Sofia's Blog • Page 2 of 3 • SOFIA LATIF®

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 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 25/10/2020 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 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 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 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 function&…

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 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 use an SLS-based shampoo, and others may have a sensitive scalp and opt for products free from sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) as it can make the scalp itchy. Silicone or derivatives&…

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 22/06/2020 100% pure oils

Award-winning Pro-ageing Simplified Skincare

SOFIA LATIF is pro-ageing, simplified skincare, connecting women with their raw beauty. Nurturing an attitude of inner confidence and knowing, a slowing down and an understanding that their raw beauty is enough. Our blends respect the differences in skin that come with age, regenerating and strengthening with pure seeds and flower oils. A fusion of Indian and African …

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 and …

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 …

Sofia 29/05/2020 Healthy skin

Skincare Tips For Exercisers, Indoors Or Outdoors

Incorporating some exercise into our routine to maintain a healthy lifestyle is becoming second nature, whether it be a gentle walk in the evening or a sweaty hot yoga session. After all, exercise is beneficial for both our mind and our body and is one of the keys to having healthy, youthful-looking skin. If you exercise regularly yourself you&…

Sofia 18/05/2020 Healthy skin

Sofia In Conversation With Nadira V Persaud

A friend, an inspiration, as well as make up artist, beauty expert and author of Press Here Face Workouts for Beginners, I am delighted to share with you my conversation with Nadira, to learn more about her tips on skincare, wellbeing and, of course, face workouts. S: We are going through a profound period of change. What has been&…

Sofia 15/05/2020 Healthy skin

The Importance Of SPF Even When Indoors

Most of us are conscious of the need for SPF when out and about and can be confident that we are maintaining the habit of applying it. However, it is still a common misconception that we don’t need to use SPF when indoors. Getting into a routine of applying SPF to our face, under eyes, neck and …

Sofia 26/04/2020 Healthy Scalp

How To Give Yourself A Soothing Head & Scalp Massage

We all love having our hair washed at the hairdressers as somehow it helps us to switch off and relax for a while. There’s just something about those magic fingers as they gently massage your scalp and condition your hair. But have you ever considered trying this treatment at home by indulging in a self-soothing head and …

Sofia 19/04/2020 Healthy Living

An Evening Routine To Help With A Restful Night’s Sleep

Sleep is essential for your health and wellbeing. It allows your body to repair itself and rejuvenate, boosts your energy for the following day, increases your concentration, reduces stress and improves your mood to name a few. For many of us, our body feels tired in the evening but when we go to bed we find we are unable to&…

Sofia 05/04/2020 Healthy skin

Can An SPF Help With Dark Circles Under The Eyes?

There are many reasons why some people have dark circles under their eyes. Most of these can be grouped into two categories: genetics and dilation. But did you know that using an SPF regularly on the skin around the eyes not only protects this delicate area but also helps to prevent the overproduction of melanin which may make hereditary dark&…

Sofia 22/03/2020 Healthy skin

Using Your Skincare Routine As A Form Of Self Care

When we put ourselves first, we build up the energy and reserves to be able to show up for and give to others. Making time for ourselves comes in many forms, such as going for a run, having a cup of tea in your favourite armchair before everyone wakes up, running a bath, reading your favourite book, doing some&…

Sofia 15/03/2020 Sofia's blog

The Benefits Of Cleansing Your Skin In The Morning

Back in our post, Should You Cleanse Your Face In The Morning? we discussed the concept of not cleansing during your morning skincare routine. While some think that by cleansing in the morning we are removing an essential level of protection which comes from natural oils and dead skin cells, we believe that if you use the best products&…

Sofia 08/03/2020 Useful to know

The Easiest Way To Seal In Moisture For Hydrated Skin

We all know that winter can play havoc with our skin. With colder weather, central heating on and most of us drinking less water, moisture loss from our bodies is increased and can ultimately lead to poorly hydrated skin. One misconception is that if we slather on more moisturiser than in the warmer months we will increase hydration levels sufficiently&…

Sofia 01/03/2020 Healthy skin

How Lymphatic Facials Help With Skin Health

Lymphatic drainage treatments have been around for many years and have multiple benefits. From boosting circulation to ensuring the body is deeply cleansed and nourished, in this post, we’ll be revealing why lymphatic massage (and in particular, lymphatic facials) is so important to making sure our lymphatic system is working at its best… WHAT IS LYMPHATIC …

Sofia 23/02/2020 Healthy skin

Opting For Natural Retinol To Improve The Appearance Of Skin

Retinol is considered a must-have in skincare. With so many skin-benefiting properties, it’s unsurprising that companies are keen to include it. But the synthetic retinol ingredient itself which is used by so many of these brands isn’t the only option out there for us. Following on from our post, Rosehip Oil – A Natural Retinol, we&…

Sofia 16/02/2020 Healthy skin

Is Skin Fasting Good For Skin?

Skin fasting is a trend we’ve seen recently which originally came from Japan and involves completely taking a break from skincare products. It is thought that by not using any products, you allow your skin to breathe and reset itself so it can function naturally; improving its condition and detoxifying. As the skin produces sebum (which helps prevent …

Sofia 19/01/2020 Best of Natural

Best Natural Face Exfoliators For Sensitive Skin

Exfoliating is such an important process for the health of skin, but using products that aren’t too harsh and gently applying them is essential. To help you narrow down the choice and find one which ticks all the boxes – from efficacy to ethics – we are sharing the best natural face exfoliators we’ve come across …