Celebrity facialist Abigail James on our new Frankincense Intensified Facial

Neal's Yard Remedies

Neal's Yard Remedies

Writer and expert

To celebrate the launch of our newly reformulated Frankincense Intense™ Collection, we’re partnering with esteemed A-list facialist and wellbeing expert, Abigail James. Trusted by celebrities worldwide and declared ‘the Queen of Skin’ by The Times, Abigail specialises in blending active lifting techniques with holistic facial massage. 


The Frankincense Intensified Facial, designed exclusively for Neal’s Yard Remedies, includes elements of Abigail’s groundbreaking Rejuvology Therapy. Developed over 20 years, Rejuvology is a bespoke natural face lift, designed to revive and redefine the complexion using hands-on sculpting, contouring and facial-lymphatic techniques. 


Combining the science of skincare with a holistic approach to skin health, Abigail has expertly curated the skincare selection incorporated into this facial, which includes our newly reformulated Frankincense Intense™ Collection. Below, we spoke to Abigail to find out how she developed this new and exclusive treatment.

Could you share with us how your journey into becoming an award-winning aesthetician began; what inspired you to specialise in the field?

“I retrained as a Beauty Therapist when I was 25. I was suffering from postnatal depression and PTSD after my first baby. At the time, I had a friend who was a beauty therapist, and she would come over and practice facials and massage on me – I loved what she did, and it became part of my recovery. Once I started learning about the body, skin and holistic therapies, I found my passion for understanding the human body and how we can support it, from the inside out.


The first treatment room I rented as a therapist was in the Neal’s Yard Remedies Therapy Rooms in Cheltenham. I became passionate about skincare ingredients and found myself designing facials for global skincare ranges, treating famous faces and having a treatment room in Primrose Hill. Raising three children on my own, work became my passion, hobby and life outside of being a full-time single mother.


At this point, I was very much specialising as a facialist and pioneering a 360-degree approach to skin and health. The bridge between mind, body, gut and skin was such an obvious scientific connection to me, at a time when the world was yet to see this! I’ve experienced incredible career opportunities around the world, allowing me to further develop and share my practices.”

You’ve been dubbed “the priestess of face massage” by ELLE – what makes your facials so unique?

“I have always valued the privileged position of others trusting me with their faces. Once you step into this mindset of respect, you approach face massage (and all massage) very differently. I felt a responsibility to learn as much as possible to be able to achieve amazing physical results while also positively supporting each client on a deeper level. It’s never just about learning a routine; it’s about understanding the tissues and structures you’re impacting.”

Like Neal's Yard Remedies, you believe in combining science with nature. In your eyes, how does taking a holistic approach to skincare and facials make a difference in the overall results clients see?

"The visible surface of our skin is just the tip of the iceberg. Being the largest organ of the body, there is so much more to understand. Like an iceberg, if we were only to look at and explore the surface, we would be missing the largest part of the structure. 


There is well-documented scientific evidence showing how our diet, lifestyle, stresses, emotions, gut, hormones, health and medication can and do impact our skin. As a facialist, I have learnt how to identify some of these aspects from treating thousands of clients, however, I know where my skill set ends and the need to refer to other practitioners arises. Skin health requires a blend of modern science with a holistic “whole health” approach. Our skin can require combination of different approaches along with effective formulas to achieve our skincare goals."


The facial incorporates one of our most signature ingredients, frankincense – can you talk us through how this ingredient inspired the facial, and what it brings to the customer?

"Frankincense is known for its healing and preservative properties, encouraging focus, mindful breathing and relaxation while also having a visible improvement on the skin. I wanted to bring this sense of stillness and calm to this treatment, focusing on slowing down and promoting relaxation, whilst the Frankincense Intense™ products have a visible improvement on the skin."

You combine elements of your signature face rejuvenating system, Rejuvology, into the new facial – could you share more on what this system entails, and what elements can be expected in the new facial?

"Rejuvology is a physical method of facial rejuvenation massage, working on the head, neck, face and upper body. The therapy helps to revive facial contours and the vitality of expressions while supporting and improving emotional wellbeing. 


Specifically for the Frankincense Intensified Facial, I have combined aspects of rhythmical massage, face-lifting massage, a touch of craniosacral therapy as well as lymphatic support. Whenever I create a new treatment, I always try to bring unique and magical elements to the experience."

What are some of the key techniques you've incorporated into this facial to deliver transformative results?

"Some of the face-lifting massage moves included in this facial are specifically working on easing tissue tightness to enable a natural lift. Some of these moves are energising and deep, however never uncomfortable. I also like to use a crystal wand; it’s a simple yet effective face lifting massage tool that can help to ease areas of tension. 


"While developing my facial method I always keep the products in mind, considering where they are best used within the flow of the treatment, if they can be layered or not, and how they settle onto the skin. Understanding these variables and the characteristics of the products makes for a truly bespoke and results-driven facial experience with the best personal results."

Beyond the in-therapy rooms facial experience, what are your top tips for clients to maintain that healthy, lifted, glowing complexion at home?

"Performing a face-lifting massage at home is a simple and effective addition to any skincare routine, but like going to the gym, it needs a level of consistency I would rather you include shorter moments of face massage within your routine,rather than taking on too much, or trying it out only once in a blue moon


Facial lifting massage techniques are enhanced by high-performing products, so it’s important that you find skincare that works for your skin type and texture."

Our Frankincense Intense ™ Collection has been designed to help our customers age-well, stress-less, can you share some of your top tips for our readers on how you bring moments of calm into your everyday? 

"Morning journaling. I know it’s a cliché, but for me this has been life-changing. Shifting your mind onto things you are grateful for, excited about and want to cultivate in your life sets you in the right frame of mind to tackle the day in a more positive way.


Time-block your day. We are constantly juggling different tasks and responsibilities at once, which can feel incredibly overwhelming and exhausting. Time-blocking allows us to focus on one thing at a time, helping us get things done more calmly. Don’t forget to always block in regular 10 to 15-minute breaks!


Learn how to give yourself a face massage at home. From helping to visibly calm and rejuvenate the skin, to encouraging moments of relaxation and self-care in your daily routine, face massage carries many benefits. Combining face massage techniques with high-performing skincare will help you make the most of this."

Abigail loves...

Frankincense Intense™ Triple Action Melting Cleanser
This is just such a lovely experience to use as well as being an amazing cleanser.


Frankincense Intense™ Lift Serum
“I am soon to be 50, so cell energy is key in helping the skin looking its best. Loss of firmness is one of the most common concerns I hear from clients, and I fall into that bracket too, so ingredients that target this daily are a much-needed support.”


Beauty Sleep Overnight Treatment
“I am a little obsessed with this! It’s lovely, especially layered over a booster serum, like Hyaluronic Acid, Vitamin C or the Frankincense Intense™ Age-Defying Serum.”


Orange Flower Face Oil
“This is the perfect consistency for face massage, it has a beautiful blend of base oils, and I have always loved orange blossom scents.”

The Frankincense Intensified Facial is available from 5 September 2024 at selected Neal’s Yard Remedies Therapy Rooms and will be expertly delivered by one of our own talented facial therapists. Visit our online Therapy Finder to book now.