US-based beauty and wellness training institute Bellus Academy is seeking to advance skincare and spa education by launching new CBD wellness training, with guidance from leading industry trainer and Bellus Academy’s own director of spa and wellness education, Joanne Berry.

Bellus Academy was inspired to create a curriculum following growing market demand for both high-quality CBD offerings and education to support CBD services on the menu.

According to the organisation, because CBD treatments and therapies are becoming more mainstream, the esthetician’s knowledge when it comes to selecting the right natural CBD products is critical for clients to derive optimal benefits from CBD treatments.

Remarking on the need for CBD education, Lynne McNees, ISPA president stated: “Even though a lot of the uncertainty around CBD has faded, many spas have taken a cautious approach and they want to know for sure that the ingredients are high quality, that CBD produces real benefits and that they’re working with trusted, reputable brands that can support its integration into their menus.

“Education that can clearly outline the benefits of CBD to not only spas’ bottom lines, but to their guests’ wellbeing, is essential to increased adoption and everything that goes along with that.”

The new training course is designed to equip estheticians and massage therapists to:

• Confidently develop and conduct CBD therapy protocols
• Learn about the qualities to look for in an effective and safe CBD product
• Understand the endocannabinoid system and its effects on the body
• Gain clear insight into the best guidance to give clients for at-home skincare to extend the results of CBD following a spa treatment.

Berry has developed the curriculum in partnership with On The Green – a CBD company founded by former pro golfer Nick Fishenden who used CBD to recover from a serious injury that nearly cut short his career.

In evaluating CBD products for its salon and spa, Berry and Bellus Academy owner Lynelle Lynch researched the marketplace to identify a partner well aligned to the needs of the spa sector.

“As trusted influencers in the skincare space, spa professionals are passionate about understanding how the ingredients inform a formulation’s mode of action and support clients’ wellness objectives,” says Lynch.

“Offering a portfolio of products trusted by authorities in the spa and golf world and built on research and discovery, On The Green is a natural partner for Bellus Academy.”

The new CBD spa curriculum will be added to the programmes at the academy's California and Kansas campuses in Q2 2021.