Dr. Barbara Sturm, The Peptide Serum

• Fabijana Schaefer: Dr. Sturm, you are a leader in the world of skincare, especially for your unique focus on using the body’s own anti-inflammatory properties which has revolutionized skincare for so many individuals. What is the catalyst for this approach to skincare?

  Dr. Barbara Sturm: My background in medicine and molecular orthopedics was the catalyst. I began my practice in anti-inflammatory orthopedics, and in 2002, I translated some of the medical advances I helped pioneer into skin and aesthetics. I was always very interested in aesthetics. It’s a combination of art and science, and a fascinating challenge with immediate and very gratifying outcomes for patients. That curiosity led to developing the blood facial and my plasma-based MC1 cream. Soon after, when my patients asked me to recommend a full skincare line and I couldn’t find any products I was comfortable enough to recommend, I decided to create my own – one that supports skin, calms inflammation, and works with the body’s natural intelligence to promote long-term skin health.


FS: Inflammation is central to your science, but it’s also a powerful metaphor. Where do you see emotional or cultural “inflammation” showing up most in how people treat their bodies today?

Dr. S: I think it shows up in the way we push our bodies and minds without pause – chronic stress, lack of sleep, overexposure to screens, and this constant pressure to do more, be more. It creates a kind of internal noise that affects not only our health, but also how we treat ourselves. Even in beauty, there’s this idea that more is better – more steps, more actives, more invasive treatments – and it often leads to skin burnout. The unifying thread that runs across my entire medical career is combatting inflammation. But it’s not just about putting a topical cream on, it’s a holistic approach which includes living an anti-inflammatory lifestyle. This means getting enough sleep and exercise, reducing inflammatory foods, reducing stress, eliminating smoking, alcohol, and avoiding unprotected exposure to sun, pollution and HEV light.


FS: You talk about skin being intelligent and a responsive organ rather than something to be aggressively corrected. What do you think modern beauty culture still misunderstands about the skin’s relationship to stress and identity?

Dr. S: That skin is a living, reactive organ – it mirrors our internal state, especially when we’re stressed. Stress unleashes excessive levels of cortisol, a “fight or flight” hormone that can cause inflammation in the skin and up-regulates the production of excess sebum, leading to irritation, breakouts, acne, accelerated aging and worsening existing skin dysfunctions like eczema and rosacea.


FS: You have said that an anti-inflammatory lifestyle is so much more than just a product. In Germany, the concept of fresh air is a huge part of wellbeing, what are some ways outside of skincare that you enjoy achieving wellness?

Dr. S: For me, wellness means living anti-inflammatory. I prioritize daily movement – I love Pilates, yoga, and walking. Quality sleep, breathing techniques, anti-inflammatory foods, meditation, and holistic tools like red light and PEMF (Pulsed Electromagnetic Field) therapy. It’s not about perfection. It’s about small, consistent, and daily choices that build a vibrant, healthy lifestyle.

FS: What does a perfect day of wellness look like to you?

Dr. S: I start with breathwork to center myself and reduce inflammation, then an anti-inflammatory breakfast like my Bircher Muesli. Movement is essential – Pilates, a hike, or a walk outside with my dogs depending on where I am. I might have a healthy lunch with my daughters, followed by an afternoon Pilates class or some time on the red-light bed. I also love using PEMF, cold therapy, and oxygen – they really support cellular repair. In the evening, I wind down with something quiet – reading, playing a game, or watching a movie. That balance keeps me energized and grounded.


FS: Having boutiques and spas scattered all over the world means a lot of work travel. How do you keep your routine when you are on the go?

Dr. S: I am constantly travelling so I’m always prepared. I make sure I have all my travel-sized products packed and ready: the Hyaluronic Face Mist, Hyaluronic Serum, Face Cream, Sun Drops SPF 50, and my Glow Drops. I’ll also pack the Everything Eye Patches and my latest innovation, Everything Hydrogel Mask for an instant pick-me-up.


