Dr Barbara Sturm’s love for beauty began almost as soon as she could walk. Growing up in Germany, her mother, who was a chemist, and grandmother, who was a pharmacist, took her into the forest to pick herbs and mixed creams, through which she learnt a lot about ingredients.
Having developed the first blood plasma facial in 2002 and then her plasma-based cream, prescribed to patients it sparked her skincare line, which is beloved by celebrities and beauty editors alike. With such an extensive range, it’s near impossible for Barbara to pick her favourite product, but if she had to she says it would have to be…’my ingredient science packed, anti-aging Face Cream which is the final seal and protect step in any of my regimens. It moisturises the skin and nourishes it with valuable oils like Grape Seed, balancing the skin and protecting it from dehydration’.
As a jet-setting skin expert, travel is central to her work: ‘Pre-lockdown I travelled quite frequently for work and was constantly on the move. I see travel as the spice of life, energising the spirit and expanding the mind. My family is also all over the world, and it’s travel that, in the past, has always brought us all together.’
From applying a myriad of products from her own range on-board to combat dehydration, to taking supplements for jet-lag, this is how Dr Barbara Sturm does beauty in transit.
How do you adapt your beauty regime when you travel?
I always travel with my mini-sized Anti-Pollution Drops which protect skin against environmental pollution, my Hydrating Face Mist and my supplements. Diet and lifestyle are hard to keep controlled when travelling which is when the supplements are super important. I take my Skin Food, Repair Food and Anti-Pollution Food supplements every day with my breakfast.
What’s the best way to downsize your at-home beauty product haul for travel?
I keep my skincare routine simple. My packing philosophy caters to this, and I have created travel-sized skincare products for this reason. Skin hydration and strengthening your skin barrier function are important on any day, but especially travel days. I pack my Cleanser, Hyaluronic Serum, Face Cream and my Face Mask.
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Do you prefer to pack travel minis or full-size beauty staples?
This of course depends on the duration of stay and travel. We have a range of kits for our lines and our Candy Shop has most of our products on offer in convenient travel sizes because it’s so much easier.
Do you have a regular plane beauty routine?
Travel presents unique skin inflammation triggers: with sleep deprivation, stress, changing climates, bacteria, and dry, cold air on the plane. Extra hydration is my focus to dealing with the dryness of travel. My Face Mask after landing is essential. I use my Hyaluronic Serum before, during and after the flight, and seal with my Face Cream to avoid trans epidermal water loss.
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How do you overcome jet-lag skin/eyes when you land?
When I get to the hotel, the first thing I do is take a shower, exfoliate with my Face Scrub, then apply my Face Mask (if I haven’t used it already on the plane), rubbing it off after 20 minutes. Then I apply my Super Anti-Aging Serum and Face Cream Rich to rehydrate my skin. I’ll also apply some Eye Cream, which helps with the dark circles. If I’m jet-lagged I’ll also take my Sleep Food supplements before bed.
How do you unwind when you travel?
I relax by moving on holidays; if it’s to the sun, I’ll go wakeboarding and swimming or simply spend time in the sea with a snorkel on. If it’s to the snow, then I ski.
What’s been your favourite vacation spa so far?
Why choose one? The Corinthia in London is an exceptionally good hotel spa. Stangelwirt in Austria is a special place for me, and its spa is like no other. Hotel Bellevue in Gstaad has an excellent spa. Viva Mayr in Austria is an amazing wellness spa, because of its tremendous focus on education and science.
What are your top beauty and wellness tips when travelling?
I rarely wear makeup and especially not when travelling. I use my Glow Drops instead which are a healthy makeup alternative. They contain a blend of botanical extracts to transform tired, dull skin into glowing skin and light-reflecting mineral pigments that instantly create a visible, youthful radiance and even out any irregularities in the complexion. For my hair, I apply my Scalp Serum. It’s my go-to for great hair. It contains my proprietary blend of low and high molecular weight Hyaluronic Acid, coupled with the anti-irritation properties of Purslane and Indian Kino Tree Extract and Panthenol for additional moisture. Regular application supports scalp health and the promotion of naturally beautiful, radiant and healthy hair.
What products are in your must-pack beauty kit right now?
Pre-lockdown I loved having facials with my aestheticians twice a month. Whenever I am in Dusseldorf, London, LA or New York the first thing I do is go to one of my spas and have a facial. I would also try to get massages multiple times a week and sauna (for the feeling and the proven health benefits) whenever I can. We have been so busy, a facial feels like a luxury right now.
THE PACKING LOWDOWN
Light packer or over packer?
I always travel light.
Facial or massage?
A Dr. Barbara Sturm Facial. Then a massage.
Vacation air-dry or blow-dry?
Always air-dry.
Skincare wipes, yes or no?
Definitely no!
Faux tan or au naturel?
Au naturel.
Favourite cosmetics bag?
I love Misela’s beautiful cosmetics cases.
Any Questions or Tips to add?