Keratin is a protein that occurs naturally in humans and animals—it is found in our skin, hair, nails, teeth as well as wool and horns in animals. The function of naturally occurring keratin is to provide both protection and elasticity.
What is keratin and what does it do?
Keratin is a protein that occurs naturally in humans and animals—it is found in our skin, hair, nails, teeth as well as wool and horns in animals. The function of naturally occurring keratin is to provide both protection and elasticity. Keratin can be hard (as in nails) or soft (as in skin), but it is always strong and flexible. Keratin protein gives strength, flexibility and waterproofing to the surface of the skin.
How can keratin products benefit my skin?
Natural keratin can be damaged by exposure to sun or by dermatological treatments like skin peels. In these instances, functional keratin products can be used to facilitate the healing process. Functional keratin can be introduced to skincare products to stimulate the cell growth and therefore help skin recover from damage quickly. Keratin is also beneficial as a treatment to many skin conditions, including epidermolysis bullosa, as well as in wound care.
By adding strength and elasticity to your skin, functional keratin can also prevent wrinkles and reduce the signs of aging. Functional keratin works with naturally occurring proteins and collagen to make skin fuller and younger looking.
What should I look for in my skincare product?
Not all products that claim to contain keratin will have the same positive effect on your skin—you should look specifically for ‘functional keratin’ on the ingredient label. Because functional keratin works by interacting with your skin’s keratin cells, it is important to select a product that most closely resembles the keratin found in nature. Functional keratin is keratin that has been extracted in such a way as to preserve the integrity and function of the natural protein.
Any keratin ingredient that does not follow the word ‘functional’ has been extracted and processed using methods that hydrolize the protein. Hydrolized keratin is so different from natural keratin that it will not result any healing or rejuvenation for your skin.
