What is this 'Keratin' that is so important for your hair, nails, and skin? Let's find out exactly!

You've probably heard the word 'keratin' somewhere, right? Maybe at a salon, talking about a hair treatment, or maybe in an advertisement that talks about beautiful nails and shiny hair. So, what exactly is this keratin that everyone is talking about? What are its benefits for our bodies? Today, we'll talk about it all in a simple way that you can understand.

Let's first see what keratin is.

Simply put, keratin is a special type of protein in our bodies. It is like the building blocks of our bodies. This keratin protein is what mainly helps build your hair, nails, and the outermost layer of your skin (epidermis). Just like concrete is the foundation of a building, keratin helps give strength and shape to our skin, hair, and nails. It also helps heal wounds quickly and keeps nails and hair healthy.

Turns out, there are about 54 types of keratin in our bodies! But we don't need to go that deep. There are mainly two types:

• Type I: Most of these are found in epithelial cells and in the keratin that makes up hair. These are usually low-molecular-weight, acidic proteins. One of their main functions is to protect our cells from mechanical stress. Some are also called cytokeratins.
• Type II: These are also found in skin cells and hair as keratins. However, they are usually slightly heavier, alkaline or neutral proteins. They work together with the first type of keratin, balancing their activity and helping to regulate the functioning of cells.

Also, there are two types of keratin:

• Alpha-keratin: This type is found in the hair, epidermis, horns, and nails of mammals (including us). Both Type I and Type II keratins we talked about fall into the alpha-keratin category.
• Beta-keratin: Beta-keratin is found in the feathers, nails, and beaks of birds, and in the scales of reptiles.

Just think, what an important protein this is!

What does keratin do to our bodies? To be precise...

Keratin is not just a protein. It provides great strength and protection to our bodies. Whether your hair is healthy, your nails are beautiful and strong, and your skin is radiant and healthy directly depends on the amount of keratin in your body. Not only that, but some glands and organs inside our bodies also contain keratin.

This type of keratin is very strong.That means it is insoluble in diluted acids, bases, solvents, and water. There are many chemicals in our bodies, none of which can have a significant effect on keratin. That's why many people think keratin treatments are good for their hair, nails, and skin.

Do you really need keratin for your hair? Let's take a closer look at this.

In fact, our bodies naturally produce keratin, so it's not something we need to take from the outside.

Did you know that animal hair, feathers, hooves, and horns are all made of keratin? Most of the time, the keratin used in salon hair treatments is made by pulverizing these animal parts. So if you're a vegetarian , you might want to think twice about using these products.

What do you think about keratin supplements?

Since hair is mainly made up of keratin, many people believe that taking keratin supplements will strengthen their hair. However, research has not conclusively proven that keratin supplements strengthen hair. If you are considering taking such a supplement , it is best to talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits before taking it.

Are shampoos and conditioners with keratin useful?

Another thing that many people think is that shampoos and conditioners made with keratin oil will make your hair healthier. Some studies have shown that using shampoos and conditioners containing keratin hydrolysates can make your hair stronger, shinier, and smoother.

Keratin Hair Treatments

This is entirely a personal decision. This treatment will make your hair shiny, silky, and smooth, and will also reduce frizz. However, this treatment is usually a bit expensive, and can sometimes have adverse effects on your body. We'll talk about that later.

These keratin hair treatments are a chemical protein treatment. Some people also call them ``Brazilian blowouts''. This is usually done in a salon like this:

• First, wash your hair with a special shampoo, squeeze out the water with a towel, and dry it.
• Then, a liquid keratin solution is applied to the hair in small sections.
• Next, blow dry the hair thoroughly.
• Finally, the hair is straightened with a hot flat iron. This ensures that the keratin solution is well sealed into the hair.

After this treatment, it is not recommended to wet your hair or tie it back with hair clips, scrunchies/elastics, hats, or sunglasses for a few days. You will also need to use special shampoos and other hair products to maintain this treatment.

If you get this done by a good, experienced professional, your hair will stay smooth and beautiful for about six months.

Where else is keratin found in our body?

As we mentioned earlier, keratin is mainly found in your hair, nails, and the outermost layer of your skin. However, some glands and organs inside our bodies also contain small amounts of keratin.

What does keratin look like and color like?

Keratin is difficult to define in one way, because it can be classified as alpha-keratins and beta-keratins, depending on the way its polypeptide chains (that is, a series of amino acids linked together by peptide bonds) are arranged.

• Alpha-keratin is mostly fibrous in nature, with a helical structure.
• Beta-keratin is made up of sheets of polypeptide chains that run in the same direction and never cross over each other (parallel). This is what gives beta-keratin its tough, rigid structure.

