Beauty Boss: Dr. Lamees Hamdan, Founder & CEO of Shiffa

Dr. Lamees Hamdan.

Our latest Beauty Boss is Dr. Lamees Hamdan, Founder and CEO of Shiffa—a line of natural skin care inspired by ancient Arabia that combines the most precious ingredients. Each ingredient is carefully sourced from its country of origin and incorporated within each product, featuring a range of ingredients such as Iranian rose, Egyptian jasmine, Lebanese orange blossom, and more.

“The Shiffa philosophy is revealed in the beauty brand’s name,” says Hamdan. “Shiffa means ‘healing’ or ‘to heal’ in Arabic. All my products are at least 80% organic and are effective in turning back the clock on your skin while still keeping it strong and healthy. Our bodies are extremely effective at dealing with pollutants, but in this day and age, we have pollution in the air we breathe, and additives and chemicals in the food we eat and water we drink. We are exhausting our body’s own defense mechanisms. That’s why I believe the products we use on our face and body should not add to this chemical onslaught. Shiffa is about using ingredients and tools that work on the skin. We don’t believe in making your skin care routine difficult, we believe in making your skin care routine effective.”

We chatted with Hamdan, who shared her success secrets, favorite ways to relax, wellness and beauty tips, and more:

What inspired the creation of Shiffa?

By profession, I’m a general doctor, specializing in dermatology. In 2000, a year before graduation, I got pregnant, had a baby and never went back. While I was pregnant, I was really aware of what I was putting into my body, what I was eating, cleaning my house with, and what beauty products I was using.

I have a tendency for stretch marks and I was really aware of it. I didn’t want to have them when I was pregnant, so I went to the store to find a product. I looked at the ingredients and it was a little bit of sweet almond oil and lavender oil, so I decided to create my own and that’s where my interest in alternative medicine (I like to call it interpretive medicine or natural ways of healing) started.

I made myself my own pregnancy oil and I just kept giving it to friends and family. That was the catalyst for creating Shiffa. The first thing I ever created was the pregnancy oil.

How long has Shiffa been around?

Since 2004.

Do you have a hero product?

I would have to say it’s a tie between the Healing Balm and my Tri-Acid Radiance Peel. The Peel gives you even better results the longer you use it, and is great for minimizing pores, pigmentation, and spots. My Healing Balm is a little TLC for your skin—your skin will thank you the next day. A little goes a long way.

What’s your favorite product from your line?

With the fluctuating weather, I have been using my Healing Balm a lot, just to keep the healthy glow since it tends to be dull during the winter.

Where are your products sold?

In the US, they are available at shiffa.com, nordstrom.com and bloomingdales.com.

Shiffa Healing Balm.

Who inspires you?

Everyone—including myself! I find inspiration from all those that follow me on @shiffabeauty and tell me their concerns. I create products for YOU, and it’s so important to connect with those that give you your ideas and inspiration.

Secrets to success?

Your mental attitude. Look at what you do as a journey and enjoy the moment. Don’t keep looking at how much farther you have to go—you will never be satisfied.

Beauty secrets?

Spring is the time to exfoliate your face (and body) and to start protecting your skin from the summer. Ditch the heavy moisturizers and opt for lighter moisturizers and face oils. I tend to use toners in spring to refresh and hydrate my face during the day, as my skin is still adjusting from winter. Rosewater or neroli-based toners are great and have the added benefit of being rejuvenating for the skin. Make sure the products you use during the day are rich in antioxidants like green tea, vitamin E, and vitamin C. And definitely use sunscreen on the face and neck.

Wellness tips?

Eat well. Enjoy your food, don’t feel guilty for eating, but also try to eat healthy 80% of the time. I find too many people obsessing over the piece of cake they had yesterday—so what? You had it, I hope you enjoyed it, and now move on!!  My advice: try eating a rainbow, and eat cooked meals rather than processed ones. And enjoy every mouthful!

Take 10 minutes to meditate. I quote Tony Robbins: “If you don’t have 10 minutes for yourself, then you don’t have a life!” No excuses—every day clear your mind and think happy thoughts for five minutes, then visualize what it is you want like you already have it.

Best advice?

You don’t need to work more hours, you need to work more productive hours. Stop feeling guilty about taking time off.

How do you like to relax?

I do Transcendental Meditation at least once a day.

For more information and to purchase, visit shiffa.com and follow the brand on Instagram: @shiffabeauty

[Images courtesy of Shiffa]

Kamala Kirk is a University of Southern California graduate and has been an editor/writer for more than a decade. She has written for E! Online, Total Beauty, TravelAge West, Malibu Times Magazine, and many more. She resides in Los Angeles and is a proud pug mom. Follow her on Instagram: @kamalakirk