“Phytoceramides” is a big word that has made its way into medical journals, health magazines and the labels of popular skincare products. Grandiose promises and high expectations surround phytoceramides. Have you ever wondered if those promises are too good to be true? Or if phytoceramides will fulfill your expectations?
In this article, I hope to explain to you the origin of phytoceramides and how they work to rejuvenate your skin, and also take a look at their benefit-cost ratio. I will show you what can be realistically expected from phytoceramides and whether it is wise to put your money on them.
Phytoceramides: Moisturizing Oils from Plants
Our skin cells begin tapering off their production of ceramides when we are in our mid-twenties. Ceramides are oils which are responsible for our skin’s smoothness, elasticity and hydration. As these natural oils decrease, our skin loses its fullness, becomes dry and soon develops wrinkles and spots. Phytoceramides are oils found in plants that are almost identical to our own ceramides.
The Japanese are credited with being the first to extract phytoceramides from plants and add it to facial creams and lotions. Other countries have followed Japan’s example and today topical products containing high-quality phytoceramides are available all over the world. Studies done in Japan and the United States prove that phytoceramides infiltrate deep into our skin where they provide intensive hydration. Over a period of weeks, this hydration tightens flaccid skin, smoothes out wrinkles and lines and helps fade age spots.
Phytoceramides and Its Friends Nourish our Skin
Many women long to have what is called “dewy skin”, in other words skin that is youthful and radiant. Consistent hydration with phytoceramides and other essential nutrients is a major step towards that goal. In-depth research has shown that coupling phytoceramides with proteins, vitamins A, C and E and other moisturizing products increases their efficiency.
Proteins are essential for our skin, because they provide a variety of amino acids which build and repair skin cells. Vitamins A, C and E give our cells the nutrients necessary to remain healthy, while the moisturizers sink into our skin and are locked in by the phytoceramides. Whether you hope to have dewy skin or simply healthy skin, phytoceramides, proper vitamins and proteins and quality moisturizers are vital to reverse sun damage and signs of aging on your skin.
Any Side Effects to Worry about?
I have very sensitive skin and worrying about side effects has become a habit for me. Thankfully, with phytoceramides there is no need to worry. Phytoceramides are natural oils, which are taken directly from plants, and studies have shown that there are no unpleasant side effects. Occasionally you will find a phytoceramide product that contains other ingredients which may cause problems for especially sensitive skin. In this case, I would suggest that you look for a hypoallergenic facial cream or lotion with phytoceramides. There are a variety of options available!
Benefits vs. Cost
We have seen that phytoceramides have many benefits. No matter what your age is, using high-quality phytoceramides on a daily basis will reverse and prevent the wrinkles, dryness and lack of elasticity that accompany aging.
There is a wide variety of phytoceramide products available today for any price that you can imagine. Unfortunately, not all of them are good quality. A bad quality product will cost you a pretty penny, while delivering few results. So, be careful to research the phytoceramide products that you purchase. Quality phytoceramides will give you outstanding results, which makes them an excellent investment.
