Ceramides are lipids that are naturally occurring both in human skin and in certain plants and animal products. When ceramides are derived from plants, they are called “phytoceramides.” Their function in the outer layer of the skin (or epidermis) is to create a barrier that protects the skin from infection and to maintain moisture. Ceramides are commonly used in many topical cosmetics, including lipstick and many moisturizing creams. They penetrate the top layer of the skin, mimicking the natural moisture barrier.
Even healthy skin changes as we age. It loses its natural moisture and elasticity, resulting in fine lines and wrinkles that if left untreated, grow deeper and more noticeable. Aging skin is also prone to pigmentation changes, developing age spots and other discolorations over time. Skin also becomes duller in appearance, and the compromised moisture barrier can increase the risk of dermatitis and infections.
Phytoceramides are best taken orally and when they’ve had time to restore lost ceramides can help with smoothing the wrinkles. And there’s professional agreement among plastic surgeons and research scientists about the ability of phytoceramides to bring about skin restoration. Most people are concerned about their face and for good reason. The face is enormously important for our self esteem and other important life and social situations. However the phytoceramides benefits are not limited to the face. Since they’re taken orally, your entire body will receive the benefits. And there is relief for people suffering from eczema and psoriasis.
The process takes time as the effect works its way from the inside to the outside. Initial visible results will appear after a week or 2. After 4 weeks your friends and family will start to comment and around 12 weeks you should have the full effect.
Phytoceramides are taken by mouth as opposed to topically considering that they can get in the blood stream. This allows them to work from the inside out, enhancing not just the face but the entire physical body.
- hydrates completely dry skin
- lessens fine lines and wrinkles
- assists the whole body
- heals itchy skin
- plumbs and lifts drooping locations
Scientific studies have repeatedly shown that ceramides are safe. In fact, ceramides are a natural part of the human diet, occurring in wheat, rice, soy and spinach, as well as some animal-based foods. Phytoceramides–those derived from plants rather than animal sources–are thought to be even safer for consumption, since there is no risk of animal-borne illnesses.
Ceramides are natural skin-based lipid molecules that have shown critical importance in preserving skin’s youthful appearance and texture, as well as providing strong defenses against skin diseases. Their essential role is in the maintenance of water-retaining properties of the skin, protecting against water loss of both physical trauma and aging. With age, the presence of ceramides in the skin decreases. However, topical creams that contain ceramides have shown only modest effectiveness. When taken orally, phytoceramides are transported deep into the cells of all layers of the skin and work from the inside out. Rigorous clinical studies show that oral wheat-derived phytoceramides increase skin hydration, smoothness, suppleness, and other measures of youthful skin. Ceramides may also protect against skin-based infections and diseases.
