WHAT DO DOCTORS SAY?

The scientific community usually reacts far less enthusiastically to CBD products than general consumers do. Although they’re willing to admit there are signs we might be hopeful about the benefits, the research results are by no means conclusive.

Theoretically, and from limited studies, it does seem as if CBD topical products might have a positive effect on inflammatory skin conditions, says Dr Willie Visser, head of dermatology at Stellenbosch University’s medical faculty.

“We can’t recommend it for general use before the necessary clinical research has been completed,” Dr Visser says.

Medically speaking there are still too many unanswered questions about CBD, especially regarding its safety. “At this point, we don’t know exactly which molecules are beneficial, but we also don’t know which ones might be harmful,” he says.

“Is it really more effective and safer than existing medication? That’s the real question.”

These days there are numerous studies into the effects of

CBD on the skin, says Dr Karien Henrico.

But so far there’s been no conclusive evidence these products truly work for humans.

“Most current studies are on laboratory mice or skin grafts (skin that’s used for testing in laboratories). There haven’t been many studies conducted on human subjects. So a lot of research is still needed to pinpoint exactly how CBD works,” Dr Henrico says.

The findings of most of the small studies do look promising, she adds. According to the research report of a 2020 study, CBD does have anti-inflammatory properties when applied to the skin.

In her own research so far, she hasn’t found any evidence of harmful properties in CBD isolate (pure CBD), she says.