Latest news with #DrBarbaraSturm
Harpers Bazaar Arabia
6 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Harpers Bazaar Arabia
We Spent 24 Hours With Interior Designer Nathalie Khouri To Find Out All Her Favourite Things
The founder of boutique interior design firm, Ralee, likes relaxed tailoring for work, Tashas to fuel her day, and a homecooked family meal (and Netflix) in the evening 5:00AM I won't pretend I'm bright-eyed at 5am – there's definitely a snooze or two involved. But by 5:30am, I'm up and easing into the day with a warm mug of bone broth (I know, very wellness-girl of me). It's my quiet moment before the house wakes up – just 10 minutes of calm before the beautiful chaos. I gave up coffee two years ago – I was a total addict, but I've found so much more balance without the crashes and jitters. Never thought I'd say it, but I don't miss it. 6:00AM It's gym time. I either go for a strength training session or Reformer Pilates depending on my mood (and soreness level!). I go to Seven religiously. Fitness has been such a huge part of my journey these past two years. I've lost a lot of weight along the way but, more importantly, I've gained energy to keep up with my life. Quick shower, skincare (I'm obsessed with Dr. Barbara Sturm), and a generous amount of Ilia Super Serum Skin Tint – and I'm ready to go. 7:00AM I get dressed depending on the kind of day I have – site visits call for something comfortable but polished, like The Frankie Shop sets or COS' linen co-ords. Office days? Maybe a silk shirt and wide-leg pants. I'm all about low effort, high impact. And always a chunky earring or layered necklace – because I need to be prepared if I'm being photographed for social media! 9:00AM I drop the kids off at school (non-negotiable!) and make my way to our gorgeous new studio in Al Wasl, tucked inside the beautiful Mattar Bin Lahej art gallery. It's a creative haven filled with materials, stone samples and too many coffee cups. The team is usually already buzzing – there are five incredibly talented designers on board who are the heart of Ralee. 10:00AM The real madness begins. I'm bouncing between client calls, team catch-ups and supplier WhatsApp groups. There's always a project (or three) on the go. Right now, we're deep into a dreamy Art Deco- inspired beach house by Kite Beach – think curves, brass and ocean views. We're also working on a Mid-Century luxury villa in Jubail Islands, Abu Dhabi – the kind of home that makes you want to move in the second you step inside. And then there's a sleek, clean-lined townhouse in Tilal Al Ghaf that's all about natural tones and smart, functional design. Each one is very different, which keeps things exciting and creatively fulfilling. 1:00PM Lunch is usually a quick bite from Tashas at Galleria Mall (I'm obsessed with the St. Francis scrambled eggs with sun dried tomatoes and sourdough bread), or I bring something from home – which I've been trying to do more often because, let's be real, I'm saving up for our next crazy family vacation. I'll eat at my desk or in our little studio courtyard if the weather's nice, usually while catching up on messages or moodboard edits between bites. 2:30PM Afternoons are all about deep work – approving moodboards, editing furniture selections, or sketching new custom furniture pieces (my secret love). I also squeeze in quick meetings with the team – both in Dubai and our amazing designers in Beirut who help bring the vision to life behind the scenes. Whether it's joinery drawings or sourcing that one perfect light fixture, it's a true cross-city collaboration. 4:00PM Site visits and lots of them. From reviewing marble slabs in Al Quoz to walking through an almost-finished space, I try to be present on site as much as I can. Clients appreciate it and I love seeing our ideas come to life. 5:30PM I usually leave the studio by 5.30pm – but 'leave work' is a stretch. I'm often still on calls or responding to team messages until I get home. If I'm lucky, I'll squeeze in some time with my kids, do homework with them, or hear about their drama (my 8-year-old is hilarious). 8:00PM Home is my sacred place, and I love being in it. Evenings are all about winding down with my husband and the kids. We cook something comforting, like butter chicken, or moloukhiye, which is a Lebanese dish that we love and is a bit of our heritage. I'd rather eat at home than anywhere else. Then, I'll either watch Netflix (I love real-estate shows like The Parisian Agency or Selling The OC) or read a few pages of my book, which is currently Zero to One by Peter Thiel. It's not always glamorous, but it's exactly what I need after a non-stop day. 10:00PM My bedtime routine is simple but sacred. I do a full skincare reset – my current obsession is Korean sheet masks (I stockpile them like gold). Then it's some scrolling on Instagram or Pinterest, catching up on what's trending or what other designers are up to. I also use this quiet moment to stay in touch with my family back home in Montreal – they're just starting their day, and it's my little way of feeling close despite the distance. Then it's lights out… unless something on Netflix lures me back in. Nathalie's Picks
