Lately, all the buzz has been around these things called phytoceramides. But, unlike another cream or serum that you slather all over your face, phytoceramides come in capsule form. What's the deal here!?
Phytoceramides were only recently approved by the FDA in the US. But, of course, the Japanese were way ahead of us, as they've been using this stuff for centuries. The name sounds pretty scientific.. I guess because it kind-of is. You see, ceramides are little itty bitty molecules filled with fatty acids and sphingosine, an amino alcohol. They're found in between cell spaces of the stratum corneum, the outermost layer of our skin. Now, before you start freaking out, like "why would I want to put fat into my body when I'm trying to get rid of it" remember that this is for your skin. We want our skin plump. Supple. Glowing. Hydrated. This is what ceramides help you do.
Now, obviously ceramides tend to disappear as we age, leaving our skin less beauteous. Obviously, because aging sucks, right!? Well, here's where these phytoceramides come into play. They're called phytoceramides because they're not actually ceramides, because if they were actually ceramides they'd be taking this stuff from actual people..which is pretty gross, right? On the contrary, phytoceramides are obtained from plant sources and are essentially the human equivalent. These phytoceramides help to make up for those ceramides that we lose as we age, thus adding back in the good stuff- filling in lines, plumping up skin, and restoring that outer barrier that's depleted of those good ol' fatty molecules called ceramides.
So, why don't they come in cream form? Basically because these guys work from the inside out. Makes sense, right, since it was a part of our skin anyway? By taking an oral supplement instead of slothering on a topical cream, the good stuff goes through our system and into our bloodstream, working from the inside out.
These are the claims, anyway. I was given a few bottles of phytoceramides, one from my dudettes at InstaNatural, the other from Yalmeh Skincare. I've been taking one capsule a day (as directed) for just under one month now and, unfortunately, I definitely don't look 15 years older or anything. In fact, I haven't noticed too much of a difference at all. Maybe this is because I'm not giving it enough time? After all, I've heard that you should give your phytoceramides at least one month before noticing any effect. So, I'm gonna give it more time. I mean, clinical studies have proved that this stuff works. After all, if people in Japan having been using this stuff for centuries, there's gotta be something to it, right?
** Here's one thing about phytoceramides that you should know: Those with gluten sensitivities should be wary of this stuff. Most phytoceramides are wheat-based. Most companies claim that they remove the gluten, but it's likely that there will still be traces of it.
You can purchase 30 capsules of InstaNatural's phytoceramides for $15.97 (plus shipping) here on amazon or 30 capsules of the Yalmeh brand for $19.95 on amazon. They essentially come out to be the same price, so use your own judgment. One thing to remember when purchasing phytoceramides- try to order a USA manufactured bottle. Not because I'm American, but because, as I said, phytoceramides have been approved by the FDA here. We know that they have to meet certain specific guidelines in order to be sold. Just my two cents.
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