Slow Touch Therapy: Our Cancer-Safe Facial + Massage
At Pfeffer Sal, we believe that skincare is never just surface level. It’s about touch. Time. And feeling completely seen. That’s why this October — Breast Cancer Awareness Month — we’re spotlighting our Slow Touch Therapy Facial and Slow Touch Therapy Massage, two deeply considered, oncology-aware treatments created for people currently undergoing or recovering from cancer.
Developed in partnership with Wildsmith Skin, SATCC (Standards Authority for Touch in Cancer Care), and the Made for Life Foundation, these 80-minute experiences are more than a treatment. It’s a space to pause, feel nurtured, and reconnect with your body in a way that feels safe, supportive, and kind.
This Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we're proudly spotlighting the fact that 10% of every Slow Touch booking supports CoppaFeel!, the brilliant charity on a mission to raise awareness around breast cancer, especially in younger people. For a treatment that already gives so much — this is the kind of impact we love to get behind.
So… what exactly is a cancer facial?
It’s skincare without pressure. Touch without urgency. A place to feel safe, supported, and totally seen.
The term “cancer facial” can feel clinical — but what it really means is that the treatment is specially designed to meet the skin and nervous system needs of those living with or recovering from cancer. That includes people going through chemotherapy or radiation, people who have had recent surgery, or people navigating the complex side effects that can continue long after active treatment is over.
It’s also ideal for anyone in remission, or those with sensitive health who have historically felt excluded from advanced treatments. At Pfeffer Sal, you don’t need a doctor’s note to book this treatment — and you’re in the safest of hands. Every therapist delivering the Slow Touch treatment has been trained and certified in the Wildsmith Cancer Care programme, which covers everything from product compatibility to emotional holding.
What to expect from a Slow Touch treatment
Your appointment begins with a 20-minute consultation. That might sound long — but it’s intentionally so. Whether you’ve had surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or are currently on medication, your needs, boundaries and physical comfort will vary. This is your space to share as much (or as little) as you like, so we can adapt everything from the music to the massage pressure to the time it takes to simply get comfortable on the bed.
This part is often where the magic starts — where trust is built, and clients begin to relax for the first time in weeks.
Then, we begin the 60-minute treatment, led with total care.
Your skin is gently cleansed using botanical, microbiome-supporting products from Wildsmith Skin, formulated to be safe for compromised skin.
We use light, rhythmic massage — designed to soothe the nervous system, improve circulation, and help the body shift out of fight-or-flight.
Every movement is slow, fluid and intentional. This isn’t about “results.” It’s about reconnection. Feeling your body soften. Remembering how it feels to be cared for.
If needed, we can adapt the facial to include or exclude head or chest massage, work around ports or dressings, or avoid any areas that feel tender or vulnerable.
And no — we won’t rush you out the door either. There’s time to dress, chat, or simply take a moment. It’s all part of the experience.
Why touch is essential in cancer care
We’re often told not to “touch” people undergoing cancer treatment — but that touch, when done appropriately, can be deeply therapeutic .
Research shows that massage during cancer care can:
Reduce anxiety and stress
Improve sleep and relaxation
Ease pain and discomfort
Support emotional processing and resilience
But just as important is what happens emotionally: feeling cared for , reclaiming your body , and being treated with dignity and normalcy — especially when medical appointments can sometimes feel dehumanising.
Our Slow Touch facial is here to create a new kind of memory in your body: one of softness, compassion and comfort.
What makes Wildsmith Skin products ideal for this?
We’ve chosen Wildsmith Skin as our partner for the Slow Touch facial not just for their formulas — but for their values.
Their products are free from essential oils, known irritants, and synthetic fragrance.
They’re formulated with barrier-supporting ingredients like niacinamide, plant ceramides, and hyaluronic acid.
The textures are cocooning, rich, and sensory without overwhelming the skin.
Two of our favourites:
Super Hydrating Overnight Mask – the ultimate comfort blanket for skin that feels dry, reactive or just “off.”
Active Repair Copper Peptide Serum – supports the skin’s own healing and regeneration processes, perfect for restoring glow gently.
You can find both in our online shop or in the clinic if you’d like to continue your ritual at home.
Who is this cancer facial for?
People currently undergoing chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or hormone treatment.
Those recovering from cancer treatment, whether recent or years past.
- Anyone living with other health conditions that make the skin or nervous system sensitive, such as ME, Parkinson’s, or chronic fatigue.
Anyone who feels like they need a safe, deeply nourishing space.
Friends or family looking for a meaningful, thoughtful gift to support a loved one.
Giving back through CoppaFeel!
To make the Slow Touch experience even more meaningful, we donate 10% of every Slow Touch booking to CoppaFeel!.
CoppaFeel! is a UK-based breast cancer awareness charity that’s laser-focused on getting young people to check their chests regularly and know the signs and symptoms of breast cancer. Through education, awareness campaigns and powerful community work, they help people catch signs early — and potentially save lives.
So when you book this treatment, you’re not just supporting your own healing — you’re supporting someone else’s future.
How to book
Our Slow Touch Therapy Facial is available to book via pfeffersal.com, and we’re always here to answer any questions if you’re unsure whether it’s right for you.
If you’re booking on behalf of someone else, feel free to call or email our team so we can make sure everything is taken care of. We also offer Slow Touch Therapy Massage, a full-body version of the same nurturing approach.
In their words…
“I hadn’t realised how much I needed this until I was in the room. For the first time in months, I felt like a person — not a patient.”
— Slow Touch client
Skincare is never superficial. Especially not here. Whether you’re going through cancer, supporting a loved one, or just need an hour of peace — we’re here for you. With softness, science, and total respect.
Book the Slow Touch Therapy Facial today and experience the difference that thoughtful touch can make — not just this October, but always.
If you have any questions, you can always reach us at hello@pfeffersal.com or +44 (0) 203 8834 702.
THE DESTINATION FOR SKIN HEALTH
+44 (0) 20 3883 4702 - PFEFFERSAL.COM
THE STABLES, 10B WARREN MEWS, LONDON W1T 6BY