Times
28-05-2025
- Business
- Times
Beauty heroes: Dr Barbara Sturm
There are few names as well known in the beauty world as Dr Barbara Sturm. The German doctor has spent her career redefining the skincare world with her products, concentrating on formulas that target common skin concerns with her pioneering anti-inflammatory techniques. Sturm began her career as an orthopaedics specialist, studying at Heinrich Heine University in Düsseldorf where she learnt about treatments to alleviate the inflammation caused by osteoarthritis. Together with her team she focused on finding ways to use the body's own proteins and healing factors to lower inflammation markers and tackle joint pain. This research led Sturm to consider how some of the techniques she'd been studying might be beneficial in the aesthetics world. She also concluded that inflammation was the biggest enemy of an anti-ageing routine. By 2014 Sturm had launched a full skincare line and in the years that followed she opened spas in London, New York, Miami and LA, which feature the brand's 300 products, all of which are available over the counter and formulated in such a way that each customer can find the right combination for their skin's needs. Sturm's line has a focus on 'molecular repair', which means that the products are designed to work on a cellular level to heal and repair the skin. The one she is possibly the most passionate about is her Hyaluronic Serum formulation. 'It is basically the 'white T-shirt' of your skincare routine. This is because it's the product you use every morning and every night, like your basics,' Sturm explained. 'We make [our Hyaluronic Serum] with the highest possible integrity, quality and efficacy.' Watch how Sturm and her team make her hero Hyaluronic Serum at their laboratory. Direction: Mona TehraniDOP: Camille GuillemainEdit: Laurène VanackerProduction: Sarah Barnes
The National
27-05-2025
- Health
- The National
SPF myths and the science behind UV radiation: How to care for your skin as temperatures rise
As temperatures rise across the UAE, with the country experiencing a record 51.6°C – the highest temperature in the month of May – skincare should be top of mind, experts say. But beware of marketing gimmicks and misleading claims. "The phrase 'high SPF' sounds reassuring, it's true, but the sense of security you feel is false," German skincare expert Dr Barbara Sturm says. "SPF is a misleading and therefore dangerous term; a product with this factor only refers to protection against UVB rays, which is not quite enough." The science behind UV radiation The sun transmits ultraviolet radiation in three wavelengths – the creatively dubbed UVA, UVB and UVC rays. The latter does not penetrate our planet's atmosphere, so it's irrelevant to the case being put forth here. UVB is most responsible for sunburn which, by extension, causes malignant melanoma and basal cell carcinoma (what Hugh Jackman suffered from), while UVA is associated with skin ageing. However, because not everyone is aware of UVA's role, and not all sunscreens have the wherewithal to help shield us from it, prolonged exposure not only leads to wrinkles, pigmentation and coarse skin, but can also cause skin cancer. What Sturm and other experts now know is that a product with solar protection factor (SPF) has no impact whatsoever in protecting our skin from UVA rays. That's not to say that you should ditch that SPF 30 offering completely; rather, as with most other things these days, you need to read the small print when buying your next sunscreen. And it's not only for those who are constantly out and about, either. 'UVA can penetrate glass, so it can get you in a windowed office or while you're driving,' explains Sturm. 