Have you ever wondered how your hair, nails, and skin stay so strong and healthy? The main hero behind all of this is Keratin. Although we have all heard of this name, many people do not know what service it actually provides to our bodies. So, today we will talk exactly about this keratin.
Simply put, what is keratin?
Keratin is a very important protein in our body. It is the basis for building our hair, nails, and the outermost layer of our skin (the epidermis) . Not only that, keratin also helps to strengthen our skin, heal wounds, and keep our hair and nails healthy.
You might be surprised to learn that there are about 54 types of keratin in our bodies. These can be divided into two main categories. Let's learn a little about them.
| Keratin type | Speciality and functionality |
|---|---|
| Type I | These are acidic, low-molecular-weight proteins. They are used to make skin cells (epithelial keratins) and hair keratins. Their main function is to protect our cells from mechanical stress. |
| Type II | These are basic-neutral, heavy proteins. They are also found in skin and hair. They bind to type I keratin and control cell function. |
There are also two main forms of keratin:
- Alpha-keratin: This is found in the hair, skin, nails, and horns of mammals like us.
- Beta-keratin: Found in the feathers, nails, beaks, and scales of birds and reptiles. It is much stronger than alpha-keratin.
Do we really need keratin for our hair? Is 'Keratin Treatment' good?
This is a question that many people have. The first thing to understand is that our bodies naturally produce keratin . This means that a healthy person usually does not need keratin from outside.
Keratin Supplements and Shampoos
Many people believe that taking keratin supplements will strengthen their hair. However, there is not enough scientific research to prove that this is the case. If you are considering taking such a supplement, be sure to talk to your doctor first .
However, some studies have shown that using shampoos and conditioners containing keratin hydrolysates can make hair stronger, shinier, and smoother.
Keratin Hair Treatment at Salons
This is also known as a "Brazilian blowout" by some. This involves a chemical process that deposits keratin into the hair, making it smooth, shiny, and manageable.
This is how this treatment is usually done:
1. Wash your hair thoroughly with a special shampoo, squeeze out the water with a towel, and remove it.
2. Then, separate the hair into small sections and apply a liquid keratin solution thoroughly.
3. Dry your hair with a blow dryer.
4. Finally, the hair is straightened with a flat iron heated to a high temperature. This heat seals the keratin solution into the hair.
After this treatment, it is not a good idea to wet your hair, clip it, or tie it tightly for a few days. Also, you need to use special shampoos to keep it long-lasting. If done properly, you can keep your hair beautiful for about 6 months.
But as beautiful as this is, there is another side to it that we need to pay attention to.
Risks and side effects of keratin treatments
As popular as this treatment is, it does come with some risks. The biggest problem is that many keratin treatment products contain a chemical called formaldehyde .
Formaldehyde is a chemical used as a disinfectant and fungicide. It is also used in morgues and medical laboratories to preserve bodies. Long-term exposure to this chemical has been warned to increase the risk of cancer .
Not only that, but other side effects may also occur.
- Chest pain
- Cough and shortness of breath
- Inflammation and itching of the eyes
- Nausea and vomiting
- Skin rashes
- Rarely, hair damage and hair loss
Therefore, if you are considering getting a keratin treatment, it is very important to think twice and get it done at a place with good experience and using safe products.
What color is keratin?
Keratin does not have its own color. Our hair gets its color from a pigment called melanin . There are special cells called ``Melanocytes`` that produce melanin. There are two types of melanin:
1. Eumelanin: This is what gives our hair, skin, and eyes their dark colors (black, brown).
2. Pheomelanin: This produces pink or red colors (lips, nipples, and red hair in some people).
As we age, the production of this melanin decreases. Then the hair stops getting colored, turns gray, and eventually turns white.
Possible diseases related to keratin
When certain genetic changes (gene mutations) or imbalances occur in keratin, various diseases can occur. Here are some of them.
| Medical condition | Simply put... |
|---|---|
| Keratosis pilaris (KP) | This is a very common condition. Some people also call it 'chicken skin'. It appears as small, rough blisters on the arms, legs, and buttocks. This is caused by excess keratin accumulating and clogging the pores of the skin. |
| Keratin cysts | A small, painless cyst that forms under the skin, filled with keratin. |
| Epidermolysis bullosa simplex (EBS) | This is a disease caused by mutations in the keratin genes. The skin becomes very delicate and blisters easily. |
| Monilethrix | This is also a genetic condition. Hair breaks easily. It can also affect the eyebrows and eyelashes. |
If you have symptoms of this condition, it is best not to panic and see a doctor for advice .
Things that help grow keratin naturally
It's important to eat a balanced diet to maintain your body's keratin production. Try to include these foods in your diet in particular.
- Eggs
- Fish like salmon
- Sweet potato
- Carrot
- Broccoli
- Kale
- Garlic
The nutrients in these foods provide our bodies with the ingredients needed to produce keratin.
Take-Home Message
- Keratin is a protein produced by the body that is essential for the health of our hair, skin, and nails.
- Although keratin treatments at salons can temporarily enhance hair, they can pose health risks due to chemicals such as formaldehyde.
- Be sure to consult your doctor before taking keratin supplements.
- Eating nutritious foods like eggs, fish, and sweet potatoes can help support the body's natural keratin production.
- If you notice any unusual changes in your skin or hair, talk to a doctor about it.
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