned.