My experience with the CBD Detox Facial at “Blush + Blow”, a luxury beauty bar and blow-dry salon in Fulham, London.
Blush + Blow was founded by makeup artist, beauty blogger and entrepreneur Bridget O’Keeffe and boasts critical acclaim from the likes of Harpers Bazaar, The Telegraph and Marie Claire so to say I was excited for my Detox Facial, it’s an understatement.
First Impressions
Upon my arrival for my treatment, one of the first things I noticed is how aesthetically pleasing the exterior of the salon is. With a beautiful striped canopy, “Blush + Blow” across a pastel green backdrop, clear glass window panes and a tiled floor which led up to the entrance, the salon won all the points for decor. The same went for its pristine interior. Before I entered the salon, I was greeted with a smile by a member of staff, which I appreciated. This welcoming aura and friendliness continued from the time I entered the salon to the time I left.
Before I go on to discuss my experience with the facial, I will present a brief overview of what exactly CBD is.
What is CBD oil?
CBD stands for Cannabidiol, a non-psychoactive naturally occurring chemical found in marijuana or hemp. CBD oil then, is composed of pure CBD and an oil such as hemp, as is the case in the CBD detox facial which utilises Kannaway CBD Hemp Oil. CBD oil is healing, has anti-oxidant properties and is also anti-inflammatory. For this reason, it may be particularly beneficial for acne-prone skin, wrinkles and sensitive skin.
Kannaway Hemp Oil (Quick Facts)
The hemp used in the facial naturally contains high levels of CBD. It is grown without pesticides, herbicides and chemical fertilisers. It is also non-GMO and is grown using sustainable methods on generational family farms based in Europe. Blush and Blow has the only reliable, fully- legal distribution system. In addition to this, the hemp used in the oil is processed and tested to ensure that the CBD levels are as consistent as possible. Customers are also privy to the amount of CBD (in milligrams) they are receiving in their hemp oil. The oil used in the facial contains 100mg of CBD.
The Facial
The CBD Detox Facial lasted for an hour. It began with a thorough double cleanse using the “Bibong & Hemp” cleanser to remove any make-up and impurities from my skin. This was followed by skin exfoliation; a process I enjoyed because I could really feel the grains working to get rid of all the dead skin cells. This was no surprise given the fact the exfoliator contained both rosehips and bentonite; the latter is known for its ability to remove excess oil and the former boasting a high amount of vitamins A and C which encourage skin cell turn over and cell regeneration. The exfoliator was rinsed off and was followed by the glow enhancing mask which created a pleasantly warm sensation on my face. One of the highlights from the facial was the relaxing shoulder massage I received during the face mask.
Once the mask was removed from my skin, I received a lymphatic drain facial massage which was incredible. The facial massage lasted for 20 minutes and used pure CBD oil which was kneaded into the skin. The sensation of the massage was like nothing I had ever experienced before. I like to massage my face on a daily basis when I apply my moisturiser, but this was very different, in the sense that I could feel that, given the training and expertise of the therapist and the way in which she massaged my face, the actions served a greater purpose than just applying the oil. As evidenced by the title “lymphatic drain massage”, the purpose of this facial massage is to provide lymphatic drainage. This means it works to stimulate the circulation of lymph fluids around the body which in turn aids the removal of wastes and toxins from the lymphatic system (a system of tissues and organs that rid the body of toxins and waste).
There are receptors called CB1 and CB2 (cannabinoid receptors) located just underneath the epidermis that respond to external cannabinoids such as the CBD used in this facial massage. The CB1 receptor is a protein primarily found on the nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. Their primary function is to help regulate functions such as memory, sleep and appetite. CB2 receptors are found in the immune system and its supporting organs such as the tonsils. The facial massage aids with blood flow and allows the hemp to absorb into the skin quicker and bind to the cannabinoid receptors. The massage also included a vitality serum and moisturiser. Once this step was completed, my skin felt invigorated and I was left with a glow that I could both see and feel.
If you would like to try this facial out for yourself, the details can be found below. I would highly recommend!
Address: 197 New King’s Rd, London SW6 4SR
Cost: The CBD Detox Facial is £90.00 for an hour. Another treatment which also utilises CBD is the CBD Detox Microdermabrasion Facial (£150).
