What is Functional Keratin?
Wednesday, June 9th, 2010What is Functional Keratin? It’s a relatively new ingredient found in some of the best skincare products. This article covers the question in great detail. Let’s start with what keratins are.
Keratins are structural proteins. They are used by the body to make hair, nails and the cells of the skin’s outer layers.
Keratins can be found in animal skins, wool, bird feathers and beaks, claws, horns, hooves, reptile scales, turtle shells and the quills of porcupines. There are two different types; alpha and beta.
Alpha-keratins are the type found in human skin, fingernails, toenails and hair. They are also found in sheep’s wool, the horns and hooves of cattle and the claws of various species.
Beta-keratins are also present in human nails, but not in the skin. They are found in turtle shells, reptile scales, bird claws and porcupine quills.
The toughness of keratins is similar to that of chitin, the main component of crab, lobster and mollusk shells. The main difference between the two building blocks is that chitin is a structural carbohydrate rather than a protein.
What is Functional Keratin derived from? That’s a good question.
Keratins have been used in skincare products for decades. They were derived from discarded animal parts, primarily the hooves and horns of cattle. Cow hide contains it, but it used primarily for its collagen content.
The horns and hooves must be heated to high temperatures and harsh solvents must be used to break them down into a water-soluble globular protein-form that can be added to lotions, creams or other skincare products.
The new type is derived from sheep’s wool, which is softer to begin with. So, the proteins can be softened gently. This allows them to retain their “function” or bioactivity.
What is Functional Keratin good for? There are many benefits.
Bioactive proteins can be picked up and used by the skin’s cells. One of the functions of the keratins in human skin is to absorb and pull in moisture.
So, when Functional Keratin is applied topically and absorbed by the skin’s cells, the cells become plumper. This improves the skin’s firmness. After 18 days of daily use, researchers have seen a 40% improvement in the skin’s firmness.
The ingredient has also been shown to stimulate the production of new cells. This is important, because the production of new cells for the skin’s outer layers slows down with age. That’s why older people have “duller” looking skin. After only 3 days of use, Functional Keratin has provided as much as a 160% increase in skin cell proliferation.
It has proven anti-inflammatory activity, which means it is beneficial for eczema, psoriasis, dermatitis, acne, rosacea and any condition in which inflammation is involved. It also means that it can be used on irritated or broken skin; something that you cannot do with most anti-aging creams and lotions.
It has proven antioxidant activity and by stimulating the production of new cells, it causes an increase in the potent antioxidants glutathione and superoxide dismutase. Antioxidants fight one of the primary causes of skin aging. That cause is free radical damage.
In most cases, it takes one antioxidant molecule to neutralize one free radical molecule. Superoxide dismutase is an enzymatic antioxidant. One molecule can neutralize thousands of free radicals.
Antioxidants have been shown in clinical studies to reduce wrinkles and reverse sun damage. The extra superoxide dismutase and glutathione will help to light age spots, too.
So, what is Functional Keratin? You might say that it is nothing short of an anti-aging miracle. Click here for info on skin care products with Functional Keratin.
The Best Skin Gel for Wrinkles has Natural Anti-Inflammatories
Tuesday, May 18th, 2010
The best skin gel for wrinkles is one that is free of cancer-causing substances, toxins, allergens and irritants. That’s not just my opinion. There are many environmental and public safety groups that agree.
Those ingredients should not be included in any kind of cosmetic, but it is particularly counter-productive when they are including in anti-aging creams. Free radical damage and chronic inflammation are among the causes of an aged appearance. Cancer-causing substances and toxins cause free radical damage. Allergens and irritants cause inflammation.
What you want to look for are gels and lotions that contain natural anti-inflammatories and natural antioxidants. Don’t be fooled by the advertising claims. Artificial preservatives are technically antioxidants. But, they are not the antioxidants that are beneficial to the skin’s health and appearance.
The antioxidants that you want to look for include coenzyme Q10 and natural vitamin E. The particles must be reduced in size in order to penetrate through the skin’s layers. So, look for a “nano-emulsion” form.
Most antioxidants have a little anti-inflammatory activity, but an ingredient called Functional Keratin actually stops inflammation before it can start. The best skin gel for wrinkles is one containing Functional Keratin, judging by the results of clinical studies.
