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Let’s talk about Chlorella skin benefits. Since it’s one of the most hyped green superfoods out here.
I used to take the supplement myself when I was younger. And after doing a lot of research I have now started to take it again. Simply because I feel convinced it will help to preserve my skin in the long run.
In this post, I’ll explain what chlorella contains and why that matters to your health. And more importantly, the effects it may have on your skin, and how it might help with slowing down aging.
I’ll also give some examples of supplements that I recommend (because they are not all equal).
This is what I’ll cover:
- What is Chlorella
- Chlorella for anti aging
- Chlorella benefits for skin
- Chlorella vs Spirulina
- Best Chlorella supplement
- Summary
This post explains all you need to know about the green superfood called Chlorella. Learn what Chlorella does to your body and your skin. What distinguish Chlorella from Spirulina. And what supplement to consider.
What Is Chlorella?
- Chlorella is a nutrient-dense green alga that grows in freshwater.
- It was first produced and sold as a health food supplement in Asia (mostly Japan). And is today a popular supplement worldwide.
- It has a high content of vitamins, minerals, and many different antioxidants (such as chlorophyll). Plus it contains all essential amino acids.
- Chlorella is also rich in something called Chlorella growth factors (CGF). Which in turn has been shown to potentially be able to improve DNA and RNA functions.
With that basic info, let’s go more in-depth about Chlorella for anti-aging and all its benefits for the skin.
Chlorella for anti aging
Several studies have shown that the antioxidants and other bioactive compounds in Chlorella can improve human health.
Here is a brief overview of what this alga can do (according to science) for your overall health and immune system.
– First of all, Chlorella has the ability to lower inflammation in our bodies. Which improves any health status and helps to slow down the pace of aging.
– Chlorella is also shown to be able to protect our cells from DNA damage. A major concern when it comes to aging in general.
– Another exciting discovery is that Chlorella potentially has cancer-killing effects. And that the CGF may play an important role in damaging cancer cells.
– Chlorella has also been shown to help with weight loss, lower blood sugar levels, and increase insulin sensitivity.
– Another interesting discovery is that Chlorella seems to be able to reduce some heavy metals when taken as supplements over 90 days.
With that said, let’s expand the anti aging properties of Chlorella, and talk specifically about what it does to your skin.
Chlorella Skin benefits
This list of chlorella benefits for the skin is quite long and interesting.
– Chlorella helps reduce sun damage. And this is due to all the powerful antioxidants as well as the CGF and its ability to reduce DNA damage.
– The antioxidants in chlorella include chlorophyll, carotenoids, vitamin C and E, and zinc. All very potent micronutrients when it comes to fighting free radicals and preventing skin damage.
– Ingesting chlorella also seems to improve conditions like atopic dermatitis. But more research is needed.
– As mentioned above, Chlorella is also anti-inflammatory. And less inflammation in the skin means less damage to the collagen and elastin. And therefore less wrinkles.
– Finally, Chlorella is the richest source you can find of Chlorophyll. An antioxidant with reported positive effects on wrinkles and elasticity.
Chlorophyll is a molecule in plants that transport oxygen. Very similar to our own hemoglobin (but with magnesium in the center instead of iron).
Chlorella vs Spirulina
Spirulina is another (just as popular) alga that is common as supplements. And in case you’re wondering if they are equivalent, this section will explain the difference between chlorella vs spirulina.
Chlorella and spirulina are actually very similar. They are both very nutrient-dense and provide a plethora of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. And they both have similar potential health benefits.
Both chlorella and spirulina also contain all essential amino acids.
There are a few things that set them apart though. Listed below:
- Spirulina is a sort of cyanobacteria that is categorized in the blue-green algae family. While Chlorella is a type of green alga.
- While spirulina can be digested if eaten as food, chlorella cannot. It has to be taken as a supplement where the cell walls are broken.
- Chlorella is richer in chlorophyll, omega 3 fatty acids, riboflavin, magnesium, iron, and zinc.
- Spirulina is richer in thiamine (vitamin B1), copper, and also has slightly more protein.
- And lastly, only chlorella contains the molecule complex Chlorophyll Growth Factor (CGF).
Tip: see my post about foods that help tighten the skin to learn more about what to eat for healthy skin.
Best Chlorella supplement
As mentioned above, chlorella supplements must be as “broken cell walls” form. Otherwise, you’ll not be able to absorb any of the nutrients.
I also highly recommend you chose a chlorella supplement that is grown organically.
For pure chlorella, I recommend either this powder or these tablets.
They are both organic and from Taiwan. And considered to be the purest in the world.
