Sofia's blog • SOFIA LATIF®

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 12/01/2021 Best of Natural

Best Natural And Vegan Hand Creams For Sensitive Skin

We do so much with our hands. They are an invaluable tool but also one of the most vulnerable parts of our body. And 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 …

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&…

Sofia 10/12/2020 Sofia's blog

Getting Skin And Hair Ready For Winter’s Bite

Winter is certainly here. The temperature has dropped, the wind can be pretty harsh and snow has been forecast for some parts of the country. But adapting for seasonal changes doesn’t just mean changing from lightweight clothes to layers, sandals to slippers, fans to fires or cold drinks to hot chocolates. We need to make some tweaks …

Sofia 03/12/2020 Healthy Living

Forest Bathing And Its Benefits

More than ever, more of us are enjoying walking for pleasure, exploring our local areas and reconnecting with the simple joys in life. But are we fully paying attention and soaking in our surroundings? At SOFIA LATIF, we support any form of connection with nature so today we want to introduce you to forest bathing – which despite the&…

Sofia 26/11/2020 Hero Oils

Give Hair Life With Baobab Seed Oil

With Argan Oil marketed as the hero ingredient in so many skin and hair care products now available, it’s easy to overlook some of the alternatives that too can leave you with luscious locks. Today we’re shining the spotlight on Baobab Seed Oil – a similar ingredient, but one which comes without the heaviness associated …

Sofia 19/11/2020 Useful to know

How Long Should You Use Skincare Before Giving Up?

We are living in an era of instant gratification, where we want things now, sometimes jumping in with both feet and expecting quick results. But when it comes to our skin, any product or routine changes we make require patience to fully reap the benefits. SKINCARE IS MORE THAN JUST THE PRODUCTS Skincare is more than just the&…

Sofia 12/11/2020 Sofia's blog

How To Keep On Top Of Your Wellbeing

For many of us, this is shaping up to be a winter like no other. In the middle of another national lockdown and swiftly approaching the festive season, we’re full of uncertainty instead of the usual Christmas cheer. We don’t know if or when we will be able to get together with our families and …

Sofia 05/11/2020 Sofia's blog

The Role Of Vitamin E In Skin And Scalp Care

Alongside A and C, vitamin E is another vitamin that is a focus in beauty products. It is found in our bodies, in foods and as supplements, but it’s also the most common ingredient found in skincare and hair care products today. With eight types – including pure vitamin E oil, tocopherol and tocopheryl acetate – ‘…

Sofia 29/10/2020 Hero Oils

Get To Know Squalane

Most suited to those with dry or combination skin (but can be used for all skin types), our next hero oil, squalane is a multi-purpose, lightweight oil that can help to seal in moisture on the scalp, face and body. We’re starting this post by covering the difference between squalane and squalene – two commonly confused compounds &…

Sofia 22/10/2020 Sofia's blog

The Role Of Vitamin A In Skin And Scalp Care

Vitamin A is an essential nutrient for the body, playing multiple roles in skin and scalp care. There are two types of vitamin A – retinoids (preformed) and carotenoids (proformed). Both types are converted by the liver to a derivative called retinol. If it isn’t used immediately, it’s stored by the body or transported via …

Sofia 15/10/2020 Hero Oils

Strengthen Strands With Organic Hemp Seed Oil

Organic hemp seed oil – not to be confused with hemp oil – comes from cold pressing the seeds of the Cannabis Sativa plant. Unlike hemp oil, hemp seed oil doesn’t contain any cannabidiol (CBD) – the compound commonly used as pain relief and in anxiety treatment – or any tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) – the psychoactive compound that …

Sofia 07/10/2020 Healthy skin

I Have Oily Skin. Can I Use A Face Oil?

