anti-inflammatory Archives • SOFIA LATIF®

Sofia 27/05/2022 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. More of us are opting for short staycations; heading away from the city …

Fozia Latif 20/05/2022 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 13/05/2022 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 or …

Fozia Latif 06/05/2022 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 …

Sofia 22/04/2022 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 and …

Sofia 08/04/2022 Healthy Living

Healthy Skin Regeneration – When, Why, How

As we all know, there are different stages of sleep and getting enough of it is so important for how we look and feel the next day. Ever noticed that after a good night’s sleep, you feel better in yourself, re-energised and even have brighter looking skin? That’s because during deep sleep, our bodies go into …

Sofia 25/02/2022 Useful to know

Spring Clean Your Beauty & Wellbeing Routine

It feels like we are coming out of hibernation with the days getting longer and brighter, and little blossoms appearing on trees, all giving us 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 to get up a little&…

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 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 …

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 …

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 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’…

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&…

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 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&…

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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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,&…