The Ultimate Complexion Look

We all know the winter months can wreak havoc on our skin. We spoke with expert and founder Dr. Barbara Sturm on how to best ensure our skin is prepped and ready to battle all of the elements. Her signature approach to winter skin? Start with hydration and strengthening the skin barrier. The product that makes this happen? The Super Anti-Aging Dual Serum. Read all about her latest introduction and how she incorporates it into her winter skincare regimen.

In winter, frequent changes between cold, windy outdoor elements and hot, dry indoor environments can cause our skin’s natural moisture reservoirs to become more rapidly depleted resulting in dryness, flakiness and irritation. So, in winter, it is especially important to use products that are more lipid and antioxidant-rich to double up on hydration, strengthen the skin barrier and to seal and protect against external aggressors such as the wind and cold.

 2. What are the key ingredients in the Super Anti-Aging Dual Serum, and how does it benefit winter skin?

The SUPER ANTI-AGING DUAL SERUM combines antioxidant and hydration-rich ingredients with ceramides, fatty acids and peptides - all of which are the perfect ingredients for helping you maintain healthy, hydrated skin during the winter. In phase one, you have an amazing Hyaluronic Acid, Purslane and Glutathione blend which works to replenish moisture in dry, winter skin, whilst defending and repairing against oxidative stress. Phase two is an

amazing, buttery essence formulated with skin-identical ceramides that seamlessly integrate into the skin to boost skin barrier protection and hydration and soothe discomfort. It also contains essential fatty acids Squalane, Sunflower Oil and Shea Butter, that help soothe and calm dry, sensitive skin and my proprietary blend of Hyaluronic Acid, which is formulated with a chemistry blending both small, medium and large molecular weights that rehydrate skin superficially while penetrating to deeper skin layers to replenish moisture reservoirs.

3. What are the best complementary products to use alongside the Super Anti-Aging Dual Serum in winter? Please walk us through the routine.

Ideally, your daily skincare routine would start with the SUPER ANTI-AGING CLEANSER, which is a richer, more nourishing formulation that’s ideal for dry skin or colder weather. And I always recommend implementing a gentle exfoliant like the ENZYME CLEANSER or FACIAL SCRUB 2-3 times a week to remove flaky skin which will help with absorption of products and hydration when our skin tends to be drier. Then, use the SUPER ANTI-AGING DUAL SERUM, followed by the FACE CREAM RICH so your skin is super dewy and nourished. The extreme cold can leave your skin feeling sensitive, dry, and irritated – as can unprotected UVA and UVB exposure. In general, I recommend using SPF protection like my SUN DROP SPF50 all year round – whether you are on the beach, in the mountains or in the city. And the CALMING SERUM and FACE MASK are also absolute must haves during winter for optimal hydration and reducing inflammation and redness caused from extreme weather, wind and cold. The CALMING SERUM is particularly beneficial for anyone who suffers from rosacea, which can be triggered by colder weather.

 4. What lifestyle changes do you recommend going together with your winter skincare routine?

Diet is a key input to glowing skin and overall wellness. I avoid inflammatory substances like alcohol, sugar, excessive salt, and processed or fried foods and instead, I eat lots of anti-inflammatory foods like cherries, blueberries, blackberries, green leafy vegetables, beans, seeds and nuts, olive oil and tomatoes. I also recommend Sauna in the winter - clinical studies have shown its therapeutic benefit to skin barrier function and I swear by Red Light Therapy.

It’s a non-invasive treatment with a wide range of clinically documented skin and wellness benefits including diminishing age spots, fine lines and wrinkles, stimulating collagen and elastin production, reduced joint pain (which can be more prevalent during the winter), and the promotion of healthy sleep, enhanced mood and mental clarity.

Thank you Dr. Barbara Sturm, for your wonderful insight on how we can assure our skin is prepped and ready for the winter elements inside and out.