For me, facials are as much about relaxation as they are about tightening, toning and tackling the bacteria that clogs pores. An added element of calm is what keeps me coming back. So when I stumbled across re:lax’s Hackney-based skin studio I was pulled in by its promise of a peaceful experience. 

The set-up is a little off the beaten track, far enough from Hackney Road not to be disturbed by the hustle and bustle but still easily accessible after a short walk from Cambridge Health or Bethnal Green station. Part of The Gossamer City Project, the studio occupies a series of metal containers surrounding a leafy courtyard. Initiated in 2024 as a scheme to showcase the entrepreneurial culture of East London, each 20ft container is home to makers, creatives, and start-up business owners, including food vendors, independent shops and a tattoo parlour. 

The re:lax skin studio includes four stand-alone treatment rooms, all clad in cosy fittings and shelves of natural and when possible locally sourced skincare. After a quick scan, I spy Haekles, the Margate-based brand pioneering seaweed skin solutions and Olixa, whose stripped-backed formulas put our skin’s needs first, to name a few!

Founded in 2019, by Katie White, after experiencing her own skin concerns when getting a generic facial, re:lax focuses on a bespoke, results-driven approach to skincare. Katie and her team of expert facialists identify the root cause of the client's grievances, tailoring each treatment and product to our skin and its unique needs. 

The process started with a thorough questionnaire, asking me to list my biggest skin concerns, preferred approach to massage, consultation and therapy and whether there were any particular elements I was most looking forward to. Plus detailed descriptions of the products you use daily and what I like and dislike about them. “Skincare and treatments simply don’t have a ‘one-size fits all’ solution and re:lax is the answer to that,” says Katie. 

My practitioner opted for the salon’s signature facial and my bespoke treatment included a double cleanse, facial steam, face, neck and shoulder massage, hydrating micro-needling treatment, and a headling LED light therapy session, which came with the option of a foot or head massage while the LED mask worked its magic. And despite a few whirring electronics in the process, I felt at ease throughout. After an hour of calm, I debriefed with facial exercises I can try at home, with helpful YouTube links, plus products I could replace my existing skin-stripping ones with. 

With another location in Borough, re:lax’s bespoke approach to facials caters to all skin types, budgets and preferences, making for a wholly unique experience that will leave your skin feeling refreshed, rejuvenated, thoroughly pampered and ready to face the day.