Another supplement I really like is the green superfood powder from Amazing grass. It has a whole mixture of different green powders such as Chlorella, spirulina, wheatgrass, barley grass, broccoli, etc. And includes some berries and probiotics too. Everything is organic and it is sweetened with some stevia which makes it really tasty (at least I think so). I have been taking this for years now and will never stop. I love it!
You find it here and it comes in different sizes.
It can be added to a smoothie. Or just mixed with water (that is how I drink it).
Personally, I use the mixed powder as I have done in the last few years. And then I nowadays add about a milliliter of the Chlorella powder mentioned above.
I always order my supplements from Iherb. And they ship worldwide. If you use my links, you get a 10% discount on your first order. Or 5 % off if you are a recurring customer.
Summary
- Chlorella is a very nutrient-dense alga that seems to have promising effects on the skin as well as overall health. One of the effects is to lower inflammation, which in turn helps protect your skin from wrinkles.
- Besides being rich in vitamins and minerals. it also has a very high amount of antioxidants that reduce sun damage and other stress factors that age the skin.
- Chlorella is the highest containing chlorophyll source. A potent antioxidant that also has been shown to increase collagen production.
- Chlorella is also rich in CGFs which helps repair DNA-damage.
For these reasons, I personally consider chlorella to a beauty alga that I want to supplement with.
Just remember that as with all other supplements, foods, skin care products, etc. It is just a part of the puzzle.
If you are serious about delaying aging of your skin and improving the concerns you already have, make sure to read more of my blog posts to learn how.
For example, read why you must wear sunscreen every day of the year. How to plan your diet in order to improve collagen production. And how to improve and prevent saggy skin (since that concern needs even more measures).
As always, let me know in the comments below if you have any questions. Or own experiences of Chlorella supplements.
Until next time, love your skin!
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Ann, I have been looking for more information about chlorophyll and have found it in this post. Thank you so much. I really enjoyed reading it.
Mary
You’re very welcome Mary 🙂
Hi Ann, thank you for your amazing information, it is like going down a rabbit hole! Can you tell me if you take a multivitamin or is not needed?
Thanks in advance,
Terena
Thank you so much Terena! I am not a fan of general multivitamin tablets. But it may be a good idea to customize the intake of some vitamin/minerals tablets depending on your personal need, lifestyle, and food intake. Something to remember though is that food is the best source. And some vitamins and minerals can be harmful to take in excess in the form of pills. So it all depends 🙂
These supplements sound quite potent and beneficial for good skin care. Thanks for sharing.
You’re very welcome, Betty 🙂
Hi Ann
Still going through all your amazing information! Thank you, question, do you take both the tablet and amazing grass or one or the other? I make a veg / fruit smoothie couple times a day so would be easy to add the powder, is this enough to see benefits? Thanks
Hi again dear! Yes, I actually do like to use both amazing grass and some extra chlorella on top. I just like to boost it 😀
That is great that you make healthy smoothies daily! And yes, the extra chlorella will give more benefits both short term and long term. Especially for prevention 🙂 It makes a great extra puzzle piece in the anti-aging puzzle 🙂
How many mg of chlorella and how do you take them everyday? Do you take them everyday in a year or take breaks? Thank you for being so informative! Your skin looks amazing
Thank you so much, Abby! I take around half a teaspoon of my chlorella powder and mix it into a smoothie :-). There is also a small amount of chlorella in my other green powder (from amazing grass that I mention) that I take daily, so I feel that is enough. And I try to take this every day yes 🙂
Really enjoy your blog! Are you still taking Sports Research astaxanthin too? xx
Thank you Denise, glad to hear! 🙂 And yes I do 🙂
This was a fascinating read. I can’t wait to try out Chlorella!
Thank you Ally! GLad to hear 🙂
Your articles are a fabulous source of information! Although I use spirulina daily, I had never heard of chlorella. Now I know!
Thank you so much Mihaela! Hope you give chlorella a try too 😀
I liked it better than spirulina. Probably because I cannot get past spirulina smell LOL. I use both in a face mask though, but primarily chlorella internally.
Yes I agree about the taste of spirulina. I prefer chlorella too 🙂
I have never heard of this supplement but I am eager to try it. Thank for another informative post! 🙂
You’re very welcome Robyn 😊
Ive never tried this supplement but it sounds a good one and benefecial. I hope to see it in a local store 🙂
Hope you give it a try 😀
I was not aware of all the health benefits from taking Chlorella. It’s amazing how not only is it anti aging but also anti inflammatory and all the other health benefits.
Happy to help 🙂