When CBD first arrived on the beauty scene it was for the consumer to try at home, but now more and more spas and salons are incorporating it into treatments maybe you should consider adding it into yours? Vitality Editor, Becci Vallis looks at the latest developments.
There’s been enough press about CBD products to know that they’re completely safe, won’t get you high and are actually very good for sorting out skin as well as stress levels, and is why more and more beauty pros are expanding their menu with CBD infused face and body treatments. “Post pandemic, wellness has become a major priority and due to CBD offering a whole-health approach it gives businesses the opportunity to offer a treatment that fully encompasses this,” says Emma O’Neil, Managing Director of Hashtag Organics and founder of La Rue Verte. “Our training academy has seen a substantial rise in the interest of these treatments since opening back up. From a practical perspective it offers a fantastic addition to your existing treatments but it also transcends demographics and both men and women of varying ages can see modifications in their health so it can be great if you have a wide clientele.”
Emma isn’t the only one that’s seen a spike in interest and Kim Smith, co-founder of KLORIS has experienced a similar boom. “We have noticed a huge growth and variation of our client base over the past 12-18 months. If you’d have asked me who our demographic was a year ago, I’d say our treatments and products appealed mostly to those over 35 with a slight bias towards women but the interest in CBD among all demographics is growing exponentially.”
THE SCOOP
Already worth £300 million in the UK*, the CBD market is flourishing, and it’s predicted that CBD skincare will account for around 10% of the global skincare market by 2025. No longer an add-on, KLORIS, Grass Roots, La Rue Verte, OTO and ila Spa are all brands that have dedicated CBD treatments while salons like Cloud Twelve and Young LDN have added them onto their menus. Key for all is that the therapists are fluent in the language of CBD. “Therapists need to understand what CBD does for the client and the client’s unique conditions,” says Sue Carroll, founder of Young LDN. “The reason why so many people are confused about CBD is that they don’t understand the difference between topical creams and oils versus ingestible products such as tinctures and edibles. Training is so important so therapists can advise the client on their specific needs.”
At Kloris, therapists are given initial training that’s accompanied by digital assets they can dip in and out of at any point. They also offer in person and zoom refresher sessions on the educational elements and provide free educational articles twice a week that are sent to all spa partners. Both Grass Roots and Hashtag Organics have CIBTAC endorsed training that therapists can sign up to. “We educate therapists on the best ways to interact with clients about how CBD works and how it engages the endocannabinoid system. We must stay away from the medical claims but by leading with confidence in CBD knowledge we give consumers an informed choice. Plus, to be CIBTAC/BABTAC certified means you can pass the trust on to the consumer and prove you’re using CBD with integrity,” says Emma.
THE BENEFITS
As a quick refresher, the reason CBD is so excellent for skin is because it produces cannabinoids (phytocannabinoids) that are similar to the cannabinoids our bodies naturally produce (endocannabinoids) which means they can communicate with one another. For example, if your skin is inflamed, the CBD will relay to the cells they need to stay calm thus restoring a sense of harmony. “You may have heard of the term ‘homeostasis that essentially means balance? The endocannabinoid system works to create homeostasis so all systems and areas in the body are functioning optimally, and CBD enhances this,” explains Kim.
Earlier this year CBD that’s naturally derived from plants had a huge win. Given the thumbs up from the European Commission it was added to the Cosmetic Ingredients List (CosIng) which states it has four functional claims – as an antioxidant, a skin conditioner, skin protector and anti-sebum ingredient. However, it’s probably it’s anti-inflammatory benefits that it’s most recognised for. “A great deal of skin conditions stem from inflammation and CBD helps to soothe the skin and reduce redness from inflammation,” says Jo Minchin, co-founder Grass Roots Skin. “Acne sufferers hail the benefits as CBD not only reduces redness and inflammation, it also inhibits overactive oil production. But that’s not to say it’s not suitable for dry skin as it helps to retain moisture and encourage skin cells to repair. It’s antioxidants also encourage collagen production which results in visibly reduced lines. Even rosacea, psoriasis and eczema sufferers can all benefit from the active properties in CBD as the healing and soothing qualities repair dry, sore and flaking skin.”
As for body treatments, it’s the anti-inflammatory properties that come up trumps yet again to help ease tension, boost relaxation and reduce pain. And because the muscles become so relaxed it also minimises the risk of soreness post-treatment. One to tell gym goers!
THE TREATMENTS
Currently it’s La Rue Verte’s CBD massage that’s top of the charts with their partners like Kimpton Hotel but they’re on the cusp of launching a new set of CBD wrap treatments that they’re dubbing the most innovative use of CBD yet so things might change soon. At Kloris, they’ve just unveiled their first signature treatment that can be implemented onto spa’s menus. Six months in the making it incorporates soundscaping and visualisation to assist clients into a deep relaxation state while ila Spa have recently unveiled both face and body treatments including the CBD Kundalini Calm that uses chakra healing to activate dormant energy and help release tension from top to toe. Elsewhere for Grass Roots, it’s their bespoke facial that’s been getting all the attention. Showing how you can utilise CBD in a comprehensive treatment their AHA wash and tonic are used before a facial massage with their oils that’s followed by another cleanse, Dermaplaning, an enzyme peel and LED light therapy. “It’s adapted to suit each client’s needs and we specifically created it as a treatment for all skin types and genders,” confirms Jo.
THE FUTURE
Both Indie brands and large skincare corporations want a piece of the CBD pie so whether you own a salon group or you’re a mobile therapist, it’s the perfect time to add a treatment onto your menu or introduce CBD products into your retail area. For anyone considering it, go through our checklist of what you need to look for (see below), ensure you get the correct training and keep an eye out on the developments. “The hemp plant offers a wide variety of health opportunities and there is another Cannabinoid that will be the next ‘new trend’ once businesses have got used to CBD,” reveals Emma. “I think you’ll also start to see global spa resorts specialise solely in CBD and therapists looking to specialise in these delivery methods and CBD’s sister molecules. It’s a really exciting time for the industry.” Yet another piece of the wellness puzzle, CBD isn’t going anywhere and as an industry, we’re here for it.
NEED TO KNOW
If you’re considering using a CBD brand, it’s important you do your homework to ensure it’s the best of the best.
- New regulations came in this year that meant CBD companies and manufacturers had to place a novel food application so make sure they are compliant with this and have the proof.
- Look for products that have been independently third party tested and ask to see their certification of analysis showing their CBD content.
- The brand should list the amount of mg of CBD on the label so you know what you’re getting. There should be a reasonable level in there for it to be effective.
- Don’t be afraid to ask about extraction methods, the conditions in which the products are made in, the origin and that it’s free from heavy metals and pesticides. The more research and tests they’ve had published, the more confident you and your clients can feel.
- Be wary of the price. Expect to pay a reasonable price for quality products, especially if they contain other active ingredients.
- The brand should list the amount of mg of CBD on the label so you know what you’re getting and how much should be delivered each treatment. There should be a reasonable level for it to be effective – anything below 0.25% for example, is too little. If the product is being used as part of a layered protocol with lots of other CBD products then the total sum of CBD should be considered. Also be aware that some companies display their CBD content as % and others as mgs.
* https://www.openaccessgovernment.org/cbd-market-value/77851/