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New beauty trends come and go with the seasons, with some such as gua sha sticking for the long haul, while others (we’re looking at you toothpaste on pimples) fading away once it’s been proven ineffective in improving your overall complexion. Over the past several months, liquid chlorophyll has risen in popularity as a new method for keeping aging at bay, improving the texture and appearance of your skin while reducing fine lines and wrinkles.
But just as with any fast growing fad, it begs the question: is liquid chlorophyll actually useful for anti-aging, or would you merely be drinking plant juice with minimal effect on the skin? We checked in with board certified dermatologist Dr. Deanne Mraz Robinson, Chief Medical Officer of Ideal Image, and Dr. Kim Harris, ND about the true impact of liquid chlorophyll on your skin and the possible side effects, and this is what they had to say.
Chlorophyll is the green pigment which is known for giving plants their particular hue. In addition, chlorophyll also helps to capture sunlight and promote the process of photosynthesis, making it essential to the environment. But does that mean it’s also good for your skin? Robinson certainly thinks so.
“Chlorophyll is loaded with potent skin-friendly antioxidants, namely C, A, E and K. These antioxidants are proven to help fight and reverse cellular damage caused by our encounters with toxins in our everyday life,” she notes, explaining that not only this, but drinking liquid chlorophyll can also help to improve your immune system, and support a healthy gut. This will consequently impact your body as a whole and brighten your complexion when consumed regularly.
Naturally found in leafy greens such as spinach, kale, parsley, and arugula, drinking liquid chlorophyll streamlines your diet and offers an influx of this pigment so you can get the maximum benefits without necessarily having to load up on these greens. It’s well known that certain foods can have a major impact on your skin for better or for worse, so it stands to reason that a supplement derived from such nutritious foods would make changes to your complexion as you’re inundated with more vitamins and minerals.
“According to some research, chlorophyll can help reduce signs of photoaging (aging caused by UV rays), prevent wrinkles, and improve skin elasticity,” notes Harris. It has also been said to improve collagen production which would ultimately improve the elasticity of the skin, but research is still being conducted as to the extent of its impact. However, it does provide antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits as well.
As for how much liquid chlorophyll you should be consuming in a healthy diet, Robinson suggests between 100 to 300 milligrams about 3x per day mixed in with a full glass of water each time. Side effects are fortunately minimal, but it’s worth noting that as you are consuming it orally you may experience some digestive issues as your body adjusts to the addition of chlorophyll into your diet.
“If you experience GI cramping or diarrhea, you should decrease your dose. Just like with most new medications, supplements and products it’s often a good idea to start slow and work your way up to the recommended full dose,” Robinson says.
When looking into purchasing a chlorophyll concentrate, Harris notes that it may fall under a variety of names in order for the powder to be better digested. “To be more absorbable and stable, dietary supplements including liquid chlorophyll use chlorophyllin instead, a synthetic water-soluble derivative of chlorophyll with additional copper salts. You may find it listed on the labels as “sodium copper chlorophyllin” or “chlorophyllin copper complex.” Ideally, you should see results between 2-4 weeks, but keep in mind that if you already have a diet which is high in leafy greens, you may already be getting all the nutrients you need and your results may be minimal.
There are undeniably plenty of beauty fads which make little actual impact on your complexion, but according to dermatologists, liquid chlorophyll is not one of them. Start out with one glass a day to ease your system in, and in just a few weeks you should notice visibly brighter and tighter skin so long as you maintain an overall healthy lifestyle and continue to maintain your skincare routine as well. Diet plays a major role in the appearance of your skin, and liquid chlorophyll is a nutritious supplement which can improve your health from the inside out.
