January 09, 2023

Dr. Barbara Sturm's Tips for Anti-Inflammatory Living Inside and Out

Skincare lovers likely know Dr. Barbara Sturm, but if you’re not yet familiar with her coveted skin, hair, and body products, suffice it to say they’re a fave of the most stylish and influential figures, including Oprah Winfrey, Victoria, Beckham, Bella Hadid, and Emily Ratajkowski (to name just a few). One of the reasons Dr. Sturm’s approach to beauty is so beloved is that it’s powerfully effective without being aggressive. Instead, she opts for science-backed ingredients that nourish your skin, rather than attacking it.

Dr. Sturm’s holistic mindset doesn’t just apply to what to put on your skin. She believes in a 360-degree approach when it comes to anti-inflammatory living that benefits the body inside as well as out. In fact, she actually began her medical career in orthopedics, helping to develop treatments for inflammatory health issues including osteoarthritis. Because of her background an expertise—as well as the fact that Dr. Sturm is the latest guest curator in our series of influencer edits and appeared on a recent episode of CURATEUR-in-chief Rachel Zoe’s new podcast Climbing in Heels—we asked her to fill our community in on why an anti-inflammatory lifestyle is so important as well as some of the simplest ways to live your life more inflammation-free. Learn all her tips ahead, then make sure to check out her edit in The Shoppe HERE and score some of her favorite items for a special price!

 

What are some common sources of inflammation? 
We are bombarded every day with inflammatory influences, from harsh skincare ingredients and treatments such as acid peels and lasers, to UVA and UVB rays, stress, pollution, allergens, HEV rays, smoking, drinking, and sugar and pro-inflammatory foods.

 

How does inflammation affect the skin? What about other areas of the body?
Inflammation is at the root of virtually every skin and health disease. The body’s response to irritation and injury must be recognized as a primary trigger for acne, premature aging, redness, enlarged pores, and other dysfunctions including psoriasis, rosacea, and perioral dermatitis. Chronic inflammation is a sustained inflammatory response within the skin that is mediated by the immune system and destroys healthy tissue.

What are some ways to combat inflammation through skincare?
Healthy skin cells should be nurtured rather than destroyed, and inflammation and its triggers must be avoided. A healing approach is what’s needed to promote healthy, youthful, glowing skin. The ingredient science in my Molecular Skincare collection works to combat inflammation-mediated oxidation and to provide protection of skin barrier function, hydration, nutrition and skin healing.

 

What are some ways to combat inflammation in other aspects of your life?
An anti-inflammatory lifestyle extends beyond skincare to movement, sleep, mental health, and nutrition. I recommend eating an anti-inflammatory diet rich in fatty fish, avocados, broccoli, and green leafy vegetables, and avoiding inflammatory substances such as alcohol, sugar, excessive salt, and processed or fried foods. It’s also imperative that you prioritize a good night’s sleep (I’m in bed by 9PM most evenings), enjoy daily exercise, and reduce stress through techniques such as meditation. 

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