Dr Barbara Sturm’s Tips For Summer Skincare

As we look ahead to sunnier climes, we can start to think about our summer skincare routines. Here to offer her expert advice is Dr Barbara Sturm, the leading aesthetics doctor in anti-inflammatory medicine and the woman behind the Insta-famous #sturmglow. Her products and treatments are loved by everyone from Oprah to Hayley Bieber, Rosie Huntington-Whitely and the Hadid sisters. Read on for handy tips and recommendations to help you get your skin ready for the sun. 

Dr Barbara Sturm’s Tips For Summer Skincare

Always Choose UVA And UVB Protection

‘Spending a prolonged time in the sun without adequate protection causes inflammation and dysfunction,’ says Dr Sturm, ‘which can lead to skin cancers, as well as having the effect of photo-aging the skin. My Sun Drops with SPF50 offer hybrid sun protection and skincare that creates a broad-spectrum shield against UVA and UVB rays while also providing your skin with healing, moisturizing and anti-oxidant ingredients. Plus, they have the best texture – they feel super lightweight on the skin.’

Reset Skin From The Inside Out

Dr Sturm recommends taking her Sturm Inside Sun Skin supplements in the weeks leading up to your next holiday. ‘They are a science-driven and holistic approach to preparing the skin for sun exposure,’ she notes, ‘and they 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. Ingredients like glutathione, purslane and zinc help protect the cells from oxidative stress and support normal collagen formation, contributing to healthy skin function. They also help enhance a tan with plant carotenoids beta-Carotene, astaxanthin and lycopene (which give carrots and oranges their colour), lending a natural, sun-kissed glow to the skin all year round.’

Add A Vitamin C Serum To Your Routine

‘As it starts to get warmer and we spend more time outdoors in the sun, our skin becomes more prone to hyperpigmentation,’ continues Dr Sturm. ‘Introducing a Vitamin C-based product like my Good C Vitamin C Serum helps brighten the complexion, and it contains a concentration of 5% Vitamin C that is safe and gentle on the skin. Regular use helps reduce the signs of irritation and uneven pigmentation and provides anti-oxidative protection from environmental stressors.’

Go Lighter

‘During the summer you want to use a moisturizer that is super hydrating but also light enough to not clog pores on warmer days,’ Dr Sturm states. ‘I recommend swapping out your regular face cream with my Face Cream Light to ensure essential but lightweight hydration.’

Hydrate On The Go

‘I won’t go anywhere without my Hydrating Face Mist, which is formulated with effective hydrating ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, aloe vera and broccoli extract,’ says Dr Sturm. ‘It also contains prickly pear extract, which has skin hydrating and nourishing fatty acids. It provides every skin type with a burst of pure hydration, detoxification, and revitalization. I also recommend staying hydrated on the inside. Drinking plenty of water and upping your intake of anti-inflammatory and cooling food and drink – such as smoothies, juices, tomatoes, and salads – will help cool and rehydrate the internal system of the body to mitigate effects of heat which include breakouts and irritation.’

Images courtesy of Dr Barbara Sturm