Keratin is a structural protein that is abundant in the skin’s outer layers. One of its primary functions is to pull moisture into the skin’s cells, which is one of the things that accounts for the skin’s firmness.
Excessive dryness is one of the causes of wrinkling. Exposure to sun and wind dries out the skin’s layers sometimes to the point that the moisture cannot be replenished.
Keratin is an ingredient in many creams and lotions. But, most companies use the inactive “non-functional” form. It might feel good initially, but it will not improve the skin’s health or appearance.
The best skin gel for wrinkles is one that contains Functional Keratin, because it can be used by the skin’s cells. The non-functional kind cannot. So, now you have two ingredients to look for when you go shopping. How about one more?
As we age, the skin’s hyaluronic acid content starts to decline. It is hyaluronic acid that keeps the skin looking smooth and youthful.
A type of kelp called wakame has been shown to inhibit the breakdown of hyaluronic acid by inhibiting the activity of the enzyme responsible for the decreasing levels. The best skin gel for wrinkles contains wakame because it allows hyaluronic acid levels to rise and because the kelp contains sulfated polyfucose, which naturally protects against UV damage and other toxins.
No name brands were mentioned in this article, because the brand name really doesn’t matter. It is all about the ingredients included in a product. It might take some research to find a couple to choose from, but if you really want to improve your skin’s health and appearance, the research is well worth your time.
The best skin gel for wrinkles can reduce fine lines and wrinkle depth by 30% or more. What more could you ask for?
What is Cynergy TK?
Wednesday, April 14th, 2010When this rather new substance hit the market in 2006, it was not clear to many what Cynergy TK was or what it could do for consumers. It is now obvious that Cynergy TK is without a doubt this decade’s most important breakthrough in skin care. Ample science and field results solidly support its success.
Cynergy TK is a bio active form of keratin that supports your skin regeneration. Cynergy TK mainly contains Functional Keratin which is a natural substance extracted directly from sheep’s wool.
New Zealand sheep are among the most prolific wool producers in the world. Not surprisingly, Cynergy TK was originally developed in New Zealand and it is sourced exclusively from selected farms which adhere to rigid protocols of purity in order to ensure premium quality. Cynergy TK is also a cruelty free product and sheep are not harmed in the harvesting process.
Cynergy TK is also the preferred ingredient among top-quality, natural skin care companies. One of the main reasons is that it eliminates the need for individual products that target a specific skin type and often overlap in their purpose. Cosmetics with Cynergy TK protect your skin against further damage from pollutants and sun damage, effectively reducing wrinkles and fine lines. It visibly improves the elasticity and firmness of the skin. It reduces inflammation and redness associated with sensitive skin and improves the radiance and brightness of the skin, giving your face a creamy and more even complexion.
The keratin found in Cynergy TK is a protein found throughout the human body. It plays an essential role in skin regeneration. However, Cynergy TK is unique in the way it makes keratin available for absorption though the epidermis.
Although it is sometimes used in other products, keratin is often de-natured through an industrial process called hydrolyzation. Certain animal byproducts such as feathers, horns and hooves are treated with acids and high temperatures to extract keratin. The final product is of low quality and useless when applied directly to the skin.
The keratin in Cynergy TK has undergone a unique patented process that creates a form of soluble keratin that can be effortlessly absorbed through the skin. The availability of the bioactive polymers in Cynergy TK is constant and complete. The manufacturer has very aptly coined the term “liquid skin” which refers to Cynergy TK’s ability to mimic and restore the functions of healthy skin.
The best news associated with Cynergy TK is that it actually stimulates your own natural collagen production to increase again. In fact, it is proven in clinical trials to stimulate not only the recovery of collagen but also a different skin protein called elastin.
Scientific studies show the Functional Keratin in Cynergy TK encourages new skin cell production. It contains zinc protein complexes, which are useful for both the maintenance and of the skin. It also contains copper protein complexes, which play a critical role in skin health by acting as a gentle healing agent.
As an additional benefit, Cynergy TK increases the production of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione. This helps reverse brown pigmentation in the skin caused by UV exposure and environmental pollutants. Sun damage is, after all, the main reason for aging skin in both men and women.
It is quite apparent that those looking to reap the benefits of the long term use of cosmetics, should look into a natural line of products containing Cynergy TK. It will guarantee visible and palpable results that could not be attained by using any of the standard chemical laden cosmetics found at your local mall. I am quite certain that you will not be disappointed.
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