Enjoying the many skin and body health benefits of cannabidiol oil, Ruby Deevoy unwinds with a CBD massage at the Serenity Spa at the Pine Cliffs Resort in Portugal.
NESTLED ON THE beautiful coastline of the Algarve, the Serenity Spa at Pine Cliffs Resort has launched Portugal’s first CBD treatments –a relaxing body massage and a restoring facial. CBD (cannabidiol oil) is a natural substance extracted from the hemp plant that is non-psychotropic. So, while relaxing, you won’t get high.
Most CBD spas use isolate products, in which CBD is the only cannabinoid present. So, it was refreshing to see full-spectrum CBD used at the Serenity Spa as this contains other health-giving cannabinoids and terpenes (aromatic compounds), as well as skin-beneficial fats and minerals. The vanillascented, full-spectrum CBD range used at Serenity Spa is by Cotswoldsbased company Ila (ilaskin.co).
The benefits of CBD vary depending on whether you’re using a transdermal product, such as a massage balm, oil formulated with permeation enhancers to penetrate through the layers of the skin, or a topical product, such as moisturisers and cleansers, which might be used in a CBD facial.
For my full body massage, the therapist gently pummelled my muscles to work with my body to reconnect the positive flow of energy. Attention was paid to activating my solar plexus, which houses a network of nerves and is part of the sympathetic nervous system. In combination with the CBD oil, which permeated through my skin and into my bloodstream, this was a double whammy for targeting particularly sore spots without having to press hard. All in all it was deeply relaxing.
As the Serenity Spa is part of the Pine Cliffs Resort, the whole experience is topped off by the fact that after the massage you can take your newly rejuvenated self to enjoy the wonderful swimming pools surrounded by towering pine trees, one of the fantastic restaurants, or even take the lift (yes, a lift!) down to the private beach.
MORE BENEFITS OF CBD
But you needn’t be at a spa to benefit from CBD care. There are plenty of transdermal creams, balms, gels and patches that can aid muscle and joint pain and help you relax.
Stress reduction is one of the main reasons people use CBD and science shows it boosts levels of your natural bliss hormones, serotonin and dopamine. Plus, it increases levels of endocannabinoids that help keep your fight-or-flight response under control1 , which is amazing for people who exper
