Summer is when, theoretically, our skin should look and feel its best. We dream of a healthy glow, cute freckles and a tan that pops against the pristine whites and vibrant colours of our holiday wardrobe.
Alas, summer is also a season that comes with its own set of skincare challenges. From increased UV exposure to the dreaded sunburn, it’s a season where we need to be extra careful to protect our complexion.
So as temperatures began to approach sizzling on the White Isle, we didn’t need asking twice to attend a skincare masterclass with skincare guru Dr. Barbara Sturm, held at the elegant Nobu Hotel Ibiza Bay.
The renowned German aesthetics doctor and entrepreneur is known for her expertise in non-surgical anti-aging treatments and skincare, having gained international recognition for her innovative and science-driven approach.

Focused on promoting the skin’s natural healing and anti-aging processes, one of Dr. Barbara Sturm’s most famous treatments is the “Vampire Facial”, which involves using a patient’s own blood to create a customised serum rich in growth factors and proteins that rejuvenate the skin.
In addition to her treatments, her skincare line “Dr. Barbara Sturm Molecular Cosmetics” has gained a cult following amongst celebrities and beauty enthusiasts from all over the world. The line features products that are formulated with potent ingredients and free from harmful substances, catering to a wide range of skincare needs.
Holding court on the sun-dappled terrace outside Nobu Hotel Ibiza Bay’s onsite spa – which offers Dr. Barbara Sturm facial treatments and stocks key products from her range – devoted beauty fans from the White Isle and beyond took a deep dive into the skincare expert’s vast knowledge.
The masterclass, hosted by renowned journalist and author Maya Boyd, was part of the hotel’s wellness and self care summer series, which offers a variety of events dedicated to helping guests and outside visitors alike to glow from head to toe. From breathwork to sound healing and special anti-inflammatory tasting menus, the sessions are designed to nourish attendees from inside out.
We were honoured to have the opportunity to ask Dr. Barbara Sturm some of our most burning questions when it comes to summer skincare tips.

Welcome to Ibiza! Is this your first visit or have you already got a long-established connection to the island?
I love Ibiza and have been coming here for years. I have lots of friends here and it’s somewhere I will always hold close to my heart.
The island is known for its beautiful weather, crystal waters and golden beaches. But how do these elements impact our skincare needs?
Summer is a time when our skin looks great – but is in fact at its most damaged. There are two main factors we should watch out for, which are UVA and UVB exposure and heat damage. Sun exposure without proper protection can photo-age the skin and cause inflammation and dysfunction. And heat can cause the skin to produce more oil, as well as heat rashes and sweat, which increases trans-epidermal water loss from the body, leading to dehydration, irritation, and breakouts.
My line is perfect for our customers in Ibiza because it gives freshness and hydration, and, at the same time, takes care of your skin barrier function. We have an amazing SPF called SUN DROPS, which is available in both SPF 50 and SPF 30 – and offers hybrid sun protection and skincare that feels lightweight on the skin.
Also, for people who suffer from hyperpigmentation issues, the Darker Skin Tones Line combined with the Brightening Line is great for that.
What are your top recommendations for products to protect and nourish the skin effectively in hot and sunny destinations like Ibiza?
Temper the effects of heat with a face mist. My HYALURONIC FACE MIST is formulated with effective hydrating ingredients such as Hyaluronic Acid, Aloe Vera and Broccoli Extract. It provides every skin type with a burst of pure hydration, detoxification, and revitalization.
And choose a broad-spectrum SPF. Sun exposure without the proper protection can photo-age the skin and cause inflammation and skin dysfunctions. My SUN DROPS SPF 50 and my newly launched SUN DROPS SPF 30 both protect against UVA and UVB exposure while also providing the skin with healing, moisturising and anti-oxidative ingredients. And my SUN CREAM BODY SPF 30 is a must-have for UVA / UVB and protection from infrared rays – an often-overlooked danger which can also induce premature skin ageing.
Switch to lighter textured products such as my FACE CREAM LIGHT, which gives lightweight hydration and nourishes the skin without overloading it with moisture.
Lastly, use Aloe Vera after sun exposure. I created the ALOE VERA GEL to soothe and hydrate the skin after being in the sun. Its potent concentration of Aloe leaf juice helps support skin regeneration and soothes the skin, and it also contains Purslane, which helps reduce irritation and has additional skin soothing benefits.

Are there any specific lifestyle factors, such as diet or hydration, that play a significant role in achieving and maintaining healthy summer skin?
I recommend staying hydrated. Drinking plenty of water and upping your intake of anti-inflammatory and cooling food and drinks like smoothies, juices, tomatoes and salads will help cool and rehydrate the internal system of the body to mitigate the effects of heat, such as breakouts and irritation.
Are there any specific spa treatments or skincare rituals that you would recommend for holidaymakers to pamper their skin and enhance their summer glow?
My summer skincare routine builds up your skin’s barrier function with healing, nourishing and non-aggressive skincare. It includes my gentle foam CLEANSER followed by THE GOOD C VITAMIN C SERUM to combat hyperpigmentation, my FACE CREAM LIGHT for lightweight hydration and my SUN DROPS SPF50 for the face and SUN CREAM BODY SPF 30 for the body. Finally, the HYALURONIC FACE MIST is ideal for instant soothing on-the-go. I also recommend using my HYALURONIC SERUM all-year-round for essential hydration.
Furthermore, I always recommend my SIGNATURE STURMGLOW™️ FACIAL, especially for those who are new to my brand, to experience all my core products and refreshed and radiant skin. This facial incorporates my CLEANSER followed by FACIAL SCRUB or ENZYME CLEANSER – depending on the client – my BALANCING TONER, HYALURONIC SERUM, FACE CREAM RICH, FACE MASK, EYE CREAM, LIP BALM and GLOW DROPS, and concludes with my HYALURONIC FACE MIST. It leaves you with an instant, dewy glow and has long lasting reparative effects on the skin barrier function as well as penetrative hydration.
In addition, I always travel with our supplements and for summer – I always have my STURM INSIDE SUN SKIN supplements with me. They are science-driven and take a holistic approach to preparing the skin for sun exposure and to help support the skin’s protection against UV and oxidative stress, as well as fortifying the skin against sun allergies and prickly heat.
And, of course, my ALOE VERA GEL for soothing and hydrating the skin after being in the sun.

How did the collaboration with Nobu Hotels come about?
Jennica Shamoon Arazi, who is the Director of Luxury Hotel Partners, has been a huge fan of the brand for some time now and we connected in London and became friends. I then travelled to a few of the Small Luxury Hotels properties for various events and fell in love with both locations, which led us to launch at the Marbella Club – and now at the stunning Nobu Hotel in Ibiza.
The Nobu Hotel Ibiza Bay is such a beautiful ‘home away from home’. Do you have a favourite place to sit and relax?
I love the spa and getting a Signature STURMGLOW™️ Facial, of course. The facialists are fantastic and you leave feeling super relaxed and with glowing, dewy skin.
Sitting on the roof top and watching the sun go down while enjoying a fresh juice is a must, and I love lazing by the pool and watching my daughter Pepper have fun in the water.
Nobu is one of my all-time favourite restaurants, so spending the evening having supper with my friends and family is always fun!
For further information, to book treatments and to shop Dr. Barbara Sturm skincare visit www.drsturm.com. For reservations at the hotel, spa, or one of the three onsite restaurants visit www.nobuhotelibizabay.com.
