Phytosterols And Their Incredible Benefits For Hair And Skin

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From foods to beauty products – phytosterols are now everywhere! Don’t you agree? Are you still unfamiliar with ‘phytosterol’ and its awesome goodness? Worry not, as we are here to get you covered. Let us talk about everything about phytosterols today. Natural fruits and veggies of phytosterols are always a grand choice for our health and body. However, in this post, we’ll focus only on how they can benefit our skin and hair to boost our overall beauty. (1)

What Are Phytosterols?

Phytosterols (known as ‘plant sterols’) are phytochemicals (certain plant-based chemical compounds) with cholesterol-like molecular structures. Studies have found that their functions are also quite similar to cholesterol, and hence, they are widely used as emollients in topical beauty products (especially lotions and creams). Apart from this, phytosterols have also been known for their wide range of health benefits.

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Sources Of Phytosterols

According to a report published by the National Institutes of Health, there are as many as 200 types of phytosterols, and they can be found in fruits and vegetables that are readily available around us. Some familiar sources of phytosterols are avocado, saw palmetto, pumpkin seed, cashew nuts, beans, vegetable oil, corn oil, soybean oil, canola oil, peanut oil, safflower oil, sesame oil, wheat germ, rice bran, etc. Even food products are fortified with plant sterols to embrace their unique benefits.

Significance Of PhytoSterols

Phytosterols are plant-based ‘sterols,’ complex unsaturated alcohols that resemble lipids and form the foundation for steroids. Sterols are considered one of the essential elements for living beings as they work as the precursors for hormones (progesterone and testosterone) and vitamins (mainly vitamin D). However, the most crucial function of phytosterols in our body is maintaining the structure of our cell membranes. Studies have shown that these plant sterols can mimic cholesterol and prevent its depletion in human epidermal keratinocyte membranes, thereby reducing photosensitivity and protecting from photo-aging. These make phytosterols indispensable in today’s skin and hair care products.

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Skin Benefits Of Phytosterols

1. Phytosterols can shield our skin against severe sun damage and consequential premature aging. When applied topically, it stops the production of certain degrading substances in our skin, which are known to break down collagen – the most vital connective tissue present in our skin. This loss of collagen affects the natural cell regeneration procedure and reduces skin elasticity. However, phytosterols can promote cell regeneration and accelerate collagen reproduction by facilitating the metabolism of skin cells.
2. Phytosterols activate our immune cells and help our body balance the immune responses. They also possess excellent anti-inflammatory properties, making them fantastic immunity boosters without many adverse effects. As a result, our skin can avoid all sorts of itching, irritations, and inflammations to look healthier anytime.
3. Phytosterols have a tremendous positive impact on damaged skin. Whether environmental influences or physical reasons cause the damage, they can repair the broken or injured layers of the skin and encourage the healing method. In short, phytosterols are a natural remedy for scars, dermatitis, eczema, sunburn, psoriasis, wind chapping, keloids, radiotherapy damage, etc.
4. Phytosterols can improve dry skin conditions to a large extent by reducing Transepidermal Water Loss (TEWL). They also repair damaged skin barriers and make the absorption of cholesterol to keep the skin hydrated, moisturized, and properly conditioned.
5. According to scientists, the phytosterol complex has three components: beta-sitosterol, campesterol, and stigmasterol. Among these, the stigmasterol is known to have skin-lightening properties to some extent. It is also believed to stop some types of skin cancer.

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Hair Benefits Of Phytosterols

1. Phytosterols are one of the best natural treatments for hair loss and thinning. Studies say that an increase in androgen levels in the body is responsible for hereditary hair loss, baseline hair loss, and alopecia in both men and women. When included in the diet, phytosterols can inhibit the formation of a specific enzyme called 5-alpha reductase, which plays a crucial role in transforming testosterone into the androgen DHT (dihydrotestosterone). This slows down hair fall and sometimes even eliminates it.
2. Phytosterols can work as a charm for the fast regrowth of healthy hair. People who have long been suffering from alopecia, receding hairline, or baldness can experience highly satisfactory outcomes within just a few weeks.
3. Phytosterols are also quite effective in softening hair fibers from the inside and decreasing electrostatic charges developed in hair. These help make dry, brittle hair softer and smoother, while curly hair with fly-aways can be tamed successfully.

The daily recommended dosage for phytosterols is between 60 mg and 350 mg. To be safe, never take more than 5000 mg of the supplement daily. Too much intake of plant sterols can lead to indigestion, nausea, heartburn, constipation, diarrhea, cardiovascular complications, pregnancy complications, etc. So, always consult with your doctor before you start taking phytosterol supplements.

Summary

Phytosterols or plant sterols found abundantly in fruits and vegetables offer myriad benefits for skin and hair. Mimicking cholesterol, they maintain cell membrane structure, shielding against sun damage and promoting collagen production. Topical application aids cell regeneration, heals damaged skin, and relieves conditions like dermatitis and psoriasis. In hair care, phytosterols inhibit hair loss by reducing androgen levels and promoting regrowth, making them an effective natural solution. However, caution is advised, and consulting a doctor before incorporating phytosterol supplements is crucial to avoid potential side effects.