Why Phytoceramides called a ‘Facelift in a Bottle’
Phytoceramides are the latest in a long list of skin care ingredients touted as the secret to smooth, fresh-looking skin.
They can certainly help reduce dryness, soothe irritation, and possibly even reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Ceramides are a type of naturally occurring, long-chain fatty acid (i.e., fat or lipid) that makes up about
Since “phyto” means plant, phytoceramides are just ceramides from plants.
“Phytoceramides refer to plant-derived ceramides, as opposed to synthetic or animal-derived ceramides, used to replenish depleted natural skin ceramides,” says Dr. Tsippora Shainhouse, FAAD, a board certified dermatologist in private practice at SkinSafe Dermatology and Skin Care.
Although the skin naturally makes ceramides, environmental factors like cold weather, air pollution, the sun’s UV rays, and low humidity along with stress and aging can reduce their concentration or effectiveness, making skin feel dry, Shainhouse says.
Low levels of ceramides allow moisture to escape the skin, letting in irritants, air pollution, and even infectious agents.
When things like irritants enter the skin, the “immune system can ‘see’ them and develop a contact irritation or skin allergy,” Shainhouse explains. That can lead to dry, rough, flaky, and inflamed skin, especially in people with active eczema.
Instead of adding moisture to your skin, all types of ceramides prevent moisture loss by reinforcing your skin’s barrier function.
“Ceramides act as the ‘grout’ between the ‘tile-like’ upper [skin] cells to create a tight seal… to hold in hydration,” Shainhouse says.
Taking 1 pill per day will help boost the skin’s barrier function, reduce irritation, and moisturize the skin, which may also reduce the appearance of fine lines.