Keratinases (EC 3.4. -. -) are a group of hydrolytic enzymes that can catalyze the degradation of keratin. These keratinolytic enzymes are secreted by different types of microorganisms found in soil, water and on various keratin-rich sources.
Bacteria are major players in keratin degradation and have been the most intensively studied to date. Among them, Bacillus species, such as Bacillus licheniformis, Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus amyloliquefaciens, are capable of producing keratinase [15,16,17].
In skincare, similar to the mechanisms of papain, bromelain breaks down the keratinized glue that keeps dead skin cells attached to our stratum corneum, the outer layer of the skin. It digests the keratin protein into smaller amino acid chains, allowing for a smoother, more supple complexion.
The extent of keratin degradation was highly enhanced by the presence of reducing agents, principally sodium thioglycolate, exceeding 90% degradation within 16 h of enzymatic treatment.
Keratin is dissolved in alkalies at high temperatures, such as sodium hydroxide (lye) or potassium hydroxide (potash). The alkali breaks the keratin protein down into small peptide chains and individual amino acids.
“Overtime, factors like environmental triggers, UV chemicals and heat can break down keratin. Those factors basically cause the protein to change its natural shape.”
Using this cDNA clone and two known keratin clones, pKA1 (keratins 5 and 6) and pKB2 (keratin 14), we found the levels of these corresponding mRNAs in cultured cells to be reduced 10- to 25-fold after treatment of cells with vitamin A.
Bromelain, a group of enzymes found in pineapple, has been shown to have numerous benefits for skin health, including its ability to reduce inflammation and promote collagen production.
Keratin deficiency is the condition of declining keratin levels due to aging, which can be aggravated by repeated exposure to chemicals, mechanical stress, and high temperatures.
Chlorine and Salt Water: Avoid swimming in chlorinated pools or salt water for at least two weeks after your treatment. Both chlorine and salt can strip keratin from your hair, drastically reducing the lifespan of the treatment.
Keratinases are serine proteases (or sometimes metalloproteases) that degrade keratin, a structural peptide found in hair, skin and nails.
Keratinases (EC 3.4. -. - peptide hydrolases) have major potential to degrade keratin for sustainable recycling of the protein and amino acids. Currently, the known keratinolytic enzymes belong to at least 14 different protease families: S1, S8, S9, S10, S16, M3, M4, M14, M16, M28, M32, M36, M38, M55 (MEROPS database).
By consuming vitamin A-rich foods like carrots, sweet potatoes, salmon, and liver help reduce keratin levels in the body. Vitamin A acts as a regulatory agent and decreases excess and defective keratin. In addition, gentle exfoliation of the skin may help to remove excess keratin.
The reducing agents such as sulfites, bisulfites, 2-mercaptoethanol, thioglycolic acid, and dithiothreitol are widely used for keratin extraction.
The main types of enzymes which are responsible for collagen degradation are collagenases, which belong to a group of enzymes called matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs.) Collagenases are released by several cells in the body including macrophages, fibroblasts, neutrophils and tumor cells.
People who are allergic to pineapples, Latex, wheat, celery, papain, carrot, fennel, cypress pollen, or grass pollen may also be allergic to bromelain. Pregnant women and people with bleeding disorders, high blood pressure, and liver or kidney disease should not take bromelain.
Specifically, vitamin C has been shown to stabilize collagen mRNA, thus increasing collagen protein synthesis for repair of the damaged skin (47). This occurs concurrently with a decrease in elastin production; the elastin protein is often overproduced in response to photodamage (48).
Certain foods contain nutrients that support the formation of keratin in the body. These nutrients include biotin, vitamin A, and zinc. Eating a healthful diet that includes these nutrients may help maintain healthy levels of keratin and provide other essential nutrients.
When you don't like how the hair looks or feels, you want to reverse it. While it's possible to reverse a keratin treatment, you can't do it in one day. You also can't do it in one week. It will take you several weeks to completely reverse the keratin treatment.
Salicylic acid to break up the keratin, causing the thick skin to soften and be shed, thus reducing the thickness of the skin. Urea-based agents to increase the content of water in the skin and soften the area.