HOW TO LIVE AN ANTI-INFLAMMATORY LIFESTYLE

Our beauty columnist’s skincare philosophy is focused on combatting inflammation and its consequences. Here, you will learn why this method is key for her via a holistic approach to reducing it and achieving wellness.

BY DR. BARBARA STURM

Inflammation is the body’s response to irritation and injury, and it can cause everything from acne, premature aging, redness, and enlarged pores to other serious skin diseases and dysfunctions such as psoriasis, rosacea, and perioral dermatitis. My core mission and philosophy as a doctor is to pursue advances in ingredient science and cutting-edge techniques and treatments to reduce inflammation, boost the skin barrier function, and provide essential hydration for healthy, glowing, and beautiful skin. There are two forms of inflammation. Acute inflammation is triggered by internal or external exposure to irritants such as pollution, fragrances, aggressive skincare ingredients, smoking, drinking, and UV radiation. Chronic inflammation is a sustained inflammatory response within the skin that is mediated by the immune system and destroys healthy tissue. Worldwide, three out of five people die due to chronic inflammatory diseases. That’s why getting inflammation under control is essential for both body and skin health.

When it comes to skincare, the goal is to soothe and reduce inflammation, not cause it. The biggest misconception is that you need to be aggressive toward your skin, rather than provide protection of skin barrier function, hydration, nutrition, and skin healing.

An anti-inflammatory lifestyle extends beyond skincare to movement, sleep, mental health, and nutrition. For instance, changes to diet have been shown in clinical nurturing. Harsh ingredients, acid peels, and lasers destroy healthy skin cells. If your skin feels comfortable, hydrated, and isn’t experiencing irritation, redness, or dysfunction, that’s a hallmark of effective skincare.

Our bodies don’t always get everything they need for healthy glowing skin from our diet and lifestyle, so I created my supplements, STURM INSIDE, to address any deficiencies.

It’s also imperative that you prioritize a good night’s sleep (I’m in bed by 9 p.m. most evenings), enjoy daily exercise, and reduce stress through techniques such as meditation. I avoid bedtime high-energy visible exposure from my mobile phone and computer, which triggers the stress hormone cortisol, by making sure I leave my phone outside my bedroom. I also have a sauna in my bathroom. It’s a tremendous tool for skin and overall health and well-being and has been clinically shown to improve skin barrier function, regulate sebum flow, and improve cardiovascular and muscular health.

The ingredient science in my molecular skincare collection works to combat inflammationmediated oxidation and to trials to dramatically reduce inflammation, so I recommend eating an anti-inflammatory diet rich in fatty fish, avocados, cherries, broccoli, cabbage, green leafy vegetables, tomatoes, almonds, and nuts. Also, avoid inflammatory substances such as alcohol, sugar, excessive salt, and processed or fried foods.

Occasionally I’ll also have an IV infusion at one of my spa and boutiques to boost energy and restore wellness.

Leading an anti-inflammatory lifestyle and taking care of your skin will have an immediate and long-term effect on both skin aging and overall health. It’s exciting for me to see how my patients are taking care of themselves and discovering the STURMGLOW™. T