Skin care products containing phytoceramides have been available in Japan for hundreds of years, but before I go any further allow me to take a moment and explain what phytoceramides are. They are oil molecules which are extracted from plants, to be specific from rice, wheat and sweet potatoes. Japanese consumers appreciate these phytoceramides for the way that they penetrate deep into the dermis and produce an intense rehydration of the skin, leaving it supple, healthy and beautiful. It wasn’t until 2014 that the Food and Drug Administration gave its approval for phytoceramide products to be commercialized within the United States. Since then experienced dermatologists and other members of the scientific community have affirmed that phytoceramides have anti-aging benefits, as well as no risk of side effects.
Skin cells produce ceramides, which are oils that naturally moisturize our skin. During our teenage years, our skin frequently produced too many ceramides and as a result, we suffered from black heads and acne. With age, our skin decreases its production of ceramides and as a result becomes dry, flaccid and marred by wrinkles and spots. Up until now, various treatments and surgeries have been developed to tone limp skin, smooth out wrinkles and fade age spots. These treatments have met with differing degrees of success, but research is now proving that phytoceramides are a safer and more efficient alternative to these treatments.
In Asia, phytoceramides were usually applied topically, in the form of facial creams and lotions. These topical products are efficient, but their benefits are limited to the areas where they are consistently applied. Most of us also know from experience that it takes time to rub lotion or cream into extensive areas of skin. Since phytoceramides were approved by the FDA, studies have indicated that they are also beneficial when taken internally. When ingested, a capsule of high-quality phytoceramides is quickly absorbed into the blood stream and distributed to all parts of the body. The phytoceramides then begin rejuvenating the skin from the inner hypodermis all the way up to outer layer, called the epidermis. These phytoceramides work from the inside out and they reach every patch of dry skin and wrinkle all over our bodies. Studies show that within four weeks, the skin begins to regain youthful fullness, elasticity and smoothness.
Rejuvenating our skin through the use of phytoceramides is important for cosmetic reasons, but it also has an undeniable impact on our overall health. The skin plays a major part in protecting us from the sun’s harmful rays, as well as from viruses, bacteria and fungi. As our bodies decrease the production of collagen and ceramides, our skin breaks down and this vital barrier is weakened. Phytoceramides encourage the body to produce collagen, replace the missing ceramides and aid in the repair of skin tissue, so that our skin is once again a formable defense against infections and inflammations.
Phytoceramides are an excellent supplement for health and beauty reasons and there is no risk of unpleasant side effects. However, it is good to remember that for any supplement it is important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions. The usual dosage for phytoceramides is a single capsule of 350 grams taken one time a day with a meal. Phytoceramides are truly an outstanding supplement. With only one capsule a day, you can enjoy having skin that looks and feels better and know that your skin is protecting you as it should!
