Sofia: Skin Positivity & Self-love

Jul 11, 2019

MEET BANISH WARRIOR: SOFIA

BIRTHDAY? October 14, 1994

WHERE ARE YOU FROM? I’m from Sweden!

3 UNKNOWN FACTS ABOUT YOU?

I have really small hands, and when I say really small - I mean REALLY small. Most gloves are waaay too big for my hands, so I really should shop my winter gloves at the children's department!
I’m a self-taught guitar player, I would not consider my guitar playing skills any more than basic though. But I know enough to be able to play covers to sing along for my own pleasure, and that’s what’s important.
I’m sort of messy! I’ve never been too organized and my apartment is mostly a hot mess.

WHAT ARE YOUR HOBBIES OR THINGS YOU DO ON YOUR FREE TIME?

I love to play the guitar and sing, never in front of people though since I have major stage fright. I also love basically anything that’s creative. I love fashion, it’s so much fun putting together different looks depending on how I feel/how I want to feel that day. Makeup is one that I have come to love in recent years, playing with different eyeshadow look has always been a creative escape even when my skin was acting out. I also love yoga.

WHERE DO YOU SEE YOURSELF IN FIVE YEARS?

Really have no idea. I’m in a “figure out myself and what I want to do” kind of stage of life. Hopefully, I’ll be working with something that relates to my education in health promotion, and maybe in conjunction with that somehow keep spreading the words of skin positivity and acne awareness to people. I would also like to get a masters degree in health promotion. And hopefully, I will have found that special someone to give my love and heart to.

HOW WOULD YOUR FRIENDS DESCRIBE YOU?

From what I have heard from my friends is that they find me pretty insightful but at the same time pretty easy going as well. I can easily shift from talking about life's struggles and challenges, exploring heavy topics to joking around and laughing at my own expense.

YOUR GO-TO KARAOKE NIGHT SONG?

Oh, tough one! I would say “You oughta know” by Alanis Morissette right now.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CHILDHOOD MEMORY?

Just simply growing up in the countryside and being able to bicycle to my friends' house, playing in the woods and running around in nature!

BEST ADVICE YOUR PARENTS GAVE YOU?

You are capable of anything, you just gotta put in the work and take it one step at a time.

WHAT SONG WOULD YOU SAY BEST SUMS YOU UP?

“Whatever” by Oasis

WHAT’S YOUR MOST UNUSUAL TALENT?

I’m quite flexible. I can put one foot behind my head when sitting down!

IF YOU COULD ONLY EAT ONE FOOD FOR THE REST OF YOUR LIFE, WHAT WOULD IT BE?

Spaghetti Bolognese!🍝

YOUR SKIN TYPE? Combination/Oily normal.

WHEN DID YOU GET YOUR FIRST PIMPLE? When I was about 10 years old.

WHEN DID YOUR ADULT ACNE START? When I was about 20 years old.

TOP 3 SKINCARE RULES YOU LIVE BY?

Always. Remove. Makeup. Before. Going. To. Bed! And also wearing sunscreen always.

DO YOU HAVE A SPECIFIC DIET TO HELP WITH YOUR SKIN / FOOD YOU AVOID?

Nope. I just try to eat everything in moderation and try to not eat too restrictive or have too much junk food. It’s all about balance for me.

ACCUTANE?

HAVE YOU TAKEN ACCUTANE TO HELP WITH YOUR ACNE?

Yes! I was on a 6-month course of Isotretinoin/Accutane from October 2018 and to April 2019. And now I’m just managing my skin with skincare.

WHAT MADE YOU DECIDE TO GO ON ACCUTANE?

I was struggling too much with my mental health at that point that I didn’t see any other viable option than to treat my acne with something that had big success rates. I needed to get some kind of peace of mind that I had a good shot of treating my persistent acne.

WHAT TREATMENTS HAVE YOU TRIED BEFORE COMMITTING TO IT?

All sorts of over the counter topicals, expensive skincare products, prescribed topical creams and a three-month course of antibiotics.

WHAT ARE SOME SIDE EFFECTS YOU EXPERIENCED?

Headaches, joint pain, fatigue, hair breakage and I also went through a purge period in my first month. But overall I had a really easy time on the medication.

WILL YOU STILL RECOMMEND IT?

Yes. Even though it was hard at times, it is still one of the best decisions that I made for my mental health and to clear my skin. It also led me to create my Instagram page as a secondary effect, which has been the most incredible experience ever.

FAVORITE BANISH PRODUCTS?

I have grown really fond of the pumpkin enzyme mask of lately. I just love the way that my skin glows and is replenished the morning after!

WHAT’S YOUR BANISH SKINCARE ROUTINE?

All Clear Mint Cleanser in the morning and evening. The Vitamin C Creme followed by the Banish Vitamin C Beauty Elixir in the morning. Banish Oil in the evening. And alternating between the Pumpkin Enzyme Mask and Charcoal Mask twice a week!

SHOP SOFIA'S FAVE BANISH PRODUCTS BELOW!

THE BANISH OIL - VITAMIN C SERUM