We sat down with Phoebe, a somatic facialist and bodyworker, to explore a more holistic approach to skin health.
Blending nervous system awareness with facial work, Phoebe’s philosophy goes beyond surface-level skincare - viewing the face as a reflection of the body’s internal state. In this conversation, we dive into the connection between stress and the skin, the role of touch, and why supporting the body as a whole is key to healthy, resilient skin.
Can you introduce yourself and share a little about your journey into somatic facial massage and your philosophy around skin health?
I’m Phoebe. I am a Somatic Facialist and Bodyworker who loves creating experiences that support people’s nervous systems. Prior to this work, I had a background in dance, yoga, somatic practice, and creative marketing for wellness brands… I have always had a love for modalities and practices that support people to be IN their bodies, and feeling at ease.
I came into facial work because I was intrigued by the new overlap between the wellness and beauty industries, and wanted to infuse these spaces with more depth in how we support the body, and why considering someone’s nervous system within practice is so important. My approach to the skin is no different …
Our faces can often be a map of our inner state - tension, emotion and control patterns can give so much of an indication as to what’s happening in the whole body… so I started exploring facial massage as a way to connect people back to themselves through the face. My philosophy is that the skin is part of an intelligent network. When we support the body as a whole through touch, nourishment, and awareness, the skin always responds.
Your work is deeply rooted in a more holistic and nervous-system-aware approach to skin. What does that look like in practice?
It means I am not just looking at the skin. I am looking at the whole person. How they are breathing, how they are holding themselves, where there might be tension or bracing. The treatment is about creating a sense of safety in the body.
I work slowly and with intention because the pace always matters …The way the body receives my touch also matters. When the nervous system shifts out of a constant stress response, the body has space to repair. That is where real change happens.
How do you see stress and nervous system dysregulation showing up in the face and skin?
Some of the most common ways are through jaw clenching, tightness through the face, tension in the forehead, strain around the eyes. You can also see it in the skin itself - inflammation, breakouts, dullness, a compromised barrier.
When the body is in a constant stress response, it impacts every single system in our body - some of the main ones to mention here are blood circulation, digestion, and hormones… and all of that feeds into the health of our skin. A lot of what we see on the skin is a reflection of what is happening on the inside.
What are some of the most common concerns or patterns you see in your clients?
Jaw tension is probably the biggest one - and this links into so many things. Stress levels, postural habits, breathing habits, pelvic alignment, tension further down the body referring up into the jaw… there are so many reasons it can be there - but the modern day lifestyle is a big nod as to why.
Another pattern is disconnection. I see a lot of women struggling to love their skin and their face. People are doing all the 10 step skincare routines, but there is no real relationship with their skin. It becomes something to manage rather than something to feel into.
From your perspective, what role does touch and facial massage play in supporting healthy, vibrant skin?
Touch is such an important part to having a healthy connection with your skin. It supports blood flow and lymphatic flow, but it also signals safety to the body. When the body feels safe, it softens. That is what allows better flow of blood, oxygen, and nutrients, as well as tension to release.
Facial massage can also help release long-held tension patterns. That changes how the face feels and moves, not just how it looks. It brings you back into connection with your skin.
We’d love your thoughts on topical nourishment - what makes a product truly supportive for the skin? What are you looking for when it comes to skincare?
For me, it comes back to simplicity and compatibility. I look for products that work with the skin, not against it. Ingredients that are bioavailable and support the health of the skin barrier.
The skin does not need to be overloaded. It needs consistency, nourishment, and space to function properly. For this reason, I am drawn to products that feel grounding and supportive without disrupting the skin.
Where does tallow fit into this? What are the benefits of using a tallow-based balm for skin health and facial work?
Tallow fits in really naturally for me. I am a big advocate for returning to traditional forms of nourishment, and I am always looking to work in rhythm with the body’s natural functions.
Tallow is super compatible with the skin and rich in the fatty acids that support our skin barrier. It is deeply moisturising and protective, so it just makes sense for me as a chosen balm to lock in my hydrating serums.
When I use a tallow balm in my facial work, it gives a beautiful slip for massage, lymphatic cups and my other tools… but what I love most is the beautiful, glowy seal it leaves over the top of all my hydrating products that I use beforehand.
What would your simple, go-to ritual be for someone wanting to support their skin at home?
I always say when it comes to skincare at home - keep it simple and strip it back. Your skin needs to breathe, and will respond best when it is not overloaded.
I love to keep my evening routine to a maximum of 2-3 products - usually a cleanser, a mist and then Mitchells Tallow Balm to lock in as much moisture as possible. Then the main event is really the use of your hands to massage the tallow balm into the skin. It doesn’t need to be technical - it is more about presence. Even a few minutes of touch can support the nervous system, improve blood flow, and help the skin receive a product. This way it can become less of a routine and more of a way to come back into your body.
Leave a comment