I recently came across the term phytoceramides and was wondering about how they bring about a miracle to the skin to make it look a decade younger. And while researching more about the miraculous molecule, I read a very good review about it by a product analyst named Michelle reviewing hundreds of such products. I am giving her review as it is. Hopefully it will clear doubts in your mind about whether to take plant based phytoceramide supplements or not for a healthy skin.
What are Phytoceramides?
Phytoceramides have recently got green signal by the FDA. As such, ceramides which are usually produced from animals are in use for many years.
Phytoceramides, on the other hand, are extracted from wheat, rice or sweet potato. Phyto means plant based.
Ceramides have been used in skin and hair care products for their property of locking in moisture and keep the skin look youthful. This substance penetrates all the four layers of skin. Because of its ability of locking moisture in, it hardly allows skin to wrinkle and thus the person looks younger.
Phytoceramides have the same properties beneficial to skin; plus they have the added advantage of being purely plant based.
Working of Phytoceramides
- Phytoceramides consist of lipids resembling those in our skin. So, they easily mimic the action of our skin components.
- They have the ability to penetrate all the four layers of our skin.
- Because of their ability to retain moisture, they keep our skin hydrated and keep it away from wrinkles.
- They stimulate collagen production which makes the skin plumper and increases its elasticity.
- They also stimulate the production of a barrier against inflammations and infections, to prevent problems like dry skin, patches and sun damage.
- Thus phytoceramides slow down the process of aging and even can reverse its signs like crow’s feet, from inside out.
Clinical Research
Michelle reviewed the clinical researches about the claims of phytoceramides of making skin look younger and has given in summary what she found. She found just four (unfortunately) studies:
- The first study is done on 51 women which stated that when a wheat-based phytoceramide was prescribed to these women, hydration of skin was increased and dryness of skin reduced significantly.
- The second study was focused on the causes of “atopic” dry skin and inferred that “an inadequacy of ceramides in the stratum corneum is an etiological factor in atopic dry skin”.
- The third study is by Jung et al done in 2011 and has associated phytoceramides to improved brain functions and also has concluded that phytoceramides could help treat brain disorders like Alzheimer’s.
- The fourth study is by Sekiya et al also done in 2011 and has found that certain phytoceramides could enhance natural immunity to viral infections.
Why to Take Phytoceramide Tablet Instead of Topical Application?
Many women wonder that when many of their beauty products have ceramides in them, what is the need to take phytoceramide tablets.
Michelle’s opinion, after reviewing all the researches and opinions on phytoceramides, is that upon application of a cream, the ceramide in it sinks in the top layer and at the most second layer of skin. When fillers are used they just fill the wrinkles in the top layer and mask them, rather than treating them. On the other hand, when phytoceramide tablets are taken, they start working from within the body causing internal improvements which show outward; thus the root cause of wrinkles and aging signs are reversed and treated.
Moreover taking a tablet is far less problematic than a half-hour daily routine of applying expensive skin creams, rubs, scrubs, massages and what not! If you are a busy woman, you would certainly prefer taking a tablet than spending your valuable time in a lengthy skin care regime, for a far better result.
Choosing Phytoceramides
There are lots of phytoceramide products in the market which may make you daunted about which one to buy. Here are some simple tips:
- It should contain at least 350mg of phytoceramides.
- It should have “plant-based phytoceramides” printed on the pack.
- If you have gluten sensitivity, choose phytoceramides derived from rice or sweet potato.
- It should have been manufactured in a FDA-approved laboratory.
- Choose pure organic products with no artificial ingredients or fillers.
- Buy from a trusted vendor or online shop.
- Check reviews before buying.
- Keep away from “free” trials. They ask you to pay for shipping and often you are locked into an auto-shipping process which makes it difficult and sometimes even impossible to cancel.
- Last but not the least, before taking any supplement or medicine, discuss with your healthcare provider and if s/he agrees with it, only then start taking the product.
