Sofia's blog • SOFIA LATIF®

Sofia 20/01/2022 Hero Oils

Nourish and protect with Marula seed oil

When it comes to multi-tasking, Marula seed oil is one skincare saviour that comes out on top. With nourishing, hydrating, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, this hero oil can help to prevent conditions like acne and seal in moisture for supple skin all day long. What is it? Marula seed oil is a pale yellow oil, naturally derived from the nuts&…

Fozia Latif 07/01/2022 Healthy skin

What is Skinimalism?

On the surface, ‘skinimalism’ might seem a tongue-twister, but as complex as it sounds, its meaning is, in fact, rooted in simplicity. Coined by users on Pinterest, skinimalism is about stripping back your skincare, bringing your natural skin texture to the surface and embracing slow beauty that supports sustainable skincare and clean products to nourish your best skin …

Sofia 31/12/2021 Useful to know

Do you need a face oil, face serum, or both?

Understanding how skincare works empowers you to make an informed purchase, selecting products suited to your skin type/condition and getting the most out of them as part of your routine. Today we are exploring the difference between face oils and face serums, helping you to determine which you need and giving you expert advice on how to use them. …

Sofia 31/12/2021 Healthy skin

Could Your Hyaluronic Acid Be Making Your Skin Drier?

For years, hyaluronic acid has been the darling of the beauty industry but more recently, it’s been surrounded by controversy that it could well be causing more harm than good. Today we’re looking at both sides of the debate and sharing our advice on using this popular product… THE ‘FOR’ ARGUMENT Hyaluronic acid …

Sofia 31/12/2021 Healthy Living

Is Matcha Better For You Than Coffee?

Most of us try to lead a healthy lifestyle but sometimes we are looking for that quick energy boost to kick start our morning or to keep us going later in the day. In these times, coffee is probably your go-to for the caffeine ‘hit’. While it does provide the body with a number of benefits and for …

Fozia Latif 16/12/2021 Healthy skin

Face Masks vs Exfoliators – The Superhero Skin Winner

Face masks and exfoliators can be valuable elements of any skin care routine. However, there’s often some confusion about which is more beneficial for skin health. While exfoliators brush away dead skin cells to reveal the healthy, new skin underneath, face masks are all about infusing the skin with nourishing ingredients to boost your best skin health. For …

Sofia 10/12/2021 Best of Natural

Best Natural And Vegan Hand Creams For Sensitive Skin

We do so much with our hands and can be the most vulnerable parts of our body. As we follow the guidance from the World Health Organisation to prevent the spread of COVID-19, they may be left feeling rather more sensitive at the moment. So we’ve curated our top picks of natural/vegan hand creams to combat the …

Fozia Latif 02/12/2021 Healthy Living

Collagen Supplements – Are They Worth It?

In short, yes, if they’re taken in powdered form without the addition of unnecessary fillers. But the evidence isn’t clear-cut just yet. While many studies do show that collagen supplements do work, group test sizes have been small and it’s not exactly clear what’s the recommended daily amount. What is clear however, …

Sofia 25/11/2021 Healthy Living

Our Top Tips For Autumn / Winter Wellbeing

We prefer to group our seasons in two instead of the usual four – Spring/Summer when our weather is usually dry and sunny with warm to hot temperatures and then Autumn/Winter, when the weather changes to colder air, rain, wind, and even snow. There is a marked change from one seasonal group to the other which, for most …

Fozia Latif 18/11/2021 Hero Oils

Strengthen Your Skin Barrier With Organic Sweet Almond Oil

Organic sweet almond oil has been a celebrated hero ingredient at SL Towers, and across the skincare industry, for years. Used widely in India, sweet almond oil can help to soothe sensitive skin and was a memorable part of our founder Sofia’s skin care routine growing up. Packed with skin-loving vitamins and fatty acids and intensely hydrating, sweet …

Sofia 12/11/2021 Healthy skin

Let’s talk about breakouts and face oils

Breakouts. None of us like them and they always seem to come at the most inconvenient times. But why do they occur and what can we do to reduce them? Today we’ll be answering these questions and whether you can use a face oil during a breakout… WHY DO BREAKOUTS OCCUR? There are two main factors which …

Fozia Latif 04/11/2021 Healthy Living

The Gratitude Habit: The Route To Better Wellbeing

Actress Doris Day once said, ‘Gratitude is riches. Complaint is poverty.’ There’s plenty to complain about in the society we live in today. From the weather and traffic to the seemingly constant negativity in the news, complaint has become almost a normal way of life. Especially during the 2020 lockdown, for many of us it became overwhelming, …

