Is Keratin Dead?
Yes, keratin cells are typically dead by the time they form hair, skin, or nails. This is a key characteristic of keratin's function.
Keratin is a strong, fibrous structural protein. It's a major component of our hair, skin, and nails. The cells that produce keratin die during the process of keratinization, a process that forms the protective layers of these tissues. This means the keratin you see in your hair and nails is comprised of dead cells. These dead cells, however, serve a vital purpose: providing a tough, protective barrier for the living tissues underneath.
Examples of Keratin's Dead Cell Function:
- Hair: The hair shaft we see is made of dead, keratinized cells.
- Skin: The outermost layer of our skin (the stratum corneum) is composed of dead, keratinized cells, protecting us from environmental damage.
- Nails: Your visible nails are entirely made of dead keratin cells.
Several sources confirm this: "Regardless of if the protein is soft or hard, the keratin cells are usually already dead by the time they are formed into hair, skin, or hooves" and "By the time that hair is seen on the body, the cells are already dead. Because hair is not seen until the keratin proteins are dead cells, for healthy hair, it..." These statements highlight the inherent nature of keratinized tissues being composed of deceased cells. Even products mentioning keratin in the context of skin and hair care, such as keratin shampoos, address it in relation to dead skin cells and the removal of build-up.
Keratin and Skin Conditions
Conditions like keratin plugs occur when dead skin cells and keratin become trapped within pores. This further exemplifies the association of keratin with dead cells in the skin.
