The Latest On Diet & Acneand The Truth About Chlorophyll
Several media outlets have covered the TikTok trend of drinking chlorophyll for clearer skin. Is there any science behind drinking chlorophyll to treat acne? What are the most recent developments in the study of diet and acne?
To answer these questions, I contacted dermatologist Rajani Katta, MD, volunteer clinical faculty at Baylor College of Medicine and McGovern Medical School at UT Health. Dr. Katta is also the author of Glow: The Dermatologists Guide to a Whole Foods Younger Skin Diet.
Tiktok Myths: Chlorophyll Gets Rid Of Acne And Other Bad Skincare Advice
Chugging chlorophyll, slugging your face, DIY microneedling. STOP! Before you follow the skincare advice of influencers on TikTok, do some research. While this social platform is a lot of fun and does have some useful tips, it also has a lot of misinformation or misguided DIY suggestions. Lets look at some TikTok Myths regarding skincare and the pursuit of healthy, youthful skin.
Does Chlorophyll Help With Acne
Liquid chlorophyll is all over TikTok these days, where users are swearing by its ability to clear skin and manage inflammation, among other benefits. With so many lofty claims, a little bit of skepticism is healthy.
What is chlorophyll?
Chlorophyll is the most abundant pigment in plants that make them green. The pigment is essential for the process of photosynthesis, in which plants convert sunlight into energy.
Since its produced naturally by plants, its possible to consume it via green plant foods, like spinach and asparagus. You can also take it in supplement formhence the liquid droplets people are adding to their glasses of water.
Typically, the supplement form contains a derivative of chlorophyll called chlorophyllin, or sodium copper chlorophyllin. According to one small study, it may help manage acne and reduce the size of pores when applied topically.
Researchers have also found that copper chlorophyllin contains a higher amount of antioxidants than natural chlorophylls, making them a helpful addition to whole foodsbut still not a replacement.
Can chlorophyll make you break out?
Rather than drinking chlorophyll, eat your green veggies like broccoli and spinach. Be careful when consuming liquid chlorophyll. In some rare cases, consuming too much liquid chlorophyll can lead to pseudoporphyria, a blistering rash that develops upon exposure to sunlight.
Will chlorophyll clear skin?
How do you apply chlorophyll to your face?
Can chlorophyll make your skin worse?
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Whats Your Response To Patients Who Ask Whether They Should Drink Chlorophyll To Improve Their Skin
When patients ask, I explain that theres minimal evidence supporting the use of chlorophyll supplements. Beyond the question of efficacy, Im also very concerned about safety. First, because it may act as a photosensitizer. Second, because there are many unknowns when it comes to determining the quality of dietary supplements. Consumers choosing a supplement have to be extremely cautious and recognize that there have been multiple issues reported with supplement quality control, contamination and adulteration.
For patients who are intrigued by chlorophyll, I can definitely recommend the ingestion of foods such as spinach, green peas and parsley. These foods are full of antioxidants and other powerful nutrients with anti-inflammatory properties. While they may or may not impact acne, they definitely have multiple health benefits.
Liquid Chlorophyll For Acne: Can It Really Clear Your Acne For Good
âHearing a lot about liquid chlorophyll for acne? Letâs talk about it.
The internet is officially obsessed with liquid chlorophyll. On the skincare side of TikTok, the #chlorophyll hashtag boasts more than 365 million views at the time of publishing.
According to viral TikTok users, liquid chlorophyll promises clear, glowing skin, odorless sweat, weight loss, and improved gut health.
So with all of this anecdotal success, is there any scientific evidence to support these claims? Is this just another trend that over promises and under delivers?
Can liquid chlorophyll finally squelch acne, and offer flawless skin? Letâs talk about what we know about liquid chlorophyll for acne.
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Reduces Risks For Skin Cancer
Sun damage and oxidation are the leading causes of skin cancer. What drinking chlorophyll water can do for you in this regard is very interesting.
