Phytoceramides, Explained: The Secret To Moisturized, Glowing Skin*

If you're the kind of person who stirs collagen into your morning coffee and spends their Saturday nights doing gua sha facial massages, you're going to want to know about phytoceramides. In fact, you're probably already using phytoceramides without even realizing it. Present in many popular face creams and serums, phytoceramides are a plant-derived fat molecule that mimics the skin's natural barrier functions to smooth and moisturize. But that's not the only way to use them: You can ingest them orally.

Looking for a youthful glow? Let's dive into how ceramides can help and the science behind adding phytoceramides to your beauty and supplement routine.* 

A quick science lesson: Ceramides are polar lipids, key lipids that are naturally present in our skin cells1. They make up the barrier between the outside environment and our body, locking in moisture and protecting our skin from damage.

If you think of the skin barrier as "bricks and mortar," ceramides are part of the mortar holding it all together—50%, in fact2. They play a huge role in keeping your skin moisturized, glowing, and youthful.* That is, of course, until they don't. If you want to get to the root of wrinkles and dry skin, look to the loss of ceramides.

As we age, we naturally stop producing as many ceramides, compromising the skin barrier—and it shows. Without the glue to hold our skin together environmental toxins can get in and moisture can get out: yikes. Dry skin, irritation, and wrinkles1 can all be blamed on declining ceramides. Plus, many other skin-related issues3 have been linked to low ceramide levels. 

This is where phytoceramides come in. Phytoceramides are ceramides derived from plants4. ("Phyto" means plants.) They have a similar lipid structure to the ceramides found in our skin and may help replenish ceramide stores.*

Since ceramides themselves are such an important part of your skin structure, adding phytoceramides to your routine seems like a natural next step. And here's the thing: there's actually a ton of science behind these plant-derived skin savers.* 

Our skin's natural ceramides are all about keeping moisture in. Their primary role in skin barrier function is to guard against water loss6. (So, it's no wonder cosmetic companies pump phytoceramides into their hydrating topical formulas.) Adding phytoceramides to your skin care routine does seem to have promising skin-quenching benefits7.* In one small study, women who applied phytoceramides to their legs for three weeks saw improved skin hydration8.* 

However, popping a phytoceramide supplement seems to be the way to go when it comes to really maximizing systemic moisturizing benefits.* In one study, participants with clinically dry skin who took a phytoceramide-rich wheat extract oil for three months saw up to a 35% improvement in skin hydration9.*

And you might not even have to wait that long for results; in a study of Ceramosides®, a specific brand of phytoceramides made in France, participants saw improved skin hydration after just 15 days10.* Whether you're looking to combat already dehydrated skin or be proactive against dryness, consider adding phytoceramides to your skin care arsenal.*

Fighting wrinkles is all about being proactive and helping your skin's integrity. As board-certified dermatologist Kiera Barr, M.D., explains, "Ninety percent of visible aging is due to sun exposure, with air pollution, smoking, and stress being close seconds." And when it comes to managing all those skin stressors, you'll want to strengthen skin from within. 

The healthy aging powers of phytoceramides, and specifically the brand Ceramosides®, have been borne out in studies, showing improved skin smoothness and elasticity10 in just weeks.* Of course, phytoceramides are not a magical fountain of youth, and wrinkles are a natural part of aging. But keeping your skin healthy and hydrated can certainly give you a youthful glow. 

Your skin barrier function is a vital thing to protect. When it's compromised, it's more susceptible to water loss and irritation from external aggressors. This creates a host of problems. A robust skin barrier "protects us from mechanical injury, low humidity, cold, heat, sun, wind, chemical exposure, bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other pathogens," explains board-certified dermatologist Hadley King, M.D., stating that, "a healthy barrier is critical to normal skin function."

Ceramides are the first line of defense against harmful environmental toxins, protecting your skin from damage.* Supporting your ceramides with phytoceramide supplements can reinforcing that barrier from the inside.*

RELATED: Everything You Need To Know About A Damaged Skin Barrier

If you're only interested in getting your ceramides via food sources, here's the best places to find sphingolipids, which can then be turned into ceramides in the body:

RELATED: 8 Of The Best Foods For Glowing, Vibrant Skin

There are no specific recommended doses for how much phytoceramides you should be getting. So when you think about much you should consume, it should be viewed from a results-forward approach. For the skin specifically, most of the research indicates using 11 to 70 mg per day10 to in order see results.

Topically, there's really no limit to what you can apply as long as your skin agrees with the cream or serum.

There are few cautions associated with taking phytoceramides for healthy folks, unless you are personally sensitive to the ingredient or the source. However you should always consult with your health practitioner if you have concerns before starting a supplement routine. 

Ceramides are an essential part of your skin structure, and are fairly easy to incorporate to your internal and external skin care routine. Look for supplements with them,* as well as topicals. Your skin will thank you, now and long-term. Want more ways to keep your skin hydrated and skin barrier healthy? Look no further than our guide to the skin barrier function.