'It is imperative to use a sunscreen technology that offers 'broad-spectrum' protection.' A broad-spectrum solution targets both UVA and UVB rays. The latter can be monitored based on the SPF count – between 30 and 50 is recommended depending on your lifestyle – think commuting to the office versus spending time at the beach. The former is trickier, and requires a bit of calculation. Step one is to look out for the UVA star rating on a product's packaging; stars range from 0 to 5. This number indicates the percentage of UVA radiation absorbed by the sunscreen in comparison to UVB. "In other words, this is the ratio between the level of protection afforded by the UVA protection and the UVB protection," states a report released by the British Association of Dermatologists. "Be aware that if you choose a low SPF, it may still have a high level of stars, not because it is providing a lot of UVA protection, but because the ratio between the UVA and UVB protection is about the same. That's why it's important to choose a high SPF as well as a high number of stars." In simpler terms, a sunscreen with SPF 30 and a UVA rating of four stars should fit the bill. Unless you spend your daylight hours out in the desert or at the beach. In that case, not only should you invest in SPF 50 and five stars, but also be very conscientious about application and reapplication. Application tips The recommended amount of sunscreen works out to about two milligrams per square centimetre of your skin's surface. For optimum protection to the face, the amount needed would cover the palm of your hand. "Most people are quite good at slathering products on their faces, but tend to miss the neck and ear area, which then become prone to carcinogenic nodules," says dermatologist Anita Hiranandani. "And even if you're wearing a pair of shorts or a top with sleeves, it's best to use sunscreen all over the body, not just on the exposed bits." Apply the product 20 minutes before you step out, so it has adequate time to create a barrier shield, and reapply every two hours if you're under the sun for that long. "If you are outside a lot, it is critical, especially in a strong-sun location like the UAE, to reapply a broad-spectrum sunscreen regularly, particularly after sweating or swimming," says Sturm. 'Even certain fabrics can diminish the impact the cream has on the skin. It also depends on what time of the day you are outside – the sun is 150 times stronger at noon than in the morning or evening,' she adds. She's not a fan of moisturisers or make-up that claim to double up as sunscreen. 'Active UV filters and active skincare ingredients sitting in a product together degrade the effectiveness of both. I would always use sunscreen separately. It is safer to apply the skincare first, wait a few minutes for absorption, and then apply make-up. This way you have the full protective effect, without the mineral oils of the cosmetics to clog your pores, and you don't smudge your make-up,' she explains. Even the most effective sunscreen, however, is unlikely to offer full protection under the direct glare of the sun. It needs to be complemented by clothing, sunglasses, caps and umbrellas. Dr Lanalle Dunn, founder of Jumeirah's Chiron Clinic, suggests rash-guard apparel, which blocks UV rays. She adds: "Stay away from chemically laden sunscreens – those that include parabens, oxybenzone, octinoxate and titanium dioxide." Sunscreen pollution Sunscreen pollution is another reason to avoid strong chemicals. Many activists are now pushing to ban products made up of marine-life-harming oxybenzone and octinoxate. According to Lisa Bishop, president of the Friends of Hanauma Bay organisation: "When people put these two chemicals on and they come into the ocean, the product washes off and stays floating in the water, and the corals are being killed by it." Some eco-friendly brands that come highly recommended include Colorescience, NYDG Skincare, La Roche-Posay, Dr Hauschka and Molecular Cosmetics, which carries photostable Sun Drops. To tan or not to tan Both types of UV radiation contribute to skin tanning, a condition actively and, research would suggest, insensibly sought out by hordes of people. A tan by any other name is damaged skin, according to the report by the British Association of Dermatologists. The skin is made up of a pigment called melanin, which gives our skin its natural colour. Exposure to sunlight causes an increase in the production of melanin that absorbs more UV radiation, causing the skin to become darker, usually temporarily. 'A tan is actually a sign that the skin has been damaged and is trying to protect itself,' suggests the report. 