From above, we know that chlorophyll has the remarkable ability to soak up sunlight. Even when this green pigment is pressed from the plants, chlorophyll maintains this ability. In other words, when you drink chlorophyll water, the green pigment will absorb sunlight and help protect your skin from harmful UV rays!
You might still be skeptical about how great this news is. To help ease your doubt, a study from 2007 helps backup chlorophyll waters legibility in sun protection. The study investigated the role of diet in the development of skin cancer. The researchers found that those who ate at least 3 servings of dark leafy greens regularly reduced their risk of skin cancer by up to 55%. And thats a lot!
Note, however, that chlorophyll is not a replacement for sunscreen. Consider chlorophyll water as a cherry on top of your trusty sunscreen. Though its great for your skin, its not enough to keep you protected.
What Are The Benefits Of Chlorophyll
According to Trista Best, a registered dietitian and environmental health specialist, chlorophyll is full of antioxidants, which act in therapeutic ways to benefit the body, especially the immune system. Antioxidants work as anti-inflammatory agents inside the body, helping improve the body’s immune function and response, she explained.
Because chlorophyll is a potent antioxidant, some researchers have found that consuming chlorophyll can help with acne, large pores and signs of aging. One small study published in the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology tested the efficacy of a topical chlorophyllin on subjects with acne and deemed it effective as a treatment. Another study in the Korean Journal of Investigative Dermatology tested the effects of dietary chlorophyll on women over the age of 45 and found that it significantly improved wrinkles and skin elasticity.
As some people on TikTok have alluded to, scientists have also researched the potential anticancer effects of chlorophyll. One 2001 study from Johns Hopkins found that taking chlorophyllin or eating green vegetables … that are rich in chlorophyll may be a practical way of reducing the risk of liver cancer and other cancers caused by environmental triggers, study author Thomas Kensler, PhD, explained in a press release. However, as Reid noted, the research is limited on the specific role chlorophyll might play in cancer treatment, and there just isnt enough data at this point to support these benefits.
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Should We Just Increase Our Veggie Intake
We know that our diet plays a big role in the health of our skin. If chlorophyll might help keep our skin happier, it begs the question – why not go to the source, and just eat more vegetables?
Well, because youâd have to eat a lot of veggies to hit your standard dose of chlorophyll.
1 cup of raw spinach contains 24 milligrams of chlorophyll.
While a standard dose of liquid chlorophyll contains 100 mg of chlorophyllin .
But, hey, why not do both?â
- Chlorella
Getting Started With Chlorophyll
Luckily, adding chlorophyll to your diet is fast, cheap, and easy. Make a quick stop at your health food shop and youll usually find liquid chlorophyll, typically ranging in price from $15 to $20. Best of all, a bottle usually lasts for months, meaning youre really getting a pretty good value for your money.
Take a look at the ingredient label before you buy to make sure there are no strange ingredients or additives that shouldnt be in there. Ideally, it should contain no more than three ingredients and with no dairy, corn, gluten, wheat, or parabens.
Though there are numerous brands available out there. I personally get my liquid chlorophyll from a brand called Land Art which is available at most health stores. I spent just $15 and it lasts me for upwards of 6 months at a time.
To get started, just add about a teaspoon of chlorophyll into your water. It will turn a dark green color from the chlorophyll but doesnt have much of a strong taste. Drink this chlorophyll mix two to three times per day to get the best results.
You also can swish this mixture in your mouth a few times per day to get rid of bad breath and promote good oral hygiene.
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Get The Benefits Of Chlorophyll
Chlorophyll isnt a miracle cure and it wont make you instantly healthy. It is, however, a great way to supplement your health and squeeze in a few benefits with minimal time and effort required on your part.
Liquid chlorophyll benefits everything from your immune system to your gum health, so why wouldnt you want to add it into your diet?
As always, though, make sure to follow a healthy diet rich in plant-based, whole foods and get in regular exercise as youre able to. Then add liquid chlorophyll into your diet for an extra boost of health benefits on top of an already healthy lifestyle.