FS: Your brand is built on precision and science, yet it encourages people to trust their skin. How do you personally balance discipline with intuition in your own life?

Dr. S: Knowledge is key, but I always listen to my instincts. Your skin and body will tell you what they need – you just have to learn how to understand them.


FS: Has there ever been a moment where listening to the body contradicted what science or protocol suggested?

Dr. S: There are moments when your body tells you something science or protocol might overlook. For example, many protocols push retinol, but if it’s damaging your skin barrier, you need to listen. No product or trend is worth compromising your skin’s health.


FS: All your products work wonders, but if you had to choose one forever, which one would it be?

Dr. S: I love all my products, and I created all of them for a reason, so it’s very difficult to choose a favorite but if I had to, it would be my Super Anti-Aging Face Cream. It’s my ultimate one-stop-shop if I’m on the go and provides hydration, protection and anti-aging properties based on advanced ingredient science and years of formulation development.


FS: In a world of rapid evolving technology, especially in the beauty industry. What are two aspects you swear by and two you tend to avoid?

Dr. S: I swear by non-invasive, science-backed tools that support the skin’s natural function – like red light therapy and microcurrents. They enhance cellular repair and stimulate the skin without causing trauma. What I avoid is overly aggressive treatments that disrupt the skin barrier like harsh peels or lasers. Long term, they can cause more inflammation than benefit. I always come back to this: The goal isn’t to attack the skin. Protect your skin, and it will protect you back.


FS: You work a lot with your daughters, Charly and Pepper, who are also often seen representing the brand. How does your family inspire you and the brand?

Dr. S: My daughters are my greatest inspiration. Charly has been involved with the brand from the very beginning. She brings such a thoughtful, conscious perspective and connects deeply with our younger community. Pepper has a bigger skincare routine than anyone! She does her morning and evening skincare religiously with Sturm products, and she reminds me every day why education around skin health and self-care should start early, but always with gentleness.


FS: Creating skincare and a brand is an art. Are there other ways you practice creativity outside of science? What would you say you are secretly nerdy about?

Dr. S: Outside of science, I’ve always found joy in creative expression. I love interior design, flower arranging, and beautiful tableware and how they can transform a space or a mood. But these days, what I’m secretly nerdy about is my skincare. I’m completely obsessed with all my products. I have an extensive routine, and I truly enjoy the ritual of it.

FS: Compared to when you first started, how do you personally define care now?

Dr. S: I was always very active as a child and teenager. I loved sports, stayed fit, and ate healthily. So, without realizing it, I was already living in an anti-inflammatory way. Over time, the way I define care has become much more holistic. I’ve learned how deeply stress affects our skin and overall health, so I focus more on practices that calm the nervous system: breathwork, mindfulness, time in nature, and being with loved ones.

FS: There are so many buzz words in beauty and it’s easy for the consumer to get lost, can you tell us in layman’s terms why peptides are the real deal when it comes to skin care?


Dr. S: Peptides are short chains of amino acids, essentially biological messengers that communicate with our skin cells to trigger specific functions. What excites me is their targeted intelligence: certain peptides stimulate fibroblasts to produce collagen and elastin. Others help modulate inflammation or strengthen the skin barrier. As we age, the skin needs more support to stay firm, elastic and resilient – and peptides help activate those natural repair processes. They’re not just a trend; they’re essential tools for visible skin health and longevity.


FS: A core concept of Dr. Barbara Sturm is prevention and restoration when it comes to skincare, can you please tell us how The Peptide Serum helps with that.

Dr. S: I created The Peptide Serum with a high concentration of biomimetic peptides that stimulate collagen production and support the skin’s extracellular matrix. Unlike topical collagen, peptides trigger surface-level cascades that deliver deeper, visible results. One key ingredient, Octapeptide-3, helps relax muscle contractions for a Botox-like effect, while others act like personal trainers – encouraging your skin to build and store collagen over time. We also included amino acids to boost cellular function. Clinically, the formula protects up to 90% of Elastin and 63% of Collagen, making it a powerful tool for long-term skin strength and resilience.