What is keratin

There are various nutrients in the skin, which are beneficial to the skin. They can promote the normal metabolism of the skin and maintain the smoothness and tenderness of the skin. Keratin is a substance that has this effect. Some hair products are also made of keratin. Below, I will introduce you to the relevant knowledge of keratin in detail.

1. Definition of Keratin

Keratinocyte membrane protein rich in proline, glutamine, cysteine ​​and octapeptide repeating sequence (EPCQPKVP). It first appears in the cytoplasm and then cross-links with membrane protein growth factor via transglutaminase. Its presence is associated with squamous differentiation, and vitamin A downregulates its content.

2. The Importance of Keratin

Keratin is a structural protein within epithelial cells and a component of the cytoskeleton. There are a total of 20 types of cytokeratin proteins distributed in various epithelial cells throughout the body. Certain specific cytokeratin proteins are distributed in specific tissues. Similarly, different epithelial cell cancers will also express specific cytokeratin proteins. Therefore, cytokeratin proteins have the potential to become tumor markers.

3. Side effects of keratin products

Some people find that their hair becomes extremely dry and brittle after using keratin products. At some point, this can cause hair to become more breakable and thin. This happens when a hairdresser uses heated styling tools to straighten your hair. Heat can trap moisture and cause your hair to lose elasticity. Unless you use a moisturizing treatment, continuing to style your hair with heat tools will only make the problem worse.

Other side effects of keratin are almost all related to the formaldehyde contained in the product. Formaldehyde helps lock in the keratin molecules to ensure the product is effective. This chemical is a known carcinogen. Inhalation of formaldehyde during handling can cause throat and lung irritation. Experts recommend that the methanol content of products should not exceed 0.02-0.2 percent, but the problem is that it is often ineffective if it is less than 2%. Some manufacturers have therefore increased the methanol content in their products to 10%.

Concerns about the side effects of keratin have forced some health regulators to crack down on keratin products that do not use methanol according to standards. In response, some manufacturers have begun replacing formaldehyde with other chemicals. Although they market their products as methanol-free, these products are not necessarily safe. Some manufacturers have removed harmful ingredients and used plant-based ingredients to maintain keratin, but the results are not very ideal.

Despite all the concerns, many people continue to use keratin products because they are convenient and can be used to style their hair in minutes. Beauticians are most susceptible to keratin side effects because they are exposed to the product so frequently.