Keratin, creatine and creatinine – all of these terms are quite well-known, but mistakes happen quite often. Sometimes search engines give us incorrect information, assuming that we have made a typo in the word. Today we want to focus on keratin, a friend of the skin and its appendages. It is worth starting with what keratin is not.
Creatinine is an extremely important metabolic product. It is present in blood and urine, with which it is excreted. Controlling the level of creatinine in the body allows you to monitor the functioning of the kidneys. Check what the norms of creatinine in the blood are and what its too high or too low concentration in the plasma may indicate.
Creatine is a substance that stores energy released during exercise. It occurs naturally in the body, primarily in our muscles and tendons.
Years ago, creatine was a trendy supplement, mainly among regular gym goers. Today, it is a fairly popular product, available in various forms, considered safe, but above all unnecessary if you do not train regularly. Warning, its potential slimming and “muscle building” properties are a big stretch. Its role is to provide energy during training.
And KERATIN? This is a protein that makes up the skin, hair and nails. Its deficiency can cause damage to the epidermis, hair breakage or nail plate cracking. Today, it is most strongly associated with the beauty of hair. Leading cosmetic manufacturers boast that it is in the composition of their products. Rightly so?
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What is keratin?
Keratin is a fibrous protein, the main component of:
- epidermis – keratin is produced in the process of keratinization, or cornification of the epidermis. During keratinization, skin cells gradually die and form a keratinized layer of the epidermis, which is exfoliated after about a month. Excessive or improper keratinization is the cause of many skin diseases, e.g. ichthyosis and psoriasis.
- hair – keratin is the main building block of the hair shaft, called the hair cortex. Keratin fibers are connected to each other by cross-linked disulfide bonds, which makes hair more flexible and elastic. Keratin is also part of the outer sheath of the hair, where it is responsible for the shine and luster of the hair. Its deficiency leads to, among other things, the opening of hair cuticles and split ends.
- nails – keratin is the main component of the nail and makes it suitably hard and resistant to external damage.
Keratin for hair
Keratin in hair, skin and nail cosmetics occurs in the form of hydrolyzed keratin. Keratin hydrolyzate is a water-soluble protein obtained in the process of controlled hydrolysis of sheep wool. It contains amino acids (which are the basic building blocks of proteins) similar to those found in human hair or nails. Of all the amino acids, the most abundant are sulfur amino acids, i.e. cystine and methionine.
Thanks to this, hydrolyzed keratin easily binds with natural hair proteins, deeply penetrates the structure of the hair and rebuilds areas damaged by everyday combing or adverse weather conditions (sun, wind). In its pure form, it occurs as a clear liquid with a yellow or brown color and a characteristic smell.
Keratin for hair straightening?
Don't believe the social media reports that you can permanently straighten your natural, strong curls with keratin. That's not what it's for, and curly hair is a result of genetics, for possible temporary correction, not change.
Keratin hair straightening is a treatment that aims to intensively and quickly regenerate hair, i.e. straighten, smooth and nourish the hair structure. The treatment consists of “ironing” keratin into each individual hair using high temperature. In this way, all gaps are filled with keratin building blocks.
Warning! Hair does not like high temperatures. Hair straightening is primarily an aesthetic procedure, not entirely a care procedure, and it certainly cannot be perceived as a medical one.
A treatment performed in a hair salon is certainly safer than experimenting with high temperature, keratin, a hair dryer and a straightener at home.
Keratin in hair care cosmetics
Hydrolyzed keratin is a component of shampoos, conditioners, hairsprays and other hair styling products, hair perms and bleaches, and “liquid hair” conditioners.
It is intended to support the regeneration of damaged hair, i.e. supplement the deficiency of natural components that build the hair structure. In the case of treatments that strongly interfere with the hair structure, such as dyeing, its task is at most to limit any potential damage.
Hydrolyzed keratin is intended for dry, brittle, dull and damaged hair, e.g. after chemical treatments.
Possible effects of keratin treatment:
- hair becomes visibly stronger
- their volume increases
- they become shiny
- moisturizes the hair and makes it softer
- closes hair cuticles and regenerates split ends – to the extent possible in the case of a dead structure such as human hair
- extends the curl of hair after a permanent wave
- makes hair resistant to mechanical damage, including that caused during combing
- improves the condition of the scalp thanks to the sulfur content, which has antifungal and soothing effects (eliminates dandruff, among other things)
- protects against the harmful effects of oxidizing agents, dyes and permanent wave agents
- protects hair from the drying effects of strong cleansing agents contained in shampoos
- acts as a protective shield – prevents the negative impact of UV rays and wind.
Find out what to do to keep your hair healthy and strong
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What does keratin do?
Keratin can be found in many cosmetic products that we use every day. What are the positive effects of using products that contain it?
Keratin shampoo
Keratin contained in hair washing products is supposed to prevent structural defects and partially fill them. Thanks to the use of shampoos containing this ingredient, hair is supposed to be elastic and soft, not frizzy. However, it must be remembered that there are no miraculous remedies and it is impossible to regenerate every hair, just as it is impossible to live forever.
Keratin Hair Mask
The use of masks with keratin is to support their hydration and nourishment. After applying the mask, the hair will be more susceptible to styling. Additionally, using a mask on the ends of the hair strongly regenerates them.
Keratin nail polishes and conditioners
Nail and hand products containing keratin are designed to regenerate the structure of damaged nail plate, i.e.
- harden it and thicken it
- prevent nails from breaking and splitting
- moisturize and heal cracked skin around nails
- improve the condition of yellowed and discolored nails.
It is important to remember that irregularities in the structure of the nail may be a symptom of diseases that should be treated by a dermatologist or nutrient deficiencies that require treatment “from the inside”, because no amount of lubrication or painting of the nail surface itself will solve the problem.