When it comes to taking care of your skin, the best advice comes from experts at your local acne treatment clinic, who can examine your skin and find the right treatments that suit your particular skin type and circumstances.
However, between appointments there always seems to be a trending topic in the skincare world, and one of the most questionable in recent weeks is the trend surrounding chlorophyll water and its alleged effects on the skin.
Whilst not the first time chlorophyll as a skincare boost has been explored, its rapid emergence of popularity thanks to being picked up by social media has led to questions about whether it works and whether it is safe.
Some people may swear by it, but there is a lack of evidence that it does more widely, and there are some quite unpleasant side effects.
What Is Chlorophyll?
Chlorophyll is the substance within plants that gives them their green pigment and allows them to photosynthesise light energy into chemical energy. It is often found in leafy greens such as spinach, kale and broccoli.
Most people who eat a diet with some vegetables or plants in it will ingest some degree of chlorophyll, but chlorophyll water is made from a more concentrated form of the compound known as chlorophyllin.
This compound is usually added to water and it is claimed that it can very quickly help reduce acne and create a glowing look to the skin, as well as help assist weight loss and reduce body odour.
Both are rich in vitamins A, C and E, and like many skincare trends, one can see the root of the idea that it might help encourage healthy skin.
However, as with so many claims like this, the devil is in the details, and this is where the wonder of chlorophyll water sours somewhat.
Small Sample Sizes
So eating leafy greens is obviously good for you, and there are studies that suggest that copper chlorophyllin (the substance in chlorophyll water) can help alleviate acne. However, there are some very important aspects of these studies that need to be kept in mind.
The first is that these are very small pilot studies done to check if there is even anything worth studying. Small sample sizes are not indicative of wider trends.
The second, and by far the bigger problem is that chlorophyllin is effective when applied topically as a gel or mixed into a cream, not by drinking it.
As well as this, whilst chlorophyll is not believed to be toxic, it does have some quite unpleasant side effects, such as sharp stomach pains, nausea and vomiting. It also tends to stain the teeth and the tongue, but that is a far more temporary effect.
Ultimately, always consult an expert before taking a new supplement, be aware that there is little science to support the bolder claims, and do not take chlorophyll water in place of clinically recommended treatments, especially if you have a diagnosed skin condition that requires a strong treatment.