Face oil has many benefits, from repairing the skin’s barrier to helping seal in moisture. But with it seeming counterintuitive to add more oil to oily or combination skin, it’s unsurprising that we get asked a lot whether face oil should really be used for these skin types. The short answer? YES! As although you …

Sofia 01/10/2020 Healthy Living

Getting Ready For Autumn, The Slow Living Way

It certainly feels like autumn is late to start this year. The days may be getting shorter and it is getting darker earlier in the evenings, but the weather has been unseasonably warm. Yet the season of crispy leaves underfoot and a chill in the air will arrive soon enough, with cosy evenings, layers and hot chocolates becoming our&…

Sofia 24/09/2020 Useful to know

The Role Of Vitamin C In Skin And Scalp Care

Another wonder ingredient making the headlines lately, Vitamin C – an Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA) also called Ascorbic Acid – is a water-soluble vitamin which plays multiple roles within the body. Despite its importance, it’s not something stored in the body, therefore it’s important that we provide it through consumption and topical application. Today we&…

Sofia 17/09/2020 Hero Oils

Stimulate Collagen Production With Tamanu Seed Oil

Tamanu seed oil, commonly known as ‘Beauty Leaf Oil’, is one of the hero oils in our Body Oil, selected for its role in boosting the production of collagen in skin. Can we stimulate this essential protein in our bodies by using plant-based, vegan-friendly ingredients? We think so! WHAT IS COLLAGEN AND HOW DO WE SUPPORT …

Sofia 10/09/2020 Healthy Living

Making Slow Living Permanent

We love slow living. It is a conscious choice we make each day so that we can live life as fully as possible and appreciate every moment. Being present allows us to remain balanced in mood and wellbeing, feeling connected to ourselves and the world around us. When the pandemic hit, it forced many to slow down and embrace&…

Sofia 03/09/2020 Healthy skin

Moisturisers With SPF vs A Separate SPF

We know that we should include an SPF as part of our daily skin-care routine all year round, not just when the sun is shining. With UV radiation still penetrating through the clouds, going without sun protection can cause damage to our skin, over time leading to skin cancer and premature ageing. But are moisturisers with SPF effective enough&…

Sofia 27/08/2020 Healthy Living

Could Drinking More Water Be The Solution To Our Dry Skin And Scalp Woes?

It is so easy to confuse dehydrated skin for dry skin, and the same can be true for a dry scalp. Before looking at which of the products we are using could be the problem, our first port of call is to check our hydration levels. Water is vital for human health. Our body needs water in order to&…

Sofia 25/08/2020 Healthy Living

Our Five Tips For Summer Wellbeing

Right about now, many of us would have been on or about to go on a holiday abroad – 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 2020 being the year that none …

Sofia 13/08/2020 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 12/08/2020 Useful to know

The minimal skincare routine you can get away with

As more of us look to embrace slow living and self care in favour of our usual hectic lifestyles where putting ourselves first just isn’t a priority, similar trends have also been appearing with our skincare choices. It seems that as women, we’re no longer just looking to simplify our beauty regime because we’re …

Sofia 11/08/2020 Healthy skin

Should you change your skincare in the summer?

This summer’s heatwave has us all searching for ways we can feel cooler and lighter. 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 months? We definitely believe that your skincare products …

Sofia 06/08/2020 Healthy skin

Natural ways to reduce dark circles under eyes

Dark circles. One day they’re not too bad, other days they are prominent and nothing seems to help. Most commonly associated with fatigue, the shadows under the lower eyelids can actually exist for a number of different reasons. Understanding what causes them to appear will help you take steps to prevent them. Here are our tips for naturally …

Sofia 24/07/2020 Ethical choices

Making Plastic Free Choices Easier – Zero Plastic Inside

This month is Plastic Free July – a global movement led by the Plastic Free Foundation which fosters community and provides resources and ideas to help millions of people to reduce single-use plastic in their homes, schools and workplaces. As a brand, as consumers and as humans on this wonderful planet, we’re definitely behind the movement and …

Sofia 17/07/2020 Healthy Living

Morning Routines That Make Your Day

Establishing a morning routine that is authentic to us and works for our unique needs is important, 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 …

Sofia 10/07/2020 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 …

Sofia 09/07/2020 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 …

Sofia 09/07/2020 Best of Natural

Best Natural Body Care For Sensitive Skin

The skin on our body can be as sensitive as the skin on our face, so for the penultimate post in our ‘Best of Natural’ series we wanted to introduce you to body washes, body scrubs and body creams designed to take care of our largest organ. The Best of Natural series so far: Best Natural …