Keep In Mind: Supplements Can Be Risky
Liquid chlorophyll is a dietary supplement, and the U.S. Food & Drug Administration does not make sure supplements are safe or effective before they hit store shelves.
So, while there aren’t many serious risks of liquid chlorophyll in small doses, there’s no guarantee that a chlorophyll supplement contains only that ingredient or includes the amount of chlorophyll stated on the bottle or packaging. There could be other ingredients in the supplement that may cause side effects, or there could be much more chlorophyll in the supplement than you realize, which could lead you to drink too much.
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Prudence Wade Gets The Low
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TikTok has fallen in love with a new trend: drinking liquid chlorophyll.
You might remember chlorophyll from biology lessons at school its a naturally occuring green pigment found in many plants. Now, social media influencers are suggesting that adding it to water could be your ticket to clear, acne-free skin.
The hashtag #chlorophyll has reached 146.8M views on TikTok but Gen Z arent the first to buy into liquid chlorophyll. Gwyneth Paltrows Goop website has noted claims it can be used as a natural deodoriser, and Kourtney Kardashians Poosh has a whole article dedicated to its benefits.
Liquid chlorophyll is a plant derivative that is a great source of vitamins A, C, E and K, and is high in antioxidants and minerals, says Dr Preema Vig, aesthetic doctor and medical director of the Dr Preema London Clinic. Chlorophyll is safe to take daily and doses vary between supplement, this is usually between 100-300 milligrams. If you are unsure of the dosage you should be taking or you are on any medication or pregnant, you should always consult with your doctor first.
What Science Has Been Proven On This Topic So Far What Science Is Still Unknown
The strongest evidence to date links high glycemic load diets to hormonal changes such as elevated levels of IGF-1 that affect the sebaceous glands and skin inflammation.
An area for future research is the role of dairy. It seems to play a role in some patients, but not all. Another area for future research is the role of dietary helpers in the treatment of acne. Although there has been some research suggesting that probiotics and foods rich in antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids and zinc may hold promise, this is an area that needs further research.
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Liquid Chlorophyll Is Not Proven To Clear Acne Or Reduce Redness
Some TikTok users say drinking liquid chlorophyll in your water can give you clearer skin, with less acne and redness.
While some small studies indicate topical chlorophyllin, a derivative of chlorophyll that you apply to your skin, can cut down on redness, there is no data to suggest that liquid chlorophyll can do the same, Shah said.
Even though it isn’t a magic solution for acne, Shah said you may see slight changes if you try it anyway.
“Liquid chlorophyll has not been proven to have any effect on acne or redness, but given its anti-inflammatory properties, it could have some benefit,” Shah told Insider.
“Also, users are drinking more water as a result of this liquid chlorophyll trend, so adequate hydration may also be playing a role.”
Can I Do Microneedling At Home To Treat Acne
While microneedling can promote skin cell regeneration, which may help diminish hyperpigmentation and acne scars, it should not be done at home. Furthermore, you never want to microneedle skin that has active acne.
You are puncturing your skin and opening it to infection. Your home will not be a sterile environment. You should not have microneedling done unless youve first tried skincare products to treat these conditions. A Pure Skin Pro Organic CIT Facial Treatment mimics microneedling through a natural blend of unique plants combined to meet your unique skin needs and applied as a finely milled powder.
An organic CIT facial helps treat elastosis, pigment, scarring, acne, and signs of aging. This is an affordable alternative to microneedling which is done by a licensed esthetician. Theres no puncture in your skin and its all done using equipment and implements that are cleansed and sterilized with hospital-grade disinfectants or are made to be disposable.
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Heres Why Chlorophyll Is Awesome For Your Skin
You might be familiar with Chlorophyll but what might be unusual is that it is beneficial for your skin. Yes, only plants dont need chlorophyll, but you can use it too for fabulous skin.
