So today, we decided to do an overview of such a plant-based product that has been known to humanity for quite a while now. This product is called ‘Phytoceramide’, and it is a type of fatty acid or lipid-based structure derived (naturally!) from plants. It is different from the usual ‘Ceramides’ that may be present in humans, animals, or prepared synthetically.
But what exactly are these ceramides and Phytoceramides? What role do they play in the context of our health and skin, and why are they considered so vital?
Well, as it turns out, we will have to explore and see what benefits it has in store for us and if it is helpful for us or is it just rumors that we have been believing in for so long!
Overview
Centuries ago, people who lived before us were aware of nature’s best secrets. Unlike us, this was their highly natural lifestyle and dependent only on natural and organic stuff.
Undoubtedly this is why our ancestors used to have such flawless and healthy-looking skin. On the other hand, our generation struggles a lot with skin and body-related issues. Almost every other person you come across will have a different story to tell you regarding their struggles with a particular skin concern of theirs.
While, on one hand, we have many products and collections that help take care of our concerns, there are often some remedies and kitchen-based tips and tricks that work better than anything else. The top reason is that these home-based tips and tricks are simply a combined collection of natural or organic, plant-based stuff.
These plant-based products or ingredients pose little to almost no harm to our skin and bodies. A patch or taste test is mandatory, and these concerns are very much seen to subside with these over-the-counter remedies and tricks within a few weeks.
Ceramides and Phytoceramides: The Difference!
Ceramides are a class of lipid molecules that are waxy in nature. They are composed of fatty acids and sphingosine. The majority of them occur in the cell membranes of all eukaryotic cells, which ultimately means that we have them in our skin cells too. [1]
These ceramides help build up the lipid-based skin barrier in our skin, which helps the skin stay hydrated and free from the entry of harmful agents and microorganisms.
Ceramides are essential for keeping your skin moist and preventing germs from entering your body. When the ceramide content of your skin decreases (as it often does with age), it can become dehydrated. You may experience skin issues such as dryness and irritation. Ceramides help your skin’s barrier function, which is your body’s first line of defense against external pollution and toxins. They also aid in brain development and cell function.
In contrast, Phytoceramides are plant-based ceramides. They almost have the same structure, which means that they contain a long chain of fatty acids, but the only difference is that they are seen to occur in plants only. [2] For use on the human body or skin, they are actively derived from wheat, corn, rice, konjac, etc. [3]
But, the question is – if they are plant-based, how are they useful for us? The answer is simple – they help replenish or cover up for the loss or depletion of ceramides present in our body. This is what makes them useful for us, and this is why we use them – sometimes without even realizing it!
Confused? Let us read on more to discover what nature-filled secrets these Phytoceramides hold for us!
Phytoceramides: Benefits And Uses
Ceramide levels in the skin can be reduced by environmental factors, aging, and skin conditions such as eczema. Using a skincare product containing phytoceramides has been shown to improve the skin’s barrier function, reduce irritation, and moisturize the skin, potentially reducing the appearance of fine lines.
Apart from covering up for the natural loss or reduction of ceramides inside the body, there are several other benefits that Phytoceramides have in store for us! If used appropriately and with proper consistency, these Phytoceramides can be the best ever product for your skin and its health. [4]
Let us learn more about these amazing benefits that this plant-based product has the potential of stimulating within our skin:
Perfect Hydrating Agents:
Phytoceramides are tightly bound by the fatty acid chains that they possess in their structure. This structure allows them to stay tightly bound and do not disintegrate easily.
While doing so, these Phytoceramides help keep moisture locked inside the skin. It also helps keep the skin taut, making it appear healthy and not lagging. [5]
Great Anti-Aging Agents:
Phytoceramides help keep your skin stay away from all the signs of premature aging. They do so by keeping the skin safe from stressful agents that might reduce or alter the skin’s integrity and make it appear loose, wrinkled, or more elastic. [6]
By using phytoceramide-infused products, you can stay assured that your skin will be taken care of. But this will happen only if you use it consistently and as an added regimen to your already existing skincare routine to notice a visible difference.
Maintain The Skin’s Barrier:
Certain conditions cause the skin’s protective barrier to be disrupted. The main sign of the skin’s barrier being broken is the escape of hydration from it, which leads to the development of rough, flaky skin, often leading to the development of some skin diseases such as atopic dermatitis, eczema, etc. [7]
From the outside, this property of Phytoceramides helps keep the skin protected against all those agents that could harm it, such as the sunlight, extreme cold, dryness, physical damage, infections, etc.
However, with the usage of Phytoceramides, it was seen that this barrier soon filled up for its irregularities and other issues that caused it to disintegrate, and the skin once again became smooth and flake-free like before.
Phytoceramide Supplement And Dosage
Phytoceramide supplements work as the perfect skin regimen. That works to constantly deliver fatty acid chains to your skin as long as a person takes them. There are different routes for supplementing your skin with the right amount of Phytoceramides that it needs.
There is no such Phytoceramide dosage that is said to be perfect for delivering optimal results. Still, it was seen that consuming up to 10 – 70 milligrams per day was considered relatively safe in humans. [8]
Apart from these phytoceramide supplements, there are phytoceramide-based topical creams that help perform the job without taking any extra pills!
