What is the Difference Between Ceramides and Phytoceramides

Thekey differencebetween ceramides and phytoceramidesis that ceramides are lipids found naturally in high concentrations in the uppermost layers of the skin, while phytoceramides are ceramides found naturally in high concentrations in plants.

Ceramides are waxy lipid molecules found in high concentrations within thecell membraneof eukaryotic cells such as skin cells. Phytoceramides are ceramides that are derived from plants such as wheat, corn, oats, and rice through fermentation. Therefore, ceramides and phytoceramides are two relatedlipidcompounds.

CONTENTS

1.Overview and Key Difference
2.What are Ceramides
3.What are Phytoceramides
4.Similarities – Ceramides and Phytoceramides
5.Ceramides vs. Phytoceramides in Tabular Form
6.Summary – Ceramides vs. Phytoceramides

What are Ceramides?

Ceramides are naturally occurring fats or lipids found in skin cells. They make up 50% of the outer skin layer (epidermis). There are different types of ceramides, such as ceramide 1 (EOS), ceramide 2 (NS or NG), ceramide 3 (NP), ceramide 6-II (AP), ceramide (EOP), phytosphingosine, and sphingosine.

一般来说,这些蜡状脂质分子是重要t for retaining the moisture of the skin and preventing the entry of germs into the body. Ceramides are the first line of defense against external pollution and toxins. Therefore, they act as a natural skin barrier. Moreover, ceramides also promote brain development and maintain cell functions. Synthetic ceramides can be found in skin care products like ceramide moisturizers, creams, serums, and toners to keep the skin healthy.

When the level of ceramides decreases, which often happens with age, people may develop skin problems like dryness and irritation. Furthermore, different skin diseases due to decreased levels of ceramides in the skin may happen, including atopic dermatitis or eczema (makes skin red and itchy), ichthyosis (skin appears dry and rough like fish scales), and dry skin (due to environmental changes or other health conditions).

What are Phytoceramides?

Phytoceramides are described as ceramides from plants. Phytoceramides are used to replenish depleted natural skin ceramide levels. Both synthetic and plant-based ceramides are similar in structure to naturally occurring ceramides found in the skin. Food items that contain phytoceramides include soybeans, millet, wheat, rice, spinach, sweet potatoes, potatoes, corn, and konjac. Phytoceramides can also be found in topical creams or supplements.

随机临床研究验证,个体所uals who consumed a daily phytoceramide supplement derived from the “konjac” herb, indigenous to Asia, over a span of 6 weeks exhibited reduced occurrences of skin dryness, hyperpigmentation, itching, and oiliness in comparison to those who were administered a placebo. Phytoceramides help seal in moisturizing ingredients such ashyaluronic acid, urea, and glycerine as well.

What are the Similarities Between Ceramides and Phytoceramides?

• Ceramides and phytoceramides are two related lipid compounds.
• Phytoceramides are a type of ceramides.
• Both compounds are naturally occurring.
• They can protect the skin and act as a barrier against environmental pollution or toxins.
• Both compounds can protect against skin diseases such as atopic dermatitis.
• They are found in skin products such as creams and supplements.

What is the Difference Between Ceramides and Phytoceramides?

Ceramides are lipids found naturally in high concentrations in the uppermost layers of skin, while phytoceramides are found naturally in high concentrations in plants. Thus, this is the key difference between ceramides and phytoceramides. Furthermore, examples of ceramides include ceramide 1 (EOS), ceramide 2 (NS or NG), ceramide 3 (NP), ceramide 6-II (AP), ceramide (EOP), phytosphingosine and sphingosine. On the other hand, examples of phytoceramides may include heterosides, native essence™, and blue seakale sc.

Below is a summary of the difference between ceramides and phytoceramides in tabular form for side-by-side comparison.

Summary – Ceramides vs. Phytoceramides

Ceramides are natural lipids in the skin that act as glue and hold the skin cells together. They keep the skin barrier intact and healthy. Therefore, a normal healthy skin barrier can seal in moisture and remove harmful elements. There are different types of ceramides, such as skin ceramides, synthetic ceramides, and phytoceramides. Phytoceramides are ceramides that are found naturally in high concentrations in the plants such as soybeans, millet, wheat, rice, oats, spinach, sweet potatoes, potatoes, corn, and konjac. So, this is the summary of the difference between ceramides and phytoceramides.

Reference:

1. Lawler, Moira, et al. “What Are Ceramides? Benefits, Side Effects, Usage, More.” EverydayHealth.Com.

Image Courtesy:

1. “Ceramid” By NEUROtiker – Own work (Public Domain) via Commons Wikimedia