The pregnancy ‘glow’ is well-documented, but the truth is fluctuating hormones when you’re expecting (and during postpartum) can send your skin into a tailspin. A good pregnancy facial can soothe and support highly sensitive skin, as well as give you some much needed ‘me-time’. Absolutely Mama Editor Carly Glendinning rounds up her three of her all-time favourite pregnancy facials below.

The most relaxing pregnancy and post-partum facials

The bespoke pregnancy facial

Dr. David Jack’s Pregnancy Facial has been designed by the clinic’s Women’s Health expert, Dr. Jo Mennie, and their Head Aesthetician, Izabela Pawlitka. The internationally-renowned clinic has two London locations: Harley Street and Ebury Street. I visit the Ebury Street clinic in leafy Belgravia. Private and bijou, the clinic has luxe decor and the staff are very attentive as I wait for my treatment. My aesthetician invites me to lay back on the bed, and explains how the Pregnancy Facial is entirely tailored to each patient’s particular skin concerns. The treatment can target specific concerns, or focus on rest and relaxation. My skin is a little bit dehydrated, so we decide to focus on hydration. My therapist cleanses and performs a lymphatic drainage massage. Next is a hydrating mask and some LED light treatment. This is deeply relaxing and it’s nice to have 15 mins to rest. Anna explains that they can also do micro-needling, dermaplaning, extractions, and pregnancy-safe acid peels (all skin-dependent). We finish with vitamin C and some SPF. My skin is truly glowing afterwards and I happily leave without make-up (which is rare for me!).

The Pregnancy Facial | Dr. David Jack, Ebury Street | 60 minutes, from £350 | drdavidjack.com

The Microbiome Pregnancy Facial

“When women’s energy is in balance, we’re untouchable” says Peigin Crowley, the founder of GROUND Wellbeing. GROUND’s ‘The Skin Biome Facial’ has just launched at The Peak Fitness Club at Jumeirah Carlton Tower in Belgravia and it’s the ideal restorative and relaxing treatment for mums-to-be and new mamas. The brand’s treatments are designed to soothe and support the skin microbiome, whilst being safe for highly sensitised skin and anyone going through hormonal fluctuations. The Peak Fitness Club’s dreamy wellness space is my idea of the perfect retreat from the city. Luxury on another level, I relax by the glass-ceilinged pool, before I’m invited into the cosy treatment room. GROUND’s products are made using natural ingredients, and are toxin-free – powered by probiotic-rich plant nutrition. I discuss my current skin concerns with my therapist, so that she can tailor the products she uses. The treatment combines therapeutic massage techniques to calm inflammation, reinforce the skin barrier, and promote long-term healthy skin. A brushing technique is particularly soothing, and cold stones aim to recharge the skin. I’m so relaxed I nearly fall asleep and my skin is glowing afterwards. Absolute bliss and perfect for bringing you back into balance before or after having a baby. 

The Skin Biome Facial with GROUND Wellbeing | The Peak Fitness Club & Spa at Jumeirah Carlton Tower | 90 mins, £245 | jumeirah.com

The pregnancy facial and full-body treatment

The newly opened HVN in Knightsbridge is London’s hottest new wellness destination. Rooted in Ayurvedic principles, HVN combines the best of functional, clinical, and holistic health all under one roof. The luxurious space is dreamy, and I feel instantly soothed by rainforest sounds. I’m booked in for the New Mother Ritual, and I  discuss my motherhood journey – from IVF treatment to labour – with my therapist in the palatial treatment room. HVN takes a bespoke approach to each treatment and whether you’re pregnant, or postpartum and recovering physically, emotionally, or psychologically, they’ll tailor it to your specific needs. The room is equipped with a Hydrobed, which is probably the most comfortable thing I’ve ever laid on. It’s heated and has chromotherapy lights overhead, as well as a row of shower heads. My tailored treatment includes a full body scrub, massage, and facial. Techniques are designed to reduce swelling, alleviate aches and pains, and promote deep relaxation. After the massage and scrub, I lie under the chromotherapy lights and am gently washed by the shower. It’s the most heavenly treatment and I’d recommend it to any new mum to help you feel like yourself again.

New Mother Ritual | HVN Wellness Space | 60 minutes, £250 | the-hvn.com

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