Fozia Latif 21/10/2021 Healthy skin

How To Prepare Your Skin For The Cold Weather

As the cold weather starts to creep in, maybe you’ve already begun spending more time indoors and clicking the switch on a little evening heating. But while it’s a way to keep things warm and cosy, the combination of cold air outdoors and dry atmosphere indoors can play havoc with your skin, making it feel tight …

Fozia Latif 06/10/2021 Healthy skin

Supplements for Healthy Skin

Taking the right supplements to support healthy skin is something we are all keen to do, but may not know which supplements to choose. I reached out to Daisy Connor who is a Nutritional Therapist and founder of City Survivor – simple supplements for busy people, and asked her which supplements are best for healthy skin. To maintain beautiful, healthy&…

Sofia 23/09/2021 Hero Oils

The Power Of Pomegranates For Skin Elasticity

Pomegranates have been lauded as a jewel in the superfood crown. Sprinkled over salads or broken at breakfast, pomegranates are a great addition to any meal for their nutritional benefits. But while their role in cuisine is clear, the power of pomegranates in skincare is lesser known. First appearing in Egyptian literature and Greek mythology, pomegranates are packed with antioxidants&…

Fozia Latif 09/09/2021 Healthy Living

The Benefits Of Massage For Your Wellbeing

If you’ve ever had the pleasure of going to a salon or spa and enjoying a massage, then you’re probably already reminiscing about the feel-good pressure and deep relaxation you felt during and after your treatment. Massage is one of the fastest and most effective ways of relieving tension in your muscles, but you don’…

Fozia Latif 26/08/2021 Healthy Living

The Best Essential Oils for Sleep

Studies have shown that a good night’s rest has the potential to positively impact virtually all the systems in our body. From our skin health and the condition of our hair to the balance of our hormones and mental wellbeing, sleep is the quiet saviour of our all-round good health. Despite this, research shows that the average UK …

Sofia 11/08/2021 Hero Oils

Soothe And Protect With Moringa Seed Oil

Moringa seed oil has made it into our hero oil series and our Face Oil and Scalp Oil as a nutrient-rich skin care ingredient, capable of soothing and protecting all skin types, including those suffering from eczema and psoriasis. Extracted from the Moringa Oleifera tree, found in the Himalayan mountains, Moringa seed oil has been praised as a wonder oil&…

Fozia Latif 29/07/2021 Healthy skin

Night-time Nourishment – Face Oils vs Creams

When it comes to skincare, it can be difficult to know what kinds of products to invest in, when there are just so many different ones on the market. Here at SL Towers, we swear by a few staples – one of these is a good night and day cream duo. The difference is night and day Day creams work&…

Fozia Latif 15/07/2021 Hero Oils

Hydrate and Restore with Meadowfoam Seed Oil

Ever heard of meadowfoam seed oil? If not, it might be something to consider for the spot of hydration hero in your skincare routine. Native to the USA and Canada and pressed from the seeds of the white meadowfoam plant, meadowfoam seed oil is beginning to gain popularity for its dual lightweight quality and ability to pack a hydrating punch.&…

Sofia 09/07/2021 Best of Natural

Best Natural Face Masks For Sensitive Skin

Face masks are a great way to give skin a much-needed boost. Maybe your skin is a bit dull and lacklustre, so you would reach for a radiance mask, or perhaps your skin is dry, then you would reach for a hydrating one. It might be that you don’t like using exfoliators, so you would reach for one …

Sofia 08/07/2021 Healthy Living

Tips On Shifting Our Energy To Shift Our Mindset

Feeling flat, stuck in a rut, demotivated, and generally low in energy can hit us at any time, no matter how hard we try to prevent it. It’s not a pleasant feeling and it can be difficult to overcome initially, but it is possible. Although it is part of the ebb and flow of life, we can help …

Fozia Latif 01/07/2021 Useful to know

The Tradition And Skincare Techniques Of Gua sha

Also known as ‘coining,’ Gua sha is an ancient Chinese healing technique, traditionally practiced on the body but now more commonly known in the West as a method of relaxing and reviving stiff neck and facial muscles. It’s an alternative therapy recommended for reducing inflammation and stimulating blood flow, and while the benefits are yet to …

Sofia 25/06/2021 Healthy skin

Should You Change Your Skincare In The Summer?

