Phytoceramides are natural moisturizing agents found in the skin’s stratum corneum, a key component of its intercellular lipids. They are dispersed within this outer skin layer, where they play a crucial role in absorbing water and oil, regulating skin stress, and protecting against external stimuli. This helps prevent conditions like neurodermatitis caused by excessive skin reactions.
Phytoceramides come in two types: hydrophilic and lipophilic. Their unique structure allows them to form a double liquid crystal arrangement, which penetrates the stratum corneum, retaining moisture and preventing dryness and cracking.
As we age, the levels of phytoceramides in the skin gradually decrease, leading to symptoms such as dryness and rough texture. Supplementing with phytoceramides can help combat these issues and maintain healthy skin.
Phytoceramides are primarily derived from rice bran and konjac. While they are commonly used in topical skin care products, they can also be supplemented orally. There are two main methods of absorption:
- Oral Absorption: When ingested, phytoceramides are converted into sphingolipids in the small intestine. These sphingolipids then enter the bloodstream and are reorganized in the skin’s basal layer, eventually forming glycosphingolipids that reach the stratum corneum.
- Percutaneous Absorption: Nano-sized phytoceramide molecules can penetrate the stratum corneum, replenishing lost phytoceramides. They integrate with existing phytoceramides to form a protective double-layer structure with keratinocytes, helping to prevent moisture loss from the skin.
