I’ve noticed chlorophyll water popping up as a solution to acne as well as body odor. It’s the new health trend that boasts this drink as something of a miracle. TikTok has shown people posting about their acne clearing up. I’ve had friends and the internet at large boast how it made them smell neutral – no deodorant needed!
Chlorophyll water is made using a dietary supplement called liquid chlorophyll. And while the claims are interesting, they seem dubious at best.
And look. I don’t want to sound like a complete cynic when these things come along. But it’s easy to get caught up in the hype. We all want an easy fix. But when it comes to your skin’s health, is it worth it to do this?
Let’s break down the hype.
The Benefits of Chlorophyll
Chlorophyll is derived from plants and it’s what gives their their rich, green color. The deeper green that a plant is (think kale) the more chlorophyll that it contains.
Scientists have done studies to show that there is a link between your diet and your skin. When it comes to eating leafy greens, it’s amazing for your health.
Greens are rich with vitamins A, C, E, and K. All which work to keep your skin looking youthful. Scientists also know that liquid chlorophyll can promote red blood cell production. This can give skin a more ‘glowy’ appearance.
But if you have a diet that’s rich in greens already, you don’t need liquid chlorophyll. You’re already getting enough to feel the benefits.
Chlorophyll on its own contains antioxidants, and is anti-inflammatory and antibacterial.
You can even use liquid chlorophyll topically to help with the quality of your skin. Especially for those of you that are breakout prone and oily. In a 2015 study, participants saw great improvement on their skin’s quality after three weeks. These results refer to topical usage only from using chlorophyllin cream.
Scientists are conducting small trials to see the effects of chlorophyll water on acne. And while the results are promising, there’s not enough data to form a conclusion.
Are There Side Effects From Chlorophyll Water?
If you decide to drink liquid chlorophyll daily, make sure to wear sunscreen. It can make you more photosensitive and susceptible to burning.
As someone who hopped on this trend, I can tell you liquid chlorophyll is highly pigmented. Obviously, it’s what gives plants its color. But if you’re not careful while using this, it will stain.
If you struggle with redness in your skin, this might be perfect for you. Using liquid chlorophyll topically may have enough pigmentation to offset the redness. This could give you a balanced complexion.
Conclusions
If you find that liquid chlorophyll works for you, then keep doing what you’re doing! (And don’t forget the sunscreen.)
I didn’t like the flavor or the mess, so I’ll stick to skin care with greens added. I made a list recently of green tea based skin care products. Green tea and matcha both contain chlorophyll so you’re sure to feel the benefits.
Have you tried the chlorophyll water trend? What were your results? Would you recommend it to others? I’d love to hear more from you in the comments below.
Sources:
What Is Chlorophyll — And How Can It Help My Skin?
The Benefits of Chlorophyll Water, Explained
Can Drinking Liquid Chlorophyll Clear Up Acne Like the TikTok Trend Claims?