By Emily Wagner, MS on June 15, 2024

Emily earned a Bachelor of Science in biotechnology from Rochester Institute of Technology in 2018, and a Master of Science in biomedical sciences with a focus in pharmacology from University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus in 2020. She currently lives in Colorado where she enjoys the mountains, spending time with her dog, baking, and reading a good book.

What Are Phytoceramides, and How Do They Help Your Skin?

Phytoceramides are plant-based lipids that support your body’s ceramide production for healthier skin.1 They’re quickly becoming a popular skincare solution that promotes healthy skin while minimizing fine lines and wrinkles. This article will explore the numerous benefits of phytoceramides for skin health and how supplements and foods provide them.

What Are Phytoceramides?

Phytoceramides are oils and lipids from plants that can take the place of your skin’s natural ceramides. These substances are found in several common foods, including wheat, sweet potatoes, and rice.1

Your skin contains ceramides that act as a “glue,” forming a barrier.2,3 Without enough ceramides, you lose the glue that supports your skin cells. This ultimately leads to wrinkles and loss of skin hydration and elasticity — especially as you age. Oral supplements formulated with phytoceramides may help replenish these lost lipids.1

Nutritional Value of Phytoceramides

The ingredients in phytoceramides include long-chain fatty acids that form the backbone of skin cell lipids.1 Let’s talk more about the importance of ceramides in skin health.

  • Improving Hydration

    Phytoceramides enhance skin hydration by minimizing moisture loss from a compromised skin barrier. Individuals with dry or dehydrated skin may benefit most.1

  • Enhanced Barrier Function

    Phytoceramides may play a role in supporting healthy levels of ceramides in the skin. They help promote a normal skin barrier that protects against pollutants and environmental damage.1

  • Reduced Wrinkles and Fine Lines

    Without a proper skin barrier, you’re at risk of developing wrinkles and fine lines. Phytoceramides may enhance your natural ceramides within the top layer of your skin to diminish signs of aging for a more youthful look.1

  • Increased Elasticity

    Dry skin can’t stretch as well as supple, moisturized skin. Phytoceramides provide extra skin barrier support to maintain proper moisture levels, enhance elasticity, and encourage an even skin tone and texture.1

Scientific Evidence and Studies

A handful of studies have investigated oral phytoceramides for enhancing skin hydration and texture.4,5 One report found that supplementation with wheat phytoceramide extract significantly improved skin hydration compared to placebo5.

How To Incorporate Phytoceramides into Your Skincare Routine

Phytoceramides are available in stores as oral supplements or in topicals like Vital Promise’s Phytoceramide Eye Serum. If your skin is more sensitive, an oral supplement may be right for you. Those looking to target specific areas of skin can benefit from a topical product.

Potential Side Effects and Precautions

The study investigating oral phytoceramides didn’t report any adverse side effects. Everyone’s skin is different, so use caution when starting a new topical treatment.6 New creams or serums with phytoceramides can cause side effects like skin irritation or dryness7.

Natural Sources of Phytoceramides

Foods high in phytoceramides include sweet potatoes, wheat germ, soybeans, brown rice, and potatoes.1 Incorporating more of these foods into your diet may help support a healthier skin barrier while also providing fiber and key vitamins and minerals.

Conclusion

Phytoceramides are good for promoting a healthy skin barrier to minimize moisture loss, fine lines, and wrinkles. Consider incorporating a product with phytoceramides into your skincare routine for anti-aging effects that promote an even skin tone and texture.

Want to learn more about skin health and phytoceramides? Check out these links:

References

  1. Tessema EN, Gebre-Mariam T, Neubert RHH, Wohlrab J. Potential applications of phyto-derived ceramides in improving epidermal barrier function. Skin Pharmacol Physiol. 2017;30(3):115-138.

  2. Coderch L, López O, de la Maza A, Parra JL. Ceramides and skin function. Am J Clin Dermatol. 2003;4(2):107-129.

  3. Spada F, Barnes TM, Grieve KA. Skin hydration is significantly increased by a cream formulated to mimic the skin’s own natural moisturizing systems. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2018;11:491-497.

  4. Primavera G, Berardesca E. Clinical and instrumental evaluation of a food supplement in improving skin hydration. Int J Cosmet Sci. 2005;27:199-204.

  5. Guillou S, Ghabri S, Jannot C, et al. The moisturizing effect of a wheat extract food supplement on women’s skin: a randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled trial. Int J Cosmet Sci. 2011;33:138-143.

  6. Venkataramana SH, Puttaswamy N, Kodimule S. Potential benefits of oral administration of AMORPHOPHALLUS KONJAC glycosylceramides on skin health – a randomized clinical study. BMC Complement Med Ther. 2020;20:26.

  7. Contact dermatitis. Cleveland Clinic website. Updated March 30, 2023. Accessed June 16, 2024. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/6173-contact-dermatitis