One of my most asked questions is how to layer my serums. Every one of my serums is tailored to suit a different skin type​,​ need​,​ or concern and include the BRIGHTENING SERUM​,​ CLARIFYING SERUM​,​ THE GOOD C VITAMIN C SERUM​,​ CALMING SERUM​,​ and the HYALURONIC SERUM. They are formulated with either Hyaluronic Acid bases (which look clear) or lipid bases (which have a milky appearance) and should be applied in a specific order to reap the full benefits of each serum in your skincare routine. As a general rule​,​ my Hyaluronic Acid-based serums should be applied directly after cleansing and drying your face and before any other serum or cream. This is because lipids present in creams and lipid-based serums can block Hyaluronic Acid from penetrating the skin. The only exception is my ANTI-POLLUTION DROPS​,​ which create a shield over the skin and can be applied throughout the day​,​ over the rest of your skincare or even over makeup.

The menopause signals the end of a woman’s menstrual cycles but the term can describe any of the changes you go through just before or after you stop having your period. One area that’s affected by the menopause is your skin; as estrogen levels fall​,​ your complexion can become dry and sensitive to UV exposure​,​ resulting in hyperpigmentation​,​ and may start to lose elasticity and volume. However​,​ despite the challenges​,​ there is a lot you can do to minimise its affects and keep your skin glowing. Dr. Barbara Sturm has guidance and advice for how to switch up your routine and adapt your diet for healthy-looking skin at every age. As hormonal changes cause dryness and dehydration it’s important to replace skin’s depleted moisture levels with potent anti-aging and lipid-rich ingredients. Serums are the power tools of your skincare regimen. They are highly concentrated and often contain water soluble ingredients that are able to penetrate deeply to deliver active ingredients into the skin. The SUPER ANTI-AGING SERUM for example​,​ is packed with Hyaluronic Acid as well as powerful anti-aging ingredients like Skullcap and Purslane that rejuvenate​,​ plump and hydrate the skin at both the surface and deeper skin layers. And my new innovation​,​ the SUPER ANTI-AGING FACE CREAM is a lipid-rich hydrating moisturiser that is full of anti-aging boosters including Teprenone​,​ a molecule that strengthens the skin’s natural barrier properties​,​ and Plankton Biopolymers which help stimulate the production of collagen and elastin. It’s the perfect moisturiser for mature skin.

Rosacea is a common​,​ chronic​,​ inflammatory skin condition that affects more than 10% of fair skinned people. Rosacea symptoms include flushing​,​ hyper-reactivity​,​ persistent redness​,​ pimples and pustules​,​ inflamed blood vessels and facial swelling. Rosacea is sometimes mistaken for acne​,​ eczema​,​ or even skin allergies. There are many types of rosacea but four main types: Erythematotelangiectatic rosacea features redness and flushing​,​ with visible blood vessels. Papulopustular rosacea involves redness​,​ swelling​,​ and breakouts that resemble acne. Phymatous rosacea causes the skin to thicken and take on a bumpy texture. Ocular rosacea affects the eyes​,​ causing them to look watery or bloodshot and a feeling of burning or irritation. Ocular rosacea can cause persistently dry​,​ sensitive eyes​,​ and cysts may form on the eyelids. First​,​ make sure you see your dermatologist to get a diagnosis. Then look at your skincare regime; what products are you using​,​ are they gentle enough for your skin​,​ is your routine the best method for your skin type? Rosacea sufferers should generally clean their skin once a day to remove dirt​,​ pollution and other irritants. But the cleansing ingredients must be especially gentle – use a pH neutral soap for balance and follow with a hyaluronic-based serum to boost hydration and then a gentle moisturizer. Aggressive ingredients like glycolic acid​,​ fragrance and harsh preservatives should be avoided as well as treatments including chemical acid peels and strong exfoliant treatments. For patients with visible blood vessels a laser treatment​,​ which uses intense pulsed light​,​ can be used to help shrink them. This must be done by a dermatologist. Although the procedure may cause some pain​,​ most patients can tolerate it without the need for an anaesthetic. Laser treatments can sometimes cause bruising​,​ crusting of the skin​,​ swelling​,​ tenderness​,​ and​,​ very rarely​,​ infection. These complications will usually disappear within a few weeks​,​ although infection might require antibiotics.

Acne is a common skin condition that can often be treated with changes in diet​,​ the correct skincare or medication​,​ but it unfortunately has the ability to leave behind long lasting marks and scars. Post-inflammatory pigmentation and acne scars appear as a result of connective tissue dismantling and this is commonly caused by squeezing or irritating existing blemishes. Acne scarring can range from areas of darker pigmentation to atrophic scarring which causes small indents in the skin and can be difficult to treat​,​ however​,​ there are gentle approaches which can help reduce scarring for healthier-looking skin. 1. Start with Prevention Acne and pimples can be frustrating to deal with and it’s often tempting to start squeezing white heads on your own​,​ but this can lead to increased inflammation and a spread of breakouts to surrounding pores. If you’re able to​,​ only get your pimples or acne extracted by a professional to avoid any increased inflammation and scarring. The second rule of prevention is sun protection. Wearing sunscreen such as my SUN DROPS SPF 50 will help prevent the occurrence or darkening of acne scars which can be exacerbated by the sun. Finally​,​ be diligent with your skincare. Make sure you are hydrating and protecting your skin rather than drying it out and use products free of harsh ingredients like alcohol or acids that have the ability to flare up inflammation. 2. Adopt a Brightening and Collagen Building Routine Following a targeted routine can reduce signs of acne scarring without undergoing extreme treatments. For hyperpigmentation​,​ the BRIGHTENING LINE contains ingredients like Cress Sprouts Extract that help fade pigmentation and Ginseng Extract which supports the skin’s barrier against free radical damage and environmental stressors. A Vitamin C serum like THE GOOD C VITAMIN C SERUM will help to reduce uneven pigmentation and improve tone and also provides anti-oxidative protection from free radicals and environmental stressors for a youthful and healthy-looking complexion. Vitamin C also supports the formation of collagen and Hyaluronic Acid synthesis​,​ which is needed for firm and youthful-looking skin. You can use THE GOOD C VITAMIN C SERUM in the AM and PM (during the daytime​,​ use SUN DROPS SPF50 for extra sun protection. 3. Microneedling Microneedling is a treatment we offer at our Spas & Boutiques that uses very fine needles to prick the surface layer of your skin. These tiny punctures trigger your body’s wound healing process and begin the cycle of skin regeneration and collagen production​,​ which is especially important when targeting atrophic scarring. A 2008 study showed that skin treated with four microneedling sessions spaced one month apart​,​ produced up to a 400% increase in collagen and elastin six months after completing treatment. Microneedling is a safe and effective alternative to lasers and harsh treatments and because it leaves the epidermis intact and undamaged​,​ it also ensures skin barrier health and no further inflammation. 4. Microdermabrasion Microdermabrasion is a non-invasive procedure that uses a special tool with an abrasive surface to gently exfoliate the thick outer layer of the skin. It removes dull skin​,​ softens fine lines​,​ smooths coarse skin texture​,​ reduces pore size and an effective way to help fade brown spots and shallow cane scars. It also stimulates cell turnover and the production of collagen. Microdermabrasion is effective on all skin types and skin tones​,​ and offers a great alternative to chemical peels for anyone with sensitive skin. It’s also ideal for people who have a lot of acne​,​ whiteheads​,​ and blackheads. Our Dr. Barbara Sturm Boutique & Spas offer both microdermabrasion and microneedling as add-ons to all of our facials. To book​,​ see treatment menu.