Introduction
Phytoceramides have become increasingly popular as a nutritional supplement to promote healthy skin, but it is important to understand the safety and efficacy of this dietary ingredient before you consider taking it.
Phytoceramides, also known as plant-derived ceramides, are molecules derived from plants that act like fats. They can help form an essential part of the outer layer of the skin, which plays a vital role in protecting us from environmental irritants. In addition to their ability to help form a protective barrier on the skin’s surface, phytoceramides also help maintain moisture levels within the skin and promote healthy collagen production.
This article will explore what phytoceramides are and explain how they work, providing an overview of the potential health benefits they may provide and discussing any safety considerations associated with taking them.
What are phytoceramides?
Phytoceramides are a type of antioxidant-rich fat molecule derived from plants for use in skin health. They are non-toxic, natural compounds found in plant foods such as rice, wheat and sweet potatoes. Phytoceramides help keep your skin’s moisture balance and reduce signs of aging, such as wrinkles, dryness and thinning skin. They also have anti-inflammatory effects that make them beneficial for helping to treat acne and eczema.
Phytoceramides are largely composed of ceramides – lipid molecules that form a protective barrier that helps your skin retain moisture while preventing water loss. Studies have shown that using supplement pills containing phytoceramides can help your skin stay hydrated, plump and healthy looking by reducing wrinkles, age spots and roughness due to sun exposure. Many people also find phytoceramide creams applied directly to the skin also work well in providing hydration along with reducing redness from rosacea or sensitive skin conditions.
Although phytoceramides are generally safe to take as a supplement pill or use on the skin, it is always best to speak with a healthcare provider before taking any medication or supplement to ensure it is safe for you to take based on any existing health conditions or allergies you may have.
Benefits of phytoceramides
Phytoceramides are substances found naturally in the body, which help maintain proper moisture levels in the skin. Unlike other ingredients that are taken orally and absorbed through the gut, it is absorbed directly through the skin once applied. As a result, its effects are more powerful and have been demonstrated to stimulate natural healing.
Benefits of phytoceramides include:
- Improved texture and elasticity in the skin
- Reduced appearance of wrinkles and fine lines
- Plumping of the skin to look healthier
- Hydration to prevent dryness and breakouts
- Increased collagen synthesis for a smoother complexion.
- Protection against environmental stressors like UV radiation.
Beyond reducing aging signs, phytoceramide also offers a plethora of other benefits due to its role in balancing out moisture levels in our cells. The substance helps protect our bodies from toxins by strengthening cell membranes, provides anti-inflammatory effects which can improve acne prone skin, enhances wound healing response by providing increased levels of hydration and can help soothe redness caused by irritated skin conditions such as eczema or psoriasis.
Safety of phytoceramides
Phytoceramides have been gaining popularity as a natural supplement to improve skin health. This is because phytoceramides are plant-derived lipids, naturally found in the skin that are responsible for keeping skin hydrated and smooth.
But, is phytoceramides safe to take? Let’s take a closer look at the safety of phytoceramides.
Side effects
Phytoceramides have generally been considered safe for consumption by healthy people, with minimal to no side effects. Those who take medication for any condition, who are pregnant or nursing should always consult a qualified medical professional before taking any supplement.
Potential side effects of phytoceramides include nausea, headache, constipation and diarrhea. Some people may also experience an allergic reaction to the plant-based ingredients, such as itchy skin or hives. If you experience any of these symptoms while taking phytoceramides, it’s important to stop using them immediately and contact your doctor if the symptom persists or worsens.
Certain drugs may interfere with the action of phytoceramides, so it is important to talk to your doctor before taking them.
Potential interactions
It is important to note that, while generally safe when taken as directed, phytoceramides have not been thoroughly studied, so the possibility of interactions with other medications or supplements may exist. Serious adverse side effects are rare but possible. For this reason, it is essential that individuals speak with a medical professional prior to starting any supplement regimen.
This is particularly important for people taking medications for diabetes or those taking any blood thinners, as the long-term effects of phytoceramides on blood sugar and platelet function are not known. Also, individuals taking lipid-lowering drugs should use caution; phytoceramides could cause an increase in levels of cholesterol in the body if taken in combination with lipid-lowering drugs. Therefore, talking to a doctor before starting a supplement regimen is critical to avoid potential interactions or complications.
Quality of supplements
The safety of any supplement or medication is largely dependent upon the quality of the product. When looking for a supplement containing phytoceramides, it is important to choose one from a reliable source that has gone through the proper safety testing procedures. Care should also be taken to only buy products made with pure, natural ingredients that have no fillers, binders or other unnecessary and potentially hazardous ingredients.
The best way to ensure you are getting a safe supplement containing phytoceramides is to only purchase products that have been certified as ‘safe’ by a reputable third-party lab. These labs typically test for potential contaminants such as heavy metals, pesticides and other possible toxins in order to guarantee safety and effectiveness of all their products. In addition, they will check to ensure products contain the correct amounts of phytoceramides, vitamins and minerals in order to maximize their health benefits.
By taking these extra precautions when sourcing your supplements, you can rest assured that you are getting a safe product that can help improve your overall health and wellness.
Conclusion
Overall, phytoceramides are a safe and natural supplement that can help to reduce wrinkles and improve the appearance of aged and dry skin. Studies suggest that phytoceramides can increase collagen production in the skin and act as an anti-inflammatory agent. Phytoceramide supplements are generally well tolerated, with few reported side effects.
However, it is important to remember that any medication or supplement has the potential to interact with other medications or supplements you may be taking. Therefore, you should always consult your healthcare professional before using phytoceramides or any other dietary supplement.