This summer’s schizophrenia has us all searching for ways we can feel cooler and lighter one minute and wrapping up warm the next. When it comes to the warmer weather, we change what we consume – eating something lighter and drinking something more refreshing and hydrating, so why not apply this approach to our skincare in the summer …

Fozia Latif 17/06/2021 Healthy skin

A Guide To Your Skin During Menopause

Usually occurring between 45-55 years of age, the period of menopause succeeds perimenopause and officially begins one year after a woman’s last period. It often comes with changes, related to hormone fluctuations. When it comes to our skin, many women feel unsure about how to manage changes like dryness and breakouts. This post is here to guide you …

Sofia 11/06/2021 Healthy skin

How To Make The Most Of Hyaluronic Acid

Hyaluronic acid is the darling of the skincare industry but did you know it is not actually an acid? In this post we’ll be revealing some of the science behind how it works, its skin benefits and how you can make sure you’re getting the best from it… SO WHAT IS HYALURONIC ACID AND WHAT …

Fozia Latif 03/06/2021 Healthy skin

Your Skincare Routine – A Chance To Mindfully Unwind

At the end of a busy day, a little self-care can go a long way to restoring your energy and lifting your mood, so you can better take care of yourself and others. Just as you might cook a meal or go for a run to give yourself space to slow down, your skincare routine is another opportunity to unwind&…

Sofia 28/05/2021 Healthy Living

Our Five Tips For Summer Wellbeing

Many of us are hoping to go on a holiday abroad this year – a week, maybe two, to enjoy the warmer weather before it’s time to start putting on those layers, getting out those deeply nourishing products and cooking up those toasty, comforting meals. But with the way things are at the moment that none of …

Fozia Latif 20/05/2021 Healthy skin

A Guide To Your Skin During Perimenopause

When it comes to perimenopause, many women feel unsure about what to expect, especially when it’s related to changes in their skin. It’s particularly difficult to navigate when there’s little mainstream conversation on the subject too. That’s why we’re here, to provide you with information, education and to carry on …

Fozia Latif 06/05/2021 Healthy skin

Are Hormones to Blame for Post 40s Breakouts?

For many women over 40 sudden skin breakouts, usually associated with teenagers, would be enough to have them reaching for the lotions. But don’t apply them just yet. While breakouts are a barely spoken symptom of perimenopause, they are just one of many challenges characterised by significant fluctuations in hormone levels. We know that the perimenopause is a huge …

Sofia 22/04/2021 Healthy Scalp

The Science and Beauty of Grey Hair

While some women take a shine to their strands of silver, there are many more of us who frantically stock up on the DIY re-touch kits in fear of our first grey hair. So, what’s all the fuss about and how can we navigate this stage in the ageing process with more positivity than panic? Let’s …

Sofia 16/04/2021 Healthy Living

Morning Routines That Make Your Day

We’ve likely established a morning routine this past year that works for our unique needs, and now we are coming out of lockdown retaining the routine we have created feels even more important as we return to a new normal. There is lots of advice from people who set their alarm clock to start their day at 5…

Sofia 16/04/2021 Useful to know

The minimal skincare routine you can get away with

As more of us are embracing slow living and self care in favour of our old hectic lifestyles, similar trends have become more prevalent with our skincare choices. It seems that as women, we’re no longer just looking to simplify our beauty regime because we’re so short of time, but rather we’re thinking more …

Sofia 09/04/2021 Healthy skin

How To Get Rid Of Keratosis Pilaris On Arms And Legs

Layers of clothing are coming off now that we are heading out of winter and into warmer weather, and arms and legs are coming out of hibernation, with skin more visible to our own keen eyes. Is skin appearing bumpy and looking like chicken skin? Are scattered, patchy rashes of very small bumps or pimples appearing on the skin&…

Sofia 25/03/2021 Healthy skin

Moisturisers With SPF vs A Separate SPF

It’s getting brighter, with more sunny days coming. Thoughts turn to spending more time outdoors, and the need for more SPF in our routines to protect our skin from sun damage. Is it enough to use moisturisers with SPF or is it better to have a separate SPF? Let’s take a look at the pros …

Sofia 19/03/2021 Useful to know

Spring Clean Your Beauty & Wellbeing Routine

It feels like we are coming out of a double hibernation with the easing of lockdown and winter moving firmly behind us, and with the Spring flowers and sunshine comes a sense of excitement and possibility. Spring is a wonderful season to birth new morning habits and spring clean your home, beauty and wellbeing routine. With lighter mornings helping us&…

Sofia 12/03/2021 Healthy Scalp

Tips For Supporting Healthy Hair Growth

At some point, we’ve all longed for our hair to grow quickly, for it to be less dry or less prone to breakage. For most of us, the first thought is to turn to products as the solution, pinning our hopes on shampoos, conditioners and treatments with promises to make a visible difference in just a few …

