Sofi Fanton is 27, is single, based in Lewes and works as a photographer. Sofi struggled for many years with disfiguring acne and after trying various things, eventually found that it was her diet that was key. After going vegan, Sofi is not only spot-free but slimmer, more toned and happier with her life. Here she tells her story and gives some useful tips for other aspiring vegans...
Sofi Fanton
“After debating with myself for longer than I care to admit, a few days after Christmas I signed up to the Veganuary challenge. When January 1st 2017 rolled around, that was it. I had made the choice to live by a vegan lifestyle.
I became vegetarian at the age of 7, although until then I had been raised as a meat eater. I grew up in a village in Sussex, with a slaughter house near where I lived. After I understood what went on in that building, what would happen to the lamb I’d been begging my mum to help me get untangled from the fencing next door, that was it and twenty years later, the natural progression for me to was to go vegan.
For the majority of my adult life I suffered from breakouts, acne, and numerous skin complaints. It took me four years to gather the courage to ask the doctor for help, but when I did, I was diagnosed with depression, handed a prescription for an antibiotic I couldn’t pronounce and sent on my way. This cycle repeated for several years: hit my breaking point, get medication, have semi clear skin, repeat.
I knew what had caused the explosion of my skin, at 18 I was in my first relationship and took the responsible steps of ensuring I was on birth control. Fast forward a few years later, the relationship ended and I decided to stop taking birth control, as it was no longer needed. Within weeks, my skin began to flare up, even though I’d been one of those rare teenagers that barely had any skin issues. I didn’t wear foundation until I was in my early twenties. Taking away the birth control had sent my hormones into overload. I was persistently agitated, and my face hurt. I’d constantly be looking for the next wonder product, make excuses for not going out in case someone saw my bare skin and became repulsed. Even the days I did feel confident in my skin and think “hey it’s actually okay today!” a snide comment would shrink that confidence back down.
It wasn’t until one day everything clicked into place. I don’t know why it took so long to transfer in my mind that in order to produce milk, a female must be impregnated. At the time my best friend was pregnant with her first child, who ironically has a severe dairy allergy. I’d seen how the hormones from the pregnancy had changed her mood, her appearance and it dawned on me that I was ingesting another creature’s pregnancy and post natal hormones, so no wonder my skin was suffering with all the extra hormones in my system. Realising that, I decided to fully adopt veganism, including the products I use for my skin.
I took a long hard look at my skin care routine, picking out any products that weren’t cruelty free. My favourite cleanser has been Liz Earle Hot Cloth Cleanser for several years now, but for every day use I generally stick to Superdrug B. Pure Micellar Oil, then use pure grapeseed oil as a moisturiser. If I do get any hormonal based blemishes, Superdrug also has a B. Treated Blemish Gel that helps to sooth and calm them overnight. Avoiding heavy foundations has helped too; I used to be loyal to my favourite NARS foundation but I found when I used it regularly, my skin would be most sensitive, so now if I do wear make-up, I stick to a vegan mineral foundation.
For me, where I live helped me make the transition to veganism relatively easy. Brighton is less than an hour away on the bus, opening a treasure trove of vegan friendly cafes and restaurants. In the past few years eating out as a vegan has become easier and easier. The main thing to do is always read labels if grabbing food off the shelf and researching vegan friendly establishments. Quite a few chain restaurants will have an allergen menu with vegan options and there are many websites detailing how to get a vegan meal in a non vegan place.
I also find it helpful to carry food with me at all times, especially since my job can be very physically active so I need something I can eat on the go. Usually this consists of couscous or rice, falafel or beans, a handful of nuts and a serving of vegetables then a protein flapjack, fresh fruit or a raw fruit bar if I need a sugar boost. My favourite “naughty” snacks I sometimes whip up are chocolate mousse made with aquafaba and dark chocolate, or raw cacao flapjacks, they’re so rich that the tiniest amount can satisfy even the most extreme chocolate craving. If I’m craving something salty, you can never go wrong with Hummus and crackers or crudités.
During my transition to veganism my family have been incredibly supportive; When I was 7 years old deciding to become vegetarian; the few months in my teens in which I first attempted veganism (but failed due to lack of resources – fortunately, with the amount of information available now, there is a whole world of information right at your fingertips now and the majority of supermarkets now have their own personal free from section); and now, when I have fully adopted a vegan lifestyle. A Saturday tradition I have with my dad is to go for breakfast or at least get coffee together, which we do at the local animal sanctuary Raystede, a five/ten minute drive from where I live, which has the most incredible vegan options, including a cooked breakfast, different lunch choices, and one of the nicest vegan Oreo brownies I have ever tried! A plus side is many of the staff are also vegan so they can give an honest opinion if a food is suitable and all proceeds benefit the animals there, so it’s a win win. I also found joining Facebook groups such as Veganuary to be indispensable as there is always someone there to help and offer support.
Being vegan has not just made my skin clearer, I sleep better after having lifelong insomnia, I’ve lost weight, and gained muscle. Generally I just feel happier and more peaceful, my anxiety is at an all time low.
But one of my favourite things about becoming vegan? My eyes feel wider, brighter. I feel as though I am seeing the world in a whole new light, appreciating the beautiful things around me.
I enjoy supporting vegan events. I’m especially looking forward to going along to VeggieWorld London this April, which should give me some extra ideas for recipes and give me a chance to try the latest vegan foods.
VeggieWorld London takes place on Saturday 8th April and Sunday 9th April 2017 at Kensington Town Hall, West London. Admission to VeggieWorld London is by advance tickets, available on-line from January 2017, priced £8 for adults and £6 concessions, or on the door – £10 for adults, £8 concessions. Entry is free for children up to the age of 12 when accompanied by an adult. Visit veggieworld.uk for more information.