'This is not to say that one should avoid the sun completely,' cautions Dunn. 'Research shows that non- smokers who avoided the sun had a life expectancy similar to smokers in the highest sun exposure group, indicating that avoidance is a risk factor for death of a similar magnitude as smoking. The cardioprotective benefits of sun exposure are partly due to nitric oxide, which aids in lowering blood pressure. Nitric oxide is only released into the bloodstream with direct sunlight exposure and not with simply taking Vitamin D supplementation.' Tanned or otherwise damaged skin can be treated by getting skin treatments such as hydrating facials, radiofrequency to tighten the skin, photodynamic therapy and fractional laser treatments. However, these should be looked upon as more prevention than cure. When it comes to avoiding sun damage, a daily threat, your first port of call should be an effective sunscreen – one that's about more than just SPF; it's a product that needs research and responsible usage. After all, if Wolverine had to battle cancer six times, there's no guarantee that any of us is immune to it. A version of this story was published on May 10, 2018
South China Morning Post
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- South China Morning Post
Style according to ... Barbara Sturm, dermatologist and founder of the eponymous skincare company who counts Gwyneth and Oprah among her legions of fans, reveals to us some of her favourite things
Dermatologist Barbara Sturm, who invented the concept of anti-ageing blood cream, is a pioneer of clean skin. Dr Barbara Sturm , the skincare company she founded in 2011 in Düsseldorf, Germany, is a favourite among celebrities and is known for bestselling products such as the Hyaluronic Serum, which Sturm calls the 'white T-shirt of any skincare regimen'. Here, Sturm shares her favourite finds from around the world. What I'm watching TV favourite Desperate Housewives. Photo: Handout Advertisement Social media can be fun, but I think it's important to use it in a way that feels positive and enriching. Right now, I'm re-watching all the old seasons of Desperate Housewives – it's just as good the second time round. My beauty hacks Dr Barbara Sturm skincare products. Photo: Handout I'll either use my Facial Scrub or the Enzyme Cleanser twice a week to remove dead skin. I apply my Balancing Toner immediately after showering. Byredo_Bal d'Afrique eau de parfum. Photo: Handout I rarely wear fragrance, but I do love Byredo's Bal d'Afrique. Sometimes I'll spritz a little on my T-shirt but never on my skin. I don't wear make-up but if I do use anything on my eyes, I'll apply some eyeshadow by Anastasia and use her Brow Wiz – I always like to have good eyebrows. Where to go in London
Times
21-05-2025
- Health
- Times
The best luxury face SPFs for 2025
Does your face SPF sit so horribly under make-up that it makes you want to cry? Or make your skin so shiny it looks as though you've been crying? Or melt into your eyes so you end up actually crying? Turn to these luxury formulas instead, face SPFs that sit beautifully on the skin, working under or instead of make-up and providing exemplary protection from sun damage. • This article contains affiliate links that can earn us revenue Best known for its cult classic The Rich Cream, Augustinus Bader — the luxury skincare brand founded by a Professor researching stem cells — doesn't often add new products to its curated collection of skin saving solutions, so when it does, you know it's going to be worth the wait. The brand's new face sunscreen was four years in the making and features Bader's proprietary Trigger Factor Complex, a patented blend of amino acids, vitamins and synthesised molecules naturally found in the skin, that can enhance its natural healing abilities. Layer the lightweight, hydrating formula on and you can protect your skin from future damage while helping repair any previous sunbathing sins. £105 for 30ml, Augustinus Bader A serum-SPF hybrid, Dr Barbara Sturm's sun drops contain cassia extract to shield the skin from harmful UV rays, vitamin E which has antioxidant properties and soothing, hydrating Beta-Glucan. The formula aims to promote the skin's natural resiliency and is appropriate for even the most sensitive of skins. Plus, the pipette applicator not only makes you feel like a swanky scientist, but also ensures application onto your face is a breeze. £125 for 30ml, Dr Barbara Sturm There's usually a battle between using natural ingredients or opting for scientifically-backed formulas when it