CBD beauty treatments: why it's time to train in the trend

Cannabidiol (CBD) is a buzzword in the wellness industry right now, with consumers turning to the naturally occurring constituent in the cannabis plant for help with a variety of issues. Not to be confused with tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) – the psychoactive component in the plant that causes the sensation of getting high – CBD oil is safe, legal and has been proven to have anti-inflammatory and anti-ageing properties, as well as being healing, calming and soothing.

So, it’s not surprising that beauty giants have been working the wonder ingredient into a whole host of skincare goodies – the latest CBD range to land is Pineapple Express by South Seas. According to data by online deals platform Wowcher, UK sales of products containing CBD oil have soared 99% this year, with clients living in London, Cardiff and Edinburgh buying into the trend the most. 

But, the best is yet to come. The movement is now making its mark in the professional realm, with treatment protocols being given the cannabidiol upgrade so therapists can deliver ultimate skin health, creating loyal, returning customers. 

Why are CBD-infused treatments trending?

From CBD-infused facials that calm hormonal skin to massages that provide pain relief, salons and spas are harnessing the healing properties of CBD oil to cement their reputation as the place to treat ailments caused by modern-day lifestyles, such as stress, anxiety and lack of sleep. 

“People’s awareness of the benefits of CBD is increasing and anyone who is serious about skincare is investing in training in this area of beauty,” explains Bridget O’Keeffe, owner of Blush + Blow in Chelsea, London, which offers CBD facials. 

CBD’s transition into the treatment market doesn’t stop at traditional protocols either, with express services getting a makeover too. Simply CBD Bronzer launched the UK’s first CBD-infused tan in August, which gives a natural-looking glow that also hydrates and reduces inflammation. 

However, to successfully add CBD to your menu you need to understand the properties of the ingredient, says Sam Pearce, owner of The Potting Shed Spa in Batley, Yorkshire, which is launching a suite of CBD treatments. “It can be all too easy to stereotype this product, which is why it’s critical your offering is perceived in the correct way.” 

4 beauty businesses that have nailed their CBD treatment offer:

1. Budock Vean CBD Spa Therapy, Falmouth 

Budock Vean hotel’s Natural Health Spa has launched a suite of CBD body treatments, making it the only wellbeing business in Cornwall to have such an in-depth offering.

Organic CBD products are combined with either body wrap, hot stone or deep-tissue massage protocols to address health concerns such as poor sleep, low mood and stress. The spa uses its own CBD Therapy products – a body balm, massage oil, hero salve, bath salts and lip balm – developed by spa manager Martina Crkonova, an expert in herbal medicine.

The spa has recently added a CBD-infused manicure and pedicure treatment to its menu too.

2. Rudding Park Hotel & Spa CBD Experience, Harrogate 

Rudding Park has collaborated with cannabidiol product supplier MariPharm to create a CBD Experience that promotes anti-ageing, reduces anxiety and helps with pain relief.

The service can be added to a number of the spa’s current treatments and involves application of CBD oil to sore muscles, followed by a CBD foot cleanse and a spritz of CBD spray under the tongue. The add-on service finishes with CBD-infused tea and chocolate.

Guests who book in for the spa’s Time for Two couples’ treatment can also enhance their experience with a 25-minute CBD Bath Ritual, where a copper bath is filled with warm water and soothing CBD oil.

3. Blush + Blow CBD Facials, London

The Chelsea-based beauty salon Blush + Blow has tapped into the CBD trend by infusing the naturally occurring constituent of the cannabis plant into two result-driven 60-minute facials.

The CBD Detox and CBD Detox Microdermabrasion treatments both incorporate a 20-minute lymphatic drainage massage using Kannaway’s CBD Oil, which helps ease tension and reduce breakouts, alongside exfoliation protocols to create a glowing complexion.

Both treatments are finished with application of Kannaway’s CBD-infused serum and moisturiser – the brand harnesses sustainably grown hemp that isn’t treated with pesticides, which is why Blush + Blow stocks it. 

4. The Potting Shed Spa Getting Stoned CBD Menu, Batley

The award-winning salon’s autumn/winter Getting Stoned CBD treatment menu includes face, body, and manicure and pedicure protocols, which blend the power of touch with the healing properties of cannabidiol.

To coincide with the launch, owner Sam Pearce also developed The Potting Shed’s Greenhouse Academy CBD Training – a course that teaches beauty businesses how to work CBD oil into their treatments in an authentic way. The training is tailored to each business and there are supporting products to retail.