Almost two years ago, phytoceramides burst onto the American market. Blog posts, research articles and even newspapers accompanied their debut. Reporters, doctors, Hollywood stars and housewives all thoroughly discussed the benefits that phytoceramides have for worn, lifeless skin. Phytoceramides in topical products and also supplement form are now sold extensively on the internet and in local stores. All this popularity and yet many of us do not know what phytoceramides are or how they work.
A Word about our Skin
Our skin is the largest organ in our body. In fact, the average adult has a little over twenty square feet of skin! Our skin is made up of three layers: the hypodermis, dermis and the epidermis. Within these layers, skin cells produce ceramides. These natural oils are present in every layer of the skin, but are especially concentrated in the epidermis, or topmost layer of the skin, where they work hard to keep the skin soft, moist and flexible. As we enter adulthood, our skin cells begin decreasing the amount of ceramides that they produce. This decrease is gradual and consistent. Along with this lack of natural hydrating oils, our skin takes a beating every day from life in general, the sun’s harmful UV rays, and a variety of pollutants. Together these factors cause our skin to become thin, dry and marred by wrinkles and spots.
What Phytoceramides are and How they Work
Plants produce oils which are almost identical in structure to our own ceramides. These are called phytoceramides. Years ago, the Japanese pioneered the extraction of phytoceramides from plants and began studying their anti-aging effects on skin. After rigorous testing to guarantee the safety and benefits of phytoceramides, the Japanese Ministry of Health and Welfare approved their general use. Phytoceramides were soon added to facial creams and lotions, and customers began to reap the benefits of replenishing their own dwindling ceramides with phytoceramides.
In 2014, the Food and Drug Association approved the use of phytoceramides in the United States. Phytoceramides in topical products and also capsule form have flooded the market since then. When used internally or externally, phytoceramides make their way to our skin cells, where they help repair skin tissue, encourage the production of collagen and regulate moisture. Each of these contribute to smoothing out wrinkles, fading age spots and restoring elasticity to help us look and feel younger.
A Caution and Secondary Benefits for Phytoceramides
Phytoceramides are found in practically every plant, and simply eating spinach, sweet potatoes and other vegetables, as well as a variety of fruits gives our body small amounts of phytoceramides. In order to efficiently replace our ceramides and rejuvenate our skin, it is necessary to use a concentrated form of phytoceramides. The phytoceramides which are used in concentrated supplements are generally extracted from wheat and rice. So if you have an allergy to wheat, stay alert and avoid phytoceramides from wheat sources. Instead, look for those that are extracted from soy and rice, and carry a “wheat free” label.
Besides the risk of triggering a wheat allergy, phytoceramides have no other potential side effects and they do have two secondary benefits. The first is that by rejuvenating our skin through the use of phytoceramides, we are also contributing to our overall health. Our skin is an important barrier against bacteria, viruses and fungi, and by strengthening it, we are protecting ourselves from a variety of infections. Secondly, phytoceramides are identical to plant sterols, which when used faithfully decrease the danger of coronary disease.
Phytoceramides rehydrate and repair dry, flaccid skin. They fade age spots and decrease wrinkles and lines. Along with that, they give our immune system a boost and help prevent heart problems. Phytoceramides are natural and have no unpleasant side effects. What an amazing amount of benefits packed into one tiny capsule or dollop of lotion!