comes to skincare brands, however, the New-Zealand based Emma Lewisham aims to straddle both. This moisturising mineral SPF comes in a handy pump applicator and while it looks alarming peachy pink at first, it quickly melts into an invisible, glowy veil. Inside, there's niacinamide to help brighten, plant-derived Saccharide Isomerate that aids the skin's natural moisture barrier and the skin smoothing innovative peptide Palmitoyl tripeptide-1. £46 for 50ml, Emma Lewisham While 111SKIN's anti-ageing products are some of the best in the business, the best thing you can do (from a young age) to prevent having to try and reverse the signs of ageing, is shield your skin from the sun from the offset. This high-protection fluid not only protects your skin from UVA and UVB rays but it also has additional defence against blue light and pollution. It leaves an ultra-sheer finish on the skin and the addition of cotton skin cell extract helps to minimise any sun-induced redness. £95 for 50ml, 111SKIN at Harrods Sisley's super-luxurious skincare line, Sisleya, is one of the best out there due to its potent active ingredients. If you want your suncare to be as serious as your face cream, this Sunleya SPF is unbeatable. The texture, as with all Sisley products, is divine too. £228 for 50ml, Sisley at Harrods This lightweight and luxurious formula leaves a finish that is smooth and radiant. Packed with antioxidants alongside a high level of SPF protection, not only does it protect the skin but it also makes it look instantly brightened, so much so that you might find yourself wearing less make-up on top of it, if any. £75 for 30ml, Sarah Chapman If anyone takes their suncare seriously, it's the Japanese, so you can trust you're in safe hands with this offering from the J-beauty brand Tatcha. The formula is incredibly lightweight, feeling like a milky serum. In fact the impressive ingredient list, which includes skin-tone-evening niacinamide and nourishing hyaluronic acid means you could streamline your routine and count this as a true two-in-one (serum and SPF) product. £65 for 50ml, Tatcha You might know Lancaster for its beloved body sunscreens and tanning products, but its suncare doesn't stop at your shoulders. This new facial SPF is developed with its most advanced SPF technology, alongside anti-ageing benefits that target wrinkles, dark spots, dehydration and lack of firmness. It has a velvety feel, sits on the skin with no tacky or sticky finish and is especially good for mature skin. £32 for 50ml, Lancaster at Look Fantastic If like us you're a fan of Elemis's skincare (if you haven't smothered your face in its delicious Pro-Collagen cleansing balm, do yourself a favour and add it to your basket) then don't bother straying from the brand when it comes to suncare. This SPF feels rich to the touch but sinks into skin smoothly, leaving a silky but not shiny finish and a hydration that lasts all day long. £55 for 40ml, Elemis at Space NK For those with oily skin, finding an SPF that won't result in your foundation slipping straight off your forehead come midday is a tall order. But this one, with it's oil-controlling formula, does just that and more. It provides a shine-free but not flat base for make-up and a slight blurring effect on pesky open pores too. Don't be worried on first use: the texture feels oddly greasy, but it dries down beautifully in seconds. £36.50 for 45ml, Supergoop at Space NK For the days that you're in a bind for time, this three-in-one product combines hyaluronic rich moisturiser, a day-safe dose of retinol and SPF 30 into one hydrating and brightening pot. It's a great option for those who struggle to remember to use sun protection daily (although for seriously sunny days an extra layer of SPF is recommended). £110 for 5ml, MZ Skin at Cult Beauty If you're a diehard La Mer fan who couldn't possibly stray from the iconic brand and its Miracle Broth (their marine-sourced super-elixir) then don't settle for anything less when it comes to suncare. This lightweight and silky SPF protects the skin while infusing it with that infamous La Mer hydration. £95 for 50ml, La Mer at Harrods Beloved in Japan and growing in popularity in the UK, the Japanese luxury skincare brand EviDens de Beauté follows the 'Kaizen philosophy' — the never-ending quest for perfection. So it's not surprising that for many this is the perfect SPF: non-greasy, high in UV protection, packed with skincare ingredients and a perfect smooth base for make-up application. £140 for 50ml, EviDens at Harrods