Chlorophyll is a magical potion that is beneficial for various skin ailments. Some studies have also shown positive results in healing cancer to some extent as well. It is full of vitamins and antioxidants and is actually super good for humans too. Chlorophyll benefits for skin are actually quite a few and prove that green is actually good for health.
In this article, we will learn some amazing facts and benefits of chlorophyll and how it can help with skin issues.
It Has Properties Of Building Blood
The benefits of drinking chlorophyll further include blood-building properties. Chemically chlorophyll is similar to hemoglobin, which is the building block of red blood cells. Just like hemoglobin, chlorophyll also provides oxygen to the cells of the body.
A 2014 study has shown that something rich in chlorophyll content such as wheatgrass juice effectively builds your blood and gets rid of blood-related conditions such as thalassemia and anemia.
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Health & Wellnessvitamin Pills And Supplements Aren’t Helping Most People Doctors Say
Woolery-Lloyd also said that too much chlorophyll can stain teeth, so that might be something to look out for. Farris noted that some people had reported gastrointestinal upset, but that’s common with many supplements. Katta also pointed out that supplements do not require approval from the Food and Drug Administration , so people should be careful about using the products.
Farris said that while the research is slim, the “user experience” also matters.
“This is widely available on the market if people were getting sick from it, we would probably know at this point,” she said. “There’s user experience as well, and I always say long-term use of something is a pretty good judge of safety, but the efficacy part and the benefit part is still really lacking .”
What Are The Benefits Of Chlorophyll For Skin Health
Chlorophyll has a richly green, natural pigment and serves as an essential element in the biological process of photosynthesis in plants. It also possesses incredible skin benefits that can be utilized in your skincare. Chlorophylls rich antioxidant properties make it beneficial to the skin for many reasons: 1. it’s both cleansing and purifying to prevent the onset of breakouts 2. it aids in the reduction of skin inflammation. Its anti-inflammatory properties assist wounded cells in repairing themselves, according to a study by The National Center for Biotechnology Information.
Chlorophyll is also incredibly rich in vitamins A, C, E, and K, which all play an equally important role in your skin appearing radiant, rejuvenated, and youthful. It can visibly reduce the appearance of dark spots, fine lines, and wrinkles, which are often the result of sun damage. Find it in the Superfood Cleanser and the Superfood Air-Whip Moisture Creamfor both, check out this superfood skincare duo.
Magnesium is a key component in chlorophylls molecular makeup. Though low levels of magnesium correlate with dry, itchy, and inflamed skin, higher levels of magnesium assist in properly moving and storing oxygen in skin cells which will provide sustenance and nourishment for your skin.
Shop the Superfood Air-Whip Moisture Cream here and the Superfood Cleanser here.
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It Is Almost Like Inviting A Sun Rash Or A Sunburn Explained A Doctor
It is no secret that TikTok and Instagram are from where most beauty junkies get their tips. The apps contain tricks and trends, and some really bizarre ingredients. As such, it has managed to make another trend social media popular: drinking chlorophyll water. Yes, the very green ingredient found in plants, which gives them the green colour and helps with photosynthesis.
Content creators are apparently chugging it down because it heals acne and the redness caused by it.
But, is it really efficient? To understand it, we connected with Dr Kaleem Khan, MD, Consultant Dermatologist at Wockhardt Hospital Mumbai Central.
What is chlorophyll?
Healthline defines it as one that plays an important role in making plants green and healthy. It also has vitamins, antioxidants, and therapeutic properties that have the potential to benefit your body.
Chlorophyll can either be obtained from plants or through supplements. One thing to keep in mind, however, is that this ingredient does not get absorbed enough.
Doeschlorophyll have any effect on acne?
Directly it does not have any effect on treating acne whatsoever, Dr Khan says. So what happens when we consume it?
Just like plants, chlorophyll attracts sunlight to your skin and that way, it can have some role to play in treating acne or the eruptions, says the dermatologist.