Sofia 08/07/2020 Healthy skin

Help! The Skin On My Legs Is Very Dry

The weather seems to have taken a turn again, and with its unpredictability one minute our legs are out and the next they are covered. We had a customer get in touch looking for some advice as to why she might be experiencing very dry skin on her legs and what she can do about it – an issue faced&…

Sofia 07/07/2020 Healthy Scalp

A Healthy Scalp Is Skincare For Heads

A healthy scalp is just healthy skin on our head. Mostly we select products for our hair – dry hair, damaged hair, oily hair, etc – when in fact thinking about the skin on our scalp in the same way we think about skin on our face and body could be the shortcut to a healthy scalp. And a healthy&…

Sofia 03/07/2020 Healthy Scalp

What To Expect If You’ve Never Used A Scalp Oil

When it comes to happy, balanced hair and the products we use, our primary focus is usually on the hair, with scalp care being a secondary priority or maybe not thought about at all. So with the scalp being equally as important or perhaps even more so than the hair itself to achieve that glossy, healthy appearance and texture,&…

Sofia 30/06/2020 Best of Natural

Best Natural Haircare Free From Sulphates and Silicones

Haircare, like skincare, is a very personal choice and depends greatly on the texture and type of hair you have. Some like to have squeaky clean hair, so will compromise and use an SLS-based shampoo which can be picked up easily in your local retailers. While we respect that decision, we prefer our haircare to be free from sodium lauryl&…

Sofia 29/06/2020 Inflammation series

The Healing Benefits of Turmeric & Curcumin

Knowing how best to use Turmeric to support health and skin is something we are all keen to learn about. We reached out to Sophie Nazareth who is the founder of Your Bodhi, a natural supplement specialising in Turmeric, to tell us more about the healing benefits of Turmeric and Curcumin. Turmeric has become a star of …

Sofia 26/06/2020 Healthy skin

How To Get Rid Of Chicken Skin On Arms And Legs (Keratosis Pilaris)

Have you ever looked at your arms and legs and wondered why the skin is bumpy and looking like chicken skin? Scattered, patchy rashes of very small bumps or pimples appear on the skin leaving it looking and feeling dry and rough. It can look like permanent goosebumps which may be white, reddish/pinkish, skin-toned or darker than your …

Sofia 22/06/2020 Healthy Scalp

My Hair Story by Sofia Latif

Our hair changing as we get older is a fact of life, much like when our skin changes as we get older. We have a complicated relationship with our hair, it is so much a part of our identity, and is a creative expression of who we are. My ambition has always been to have the best skin …

Sofia 19/06/2020 Healthy skin

How Much Is My Gut Health Responsible For The Health Of My Skin?

There are times when our skincare products alone aren’t enough when trying to clear up a breakout or reduce inflammation. This is when you have to look at why that might be. But one thing you might not have considered is the responsibility your gut has in the health of your skin. So today that’s exactly …

Sofia 17/06/2020 Healthy Scalp

Common Causes Of An Itchy Scalp & Ways To Prevent/Treat It

An itchy scalp is the most common hair care complaint we hear. The skin on the rest of the body may be fine, but the scalp seems to suffer. After all, when was the last time you gave your scalp the same care and attention you give to your face, body and hair? The scalp is skin too, and&…

Sofia 12/06/2020 Healthy skin

Will My Skin Breakout Now I Am Wearing Makeup Again?

We’re slowly coming out of lockdown and getting ready for a new normal. Many of us will have taken a break from wearing makeup; not necessarily a conscious decision but one of not needing to put a face on for the rest of the world. For us, it’s been a good thing taking a break …

Sofia 05/06/2020 Healthy skin

Is Dry Body Brushing Worth The Hype?

Dry body brushing has been practised for centuries in many different cultures but has more recently evolved into one of the hottest trends to try. So what is it? It’s just as it sounds – it involves using a dry, natural brush to exfoliate and massage the skin on your body through brush strokes, most beneficial on …

Sofia 01/06/2020 Inflammation series

Nourishment Tips in Times of Stress

Getting the right nourishment during times of stress is something we are all keen to do, but may not know which foods to choose. We reached out to Rebecca who is a Holistic Health Coach & Culinary Nutrition Expert, as well as the founder of Nourish by Rebecca, for her nourishment tips in times of stress. NOURISHMENT …