Now, if we talk about color, hair and the keratin in it contain a pigment called melanin . This melanin is made by special cells called melanocytes. After being made, melanin goes to other cells throughout our body. It is this melanin that gives color to your skin, hair, and eyes.

Melanocytes produce two types of melanin, both of which determine your overall skin color:

• Eumelanin: This type of melanin is what mainly causes the dark colors (black, brown) in your hair, skin, and eyes.
• Pheomelanin: This type of melanin mainly produces pink or red colors on your body (lips, nipples, vagina , glans penis, and hair).

As you age, the amount of this pigment in the keratin in your hair decreases. As a result, your hair gradually turns gray and eventually turns white.

What is keratin made of?

Keratin is not a single substance. It is a collection of many different proteins. That is, different types of keratin, keratin-associated proteins (KFAPs), and enzymes obtained from animal tissues.This includes things like ``(enzymes)``.

Can keratin hair treatments cause hair loss? Are there any risks?

Although this doesn't always happen, sometimes keratin hair treatments can damage hair and cause hair loss.

Many keratin hair treatments contain a chemical called formaldehyde. It is used as a disinfectant, fungicide, and disinfectant. It is also used in morgues and medical laboratories to preserve dead bodies. It is also said that prolonged exposure to it can cause cancer .

In addition to hair damage and hair loss, keratin hair treatments can also cause the following:

• Chest pain
• Cough
• Eye inflammation, redness
• Nausea and vomiting
• Skin rashes
• Respiratory system problems

Important: If you're considering a keratin treatment, research the place you're getting it done and the products used. If in doubt, consult a doctor or dermatologist.

What are the health problems associated with keratin?

Here are some of the conditions and disorders that affect keratin:

• Epidermolysis bullosa simplex (EBS): This is a group of diseases in which the skin becomes very thin and blisters easily. It is often caused by mutations in keratin genes.
• Keratin cysts (epidermal inclusion cysts): These are a common type of raised, spherical cyst that is filled with keratin.
• Keratosis pilaris (KP): This is also a very common skin condition. It appears as small bumps on the arms, legs, and buttocks. It looks like chicken skin. These bumps are caused by excess keratin accumulating and clogging the pores.
• Monilethrix: This is a very rare disorder. The hair breaks easily. It becomes noticeable within the first few months of life. It can also affect the eyelashes, eyebrows, and other hair on the body. It is caused by a genetic mutation in Type II keratin.
• Palmoplantar keratoderma (PPK): This is a condition in which the top layer of skin (stratum corneum) on the palms and soles of the feet becomes very thick. This is also caused by mutations in the keratin genes.

If you think you have this condition, it is very important to seek medical advice immediately.

What are the treatments for these keratin-related conditions?

Some conditions, such as ``KP'' (keratosis pilaris), can be relieved with over-the-counter moisturizing lotions, prescription creams, gentle exfoliation, or laser treatments.

However, for more severe cases, things like this may be necessary:

• Use urea-containing creams or other skin-smoothing creams throughout your life.
• Avoid environmental conditions that worsen side effects.
• Research-based treatments such as gene transfer.

Therefore, it is imperative to consult a doctor to choose the treatment that is most suitable for you.

What foods and drinks help produce keratin naturally?

Good news! There are many foods that can help increase the production of keratin in our body. You can add these foods to your diet to help naturally produce keratin:

• Broccoli
• Carrots
• Eggs
• Garlic
• Kale - This is a bit hard to find in Sri Lanka, but it's good if you can.
• Salmon
• Sweet potatoes

Try to include these foods in your diet often.

Take-Home Message

Okay, so we've talked a lot about keratin today, haven't we? Here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Keratin is a protein that our bodies naturally produce. It is essential for giving strength and health to our hair, skin, and nails.
• Although our bodies naturally produce keratin, shampoos and conditioners containing keratin hydrolysates can help strengthen and enhance the appearance of hair.
• While keratin hair treatments can improve the appearance of your hair and reduce frizz, there are some risks and side effects to keep in mind. Be especially careful with products that contain formaldehyde.
• A balanced diet can help your body produce keratin naturally.
• If you experience side effects such as hair loss, coughing, eye irritation, skin rashes after a keratin treatment, or if you suspect a health problem related to keratin, please consult a doctor for advice.

So, I hope you now have a better understanding of keratin. Stay healthy and happy!

` Keratin, Hair Health, Nail Health, Skin Health, Keratin Treatment, Protein, Beauty