The word ceramide comes from the Latin cera (wax) and amide. Ceramide is a component of vernix caseosa, the waxy or cheese-like white substance found coating the skin of newborn human infants. It is important that we understand what Ceramides, which make up a good portion of the constituent of Phytoceramides, are: Ceramides are known as lipids, and they are the essential elements that make up most of the outer layer of the skin. They are there for protection, and also help keep the skin hydrated. As we grow older, the level of Ceramides in the skin falls; this leaves the skin prone to damage and aging, and is the process that results in us gaining wrinkles and having dry skin. Furthermore, exposure to the sun, and to pollutants in the air, can accelerate the aging process, and this is where Phytoceramides come in very useful.
Phytoceramides, by adding the essential elements into the skin to combat the natural effects of age, act by replacing the lost ceramides, and also by introducing plant-based elements that have been found to be naturally helpful. It is no exaggeration to say that the aging process is one fact of life that we all fear; as we get older we change, and not always for the better, so how can we possibly fight against what is, after all, a natural progression? You will often read about ‘miracle’ anti-aging supplements, and sadly you will find that most do not do what it says on the tin. However, there is one that has made people sit up and take notice thanks to its impressive results: Phytoceramides may just be the answer that we have all been looking for.
Phytoceramides work by keeping the skin moisturized to a degree that enables it to remain in a healthy state; however, it is not just the production of collagen and elastin that the product enables. Also within the supplement are a number of essential and worthwhile vitamins, designed to add to the process. In fact, Phytoceramides includes Ceramides, an important substance that not only helps protect against damaging pollution but also keeps us shielded from the harmful UV rays of the sun.
There is a concern over whether or not phytoceramides are safe for people with gluten allergies. This is because phytoceramides are commonly wheat-based and even if most of the gluten is removed, there are reports that they have caused problems. In addition, many phytoceramides users have said that reactions have occurred on an almost regular basis even without a gluten allergy. In many cases, users report that phytoceramides make help for a few days or few weeks, just one bad day can cause dry, itchy skin that bothers the user. One should keep in mind that the effects will not be instantly visible and can take some time. That being said, one can take phytoceramides along with Vitamin C which is known to really good for skin.
One can use these two externally and see the benefits with the passing of time.