Sofia 05/03/2021 Healthy skin

How plant oils strengthen the skin barrier – Part Two

In part one we looked at what the skin barrier does, how it works and introduced the role of plant oils in strengthening it. But which plant oils are particularly important for supporting normal skin function? We’ll be sharing some of the most effective ones in today’s post… 5 OF THE BEST PLANT OILS FOR …

Sofia 05/03/2021 Healthy skin

How plant oils strengthen the skin barrier – Part one

The skin barrier has such an important role in maintaining happy and healthy skin but how can we care for it for optimum strength? In this two part series we’ll be exploring both aspects, with a particular focus on our favourite ingredients – plant oils… WHAT IS THE SKIN BARRIER? The skin has three main …

Sofia 25/02/2021 Ethical choices

Cruelty-Free Alternatives For Silk Pillowcases

Silk pillowcases are a saviour for curly hair. They’re said to help with keeping hair frizz-free, tug less on the skin and some believe they’re great for letting skin retain its moisture (but the jury is out on this one). Bamboo pillowcases are growing in popularity too but can they replace the feel of silk? &…

Sofia 18/02/2021 Healthy skin

The Skin Microbiome – What Is It And How To Support It?

Maintaining healthy bacteria in our gut, also called our microbiome, has become the norm helping to support our overall health. Skin microbiome is becoming increasingly important in maintaining healthy and balanced skin. But what is the skin microbiome and what can we do to support it? WHAT IS THE SKIN MICROBIOME? The skin is the largest organ your&…

Sofia 12/02/2021 Healthy skin

Understanding Acids in Skincare – AHAs and BHAs

Are you confused by acids, how to use them and what to look out for? It is important to exfoliate skin and acids are one way to introduce exfoliators into your routine. Not everybody’s skin can tolerate acid – particularly those with extremely dry or sensitive skin – and some like our Founder can’t use …

Fozia Latif 04/02/2021 Useful to know

Layering Your Skincare Products For The Best Results

One debate we see often is whether a face oil should be used before or after a moisturiser. Which side do you sit on? In today’s post, we’re going to be sharing how to layer your skincare to get the most from each of your products and leave you with happy, healthy skin. …

Fozia Latif 28/01/2021 Hero Oils

Revitalise Hair With Black Seed Oil

Black Seed Oil has a fascinating history. The ancient wisdom from the traditional uses of this plant-based product has since been tapped into and today we are able to reap its many benefits. A hero ingredient in our Scalp Oil, Black Seed Oil is perfect for revitalising hair and promoting hair growth… WHAT IS BLACK SEED …

Sofia 20/01/2021 Inflammation series

Antioxidants And Our Skin

Today we are continuing with our Inflammation series, focusing on antioxidants – what they are, how they help prevent inflammation, their other functions, why we need to supplement our body’s natural antioxidants and the best sources… WHAT ARE ANTIOXIDANTS? We touched on their anti-inflammatory action in our post, Inflammation and Its Impact on Skin. Antioxidants …

Sofia 13/01/2021 Inflammation series

Inflammation And Its Impact On Skin

Inflammation is something we hear about all the time, and how it can have a negative impact on our health if not managed correctly. In today’s post we talk about what it is and how to support your body in managing it and reducing it. Inflammation is the body’s natural immune response to foreign bodies …

Sofia 06/01/2021 Healthy Living

How Sugar Impacts The Health Of Our Skin

We already know a high sugar diet causes issues with the health of our bodies but have you ever thought about the impact it has on our skin? Many of us enjoy chocolate, sweets, biscuits, cakes, desserts, fizzy drinks and more, with some of us even referring to ourselves as having “a sweet tooth”! And while it&…

Sofia 02/01/2021 Useful to know

Is A Detox Worth It For Healthy Skin And Hair?

*Spoiler alert* it all depends on what is meant by a detox. It’s that time of year when we give ourselves a hard time for being indulgent over the festive period, and we go on a detox as a counterbalance. A detox means different things to different people; for some, it’s giving up certain foods …

Sofia 27/12/2020 Healthy Living

Our Five Tips For Restoring Balance After An Indulgent Few Days

We know that Christmas and New Year’s Eve are going to be very different this year. Workplace parties have been swapped for virtual events and meals out have been stripped back to be with just a few of our closest colleagues, friends or family, where restrictions allow. Everyone will be enjoying festivities in smaller groups or alone, …

Sofia 17/12/2020 Healthy skin

The Best Way To Use A Face Oil

We are often asked what is the best way to use a face oil. It is something we love talking about, as you can imagine! In a nutshell, there is no best way to use a face oil, just your way which you are most comfortable with when including it in your routine. Face oils are versatile and can&…