sofias blog Archives • SOFIA LATIF®

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 …

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 …

Fozia Latif 29/04/2022 Healthy Living

5 Rituals For A Grounded And Easy Day

Today’s post is by my photographer, and now friend, Helena, who I have worked with for years. I always leave our meetings feeling comforted and calm, so I reached out to her to find out her secret to remaining so grounded and calm when she works in such a busy, and often, stressful industry as a photographer. Here, …

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 …

Fozia Latif 20/04/2022 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 …

Fozia Latif 03/03/2022 Sofia's blog

Solutions For Sensitised Skin

Sensitised skin is a common skincare challenge that is the result of skin which has been overstimulated by the use of too many or harsh topical products. This is as opposed to sensitive skin, which is the result of genetics, age and thin skin. Whether it relates to redness, rashes or a change in texture, most women across all age&…

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&…

Fozia Latif 17/02/2022 Healthy skin

Dry Brushing Your Face – Fad or Not?

Dry brushing is the process of sweeping a brush in gentle circles across your skin, without the use of water. While it is a technique that can be used across the whole body, the method is becoming more popular for use on the face, and so is slightly different as the skin here is much more delicate and sensitive. But&…

Fozia Latif 03/02/2022 Healthy Living

Why Sleep Care is Self-Care

Often fronted by images of women enjoying spa days and face masks, the term ‘self-care’ is sometimes associated with frivolous self-indulgence. But self-care is actually an essential part of living sustainably and taking the time to nourish both body and mind. One of the essential pillars of good self-care is sleep. Like self-care, our society today often rewards …

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 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 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 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 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 …

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 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 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&…

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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 03/01/2020 Best of Natural

Best Natural Makeup Removers and Face Cleansers

Here we are with our first post of 2020 and what better time to clear the cobwebs and get back into a routine? Maybe you feel like having a clear-out of your beauty cabinet or perhaps your skin has been playing up after the festive season. Whichever it is, we wanted to continue our Best of Natural series – today’…

Sofia 27/12/2019 Inspiration

Will You Be Setting Intentions Or Making Resolutions For 2020?

Raise your hand if you have set new year’s resolutions in previous years only to find that they fall by the wayside and are forgotten as soon as we get through January? Many of us see a new year as a new beginning and a time to make things/ourselves better – a blank canvas for us to …

Sofia 20/12/2019 Healthy Living

Slowing Down For The Festive Season

The festive season is almost here (aka the most magical yet completely hectic time of the year). While it’s pretty much expected that things will ramp up and we all become really busy, the reality is that it can leave us feeling frazzled rather than refreshed as we step into the new year. But what if we signed …