No matter how much you spend on your skincare regimen, skin ages. Fine lines and wrinkles are inevitable and, without a doubt, should be celebrated. This doesn’t mean you can’t partake in a little TLC to keep your skin in its best shape. We reached out to the queen of all things inflammation and aging, Dr. Barbara Sturm, to share her breadth of knowledge. Sturm, the founder of celeb-favorite skincare line, Dr. Barbara Sturm Molecular Cosmetics, kicked off the interview by stating: “the degree to which inflammation causes premature aging cannot be overstated.”
Read on to discover how inflammation wreaks havoc on skin and ways to reduce it.
What are the top causes of skin inflammation?
“Top causes of skin inflammation include, exposure to sun and HEV (computer screen), irritating skincare ingredients, inflammatory foods, drinking alcohol and smoking, and exposure to pollen and pollution.”
What's the number one piece of advice you recommend to your clients to prevent aging?
“Stop the aggression of quick-fix treatments, and instead — hydrate, nourish, and reduce inflammation.”
How do your products and treatments reduce inflammation and aging?
“I treat inflammation and premature aging using cutting-edge ingredient science. Purslane is an illustration of an ingredient that I love. It has been shown in dozens of clinical studies to be one of the richest sources on earth of omega-3 fatty acids, alpha-linolenic acid, and antioxidants, including tocopherol, ascorbic acid, beta carotene, and glutathione.
Purslane also serves as a telomerase activator, a wound healer, and to possess strong anti-inflammatory properties. I also use Baicalin, another powerful, herbal anti-inflammatory. My Hyaluronic Serum promotes both hydration and the skin’s natural barrier function. My Face Mask deeply hydrates and repairs. My oral supplements promote fundamental skin nutrition and health, and the pollution supplements use Adaptogens to protect against physical and environmental stressors.”
How does purslane stop and reverse the aging process?
“Purslane is a remarkable compound, widely and clinically studied over the past decade for its topical and oral efficacy and anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative, and nutritive properties. It also is a telomerase activator; this is the enzyme that increases cell life and function, and which Harvard has termed the “fountain of youth” enzyme. Telomerase activation in mice reversed aging symptoms.”
What anti-inflammatory foods do you recommend for healthy skin?
“Anti-inflammatory foods, like tomatoes, avocado, turmeric, peppers, green leafy vegetables, salmon, olive oil, berries, grapes, dark chocolate, cherries, nuts, and seeds. Also avoid inflammatory items, like fried foods, sugar, alcohol, processed meats, vegetable oil, refined carbohydrates, and artificial trans fat.”
When should someone start caring about using anti-aging products?
“Anti-aging is accomplished with ingredients that nourish, hydrate, protect, and reduce inflammation. There is no age at which this is not the right approach. Aging skin additionally needs more minerals, antioxidants, and peptides, plus a higher dosage of our purslane/telomerase activator, which is highly concentrated in our Super Anti-Aging Serum. Eye cream is important from age 25, which helps to protect from fine lines, puffiness, and dark circles.”
Shop the Poosh-approved favorites below:
The content provided in this article is provided for information purposes only and is not a substitute for professional advice and consultation, including professional medical advice and consultation; it is provided with the understanding that Poosh, LLC (“Poosh”) is not engaged in the provision or rendering of medical advice or services. The opinions and content included in the article are the views of the interviewee only, and Poosh does not endorse or recommend any such content or information, or any product or service mentioned in the article. You understand and agree that Poosh shall not be liable for any claim, loss, or damage arising out of the use of, or reliance upon any content or information in the article.
