Keratin is a vital protein that significantly benefits your skin's health and appearance. It acts as a key component in maintaining a healthy and strong epidermis (the outer layer of skin).
Keratin's Role in Skin Health
- Protective Barrier: Keratin helps form a protective barrier on the skin's surface. This barrier is crucial for preventing water loss, keeping your skin hydrated and preventing dehydration. This helps to maintain optimal skin moisture levels, promoting a supple and healthy complexion. [Source: Keratin: Helps maintain a protective barrier on the skin's surface, promoting moisture retention and preventing dehydration. It contributes to the skin's overall strength and elasticity, making it more resilient against environmental stressors.]
- Strength and Elasticity: Keratin contributes to the skin's overall strength and elasticity. This makes your skin more resilient against environmental stressors like UV radiation, pollution, and friction. A stronger, more elastic skin is less prone to damage and premature aging. [Source: Keratin: Helps maintain a protective barrier on the skin's surface, promoting moisture retention and preventing dehydration. It contributes to the skin's overall strength and elasticity, making it more resilient against environmental stressors.]
- Wound Healing: While not its primary function, keratin plays a supportive role in the wound healing process. [Source: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/23204-keratin - Keratin is a protein that helps form hair, nails and your skin's outer layer (epidermis). It helps support your skin, heal wounds and keep your nails and hair...]
- Moisturizing Properties: Keratin possesses strong moisturizing properties, contributing to the skin's overall hydration and suppleness. [Source: https://www.lorealparisusa.com/ingredient-library/keratin - The skin care benefits of keratin include strong moisturizing properties and enhanced skin elasticity.]
Boosting Keratin Levels
While your body naturally produces keratin, you can indirectly support its production through a healthy diet rich in protein and certain nutrients. Foods high in protein, vitamins, and minerals can support overall skin health, indirectly impacting keratin levels. [Source: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/keratin-rich-foods - Keratin is a type of protein that boosts the health of your hair, skin, and nails. Several specific nutrients are essential...] However, directly supplementing with keratin is not typically necessary and its effectiveness for skin health needs further research.