The best time to take Phytoceramides is optimally in the morning or night. However, it is your choice to make, and however you prefer to opt for it, the better it is for you.
Some people who might have more serious problems or more skin damage should opt for taking it more than twice a day as well. So, it all depends on your skin condition in the end. However, take care that you do not overuse it as it may then cause harm to your skin.
Phytoceramide Side Effects
As is the case with several other supplements, the same seems to be the problem with these agents too. Many people wonder, ‘Do Phytoceramides cause weight gain too?’
Well, suppose one views their chemical composition and structure, then yes. In that case, Phytoceramides are indeed made up of fat (they contain fatty acids in their structure!). And using them daily is bound to have a ‘fatty’ impact on your body and blood.
Some studies found Phytoceramides in the blood after their consumption. So people who are restricted from consuming too much fat due to some other underlying illness or condition. Should take care while using them. [9]
Other than this, some allergies have also been reported by people who have sensitive skin. So, when using phytoceramide creams topically, it is better to get a patch test done beforehand.
Phytoceramide Vs. Biotin – How Is The Duo?
Biotin or Vitamin B6 is another important vitamin that is considered useful for the integrity of the skin and hair. [10] It has its individual impacts on the body, whereas Phytoceramides have theirs.
There is no such need to compare either Phytoceramides or biotin with each other – both have their distinct features, and both work in conjunction towards the integrity, strength, and good health of the overall body and skin.
In fact, some supplements have been launched in the markets that have combined the powers of both Biotin and Phytoceramides to yield better and more promising results for the people who consume them.
Bottomline
So, Phytoceramides are plant-based ceramides that work to maintain the natural barrier and integrity of the skin. They have been isolated, extracted, and launched in the markets with the intention of making people retain their skin’s integrity, hydration, and moisturized status back.
People have gained many benefits from using Phytoceramides. It also prevents their skin from aging maturely and helps keep wrinkles and lines away for a considerable time.
But unfortunately, there are also some health risks associated with its usage. Phytoceramides can disrupt your body’s lipid and fat levels and can also aid in triggering allergies if you are someone who harbors sensitive skin. Therefore, you may proceed with Phytoceramide only if it suits your skin. It might be the best-added skin regimen that your skin may have needed if this happens!
Disclaimer: This article is only a guide. It does not substitute the advice given by your own healthcare professional. Before making any health-related decision, consult your healthcare professional.
Editorial References And Fact-Checking
- Coderch, L., López, O., de la Maza, A., & Parra, J. L. (2003). Ceramides and skin function. American journal of clinical dermatology, 4(2), 107–129. https://doi.org/10.2165/00128071-200304020-00004
- Oh, M. J., Cho, Y. H., Cha, S. Y., Lee, E. O., Kim, J. W., Kim, S. K., & Park, C. S. (2017). Novel phytoceramides containing fatty acids of diverse chain lengths are better than a single C18-ceramide N-stearoyl phytosphingosine to improve the physiological properties of human stratum corneum. Clinical, cosmetic and investigational dermatology, 10, 363–371. https://doi.org/10.2147/CCID.S143591
- Dixit, P., Chand, K., Khan, M. P., Siddiqui, J. A., Tewari, D., Ngueguim, F. T., Chattopadhyay, N., & Maurya, R. (2012). Phytoceramides and acylated phytosterol glucosides from Pterospermum acerifolium Willd. seed coat and their osteogenic activity. Phytochemistry, 81, 117–125. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.phytochem.2012.06.005
- Tessema, E. N., Gebre-Mariam, T., Neubert, R., & Wohlrab, J. (2017). Potential Applications of Phyto-Derived Ceramides in Improving Epidermal Barrier Function. Skin pharmacology and physiology, 30(3), 115–138. https://doi.org/10.1159/000464337
- Tsuchiya, Y., Ban, M., Kishi, M., Ono, T., & Masaki, H. (2020). Safety and Efficacy of Oral Intake of Ceramide-Containing Acetic Acid Bacteria for Improving the Stratum Corneum Hydration: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study over 12 Weeks. Journal of oleo science, 69(11), 1497–1508. https://doi.org/10.5650/jos.ess20115
- Reisberg, M., Arnold, N., Porzel, A., Neubert, R. H., & Dräger, B. (2017). Production of Rare Phyto-Ceramides from Abundant Food Plant Residues. Journal of agricultural and food chemistry, 65(8), 1507–1517. https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.jafc.6b04275
- Tessema, E. N., Gebre-Mariam, T., Paulos, G., Wohlrab, J., & Neubert, R. (2018). Delivery of oat-derived phytoceramides into the stratum corneum of the skin using nanocarriers: Formulation, characterization and in vitro and ex-vivo penetration studies. European journal of pharmaceutics and biopharmaceutics : official journal of Arbeitsgemeinschaft fur Pharmazeutische Verfahrenstechnik e.V, 127, 260–269. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejpb.2018.02.037
- Guillou, S., Ghabri, S., Jannot, C., Gaillard, E., Lamour, I., & Boisnic, S. (2011). The moisturizing effect of a wheat extract food supplement on women’s skin: a randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled trial. International journal of cosmetic science, 33(2), 138–143. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1468-2494.2010.00600.x
- Asai, S., & Miyachi, H. (2007). Rinsho byori. The Japanese journal of clinical pathology, 55(3), 209–215.
