How to Reduce Keratin in Body Naturally: Research-Supported Strategies For Balancing Body Functions
By Dr Rajeev Singh +2 more
Medically reviewed by Dr Rajeev Singh
Last updated: Apr 12, 2024Click to rate this article!
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By Dr Rajeev Singh +2 more
Medically reviewed by Dr Rajeev Singh
Last updated: Apr 12, 2024Table of Contents
Keratin is a vital protein in our hair, nails, and skin. It helps maintain their structure. However, excess keratin can cause unwanted skin issues and imbalance in body functions. In this article, we’ll guide you through strategies to lower keratin levels naturally. We’ll also discuss why it can become excessive. You’ll learn about common symptoms and discover natural remedies for reducing keratin levels. By the end, you’ll be well informed on how to manage your keratin levels for more balanced body function.
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Before diving into strategies for reducing keratin, let’s get a firm grasp on what keratin is and its function in the body.
Keratin is a sturdy protein in our hair, nails, and outer skin layer. It’s like a shield that keeps these tissues safe and whole.
Essentially, keratin is like our bodyguard. It defends our skin, hair, and nails from harm like UV rays, heat, chemicals, and friction. Plus, it traps moisture to keep our skin hydrated and avoid water loss.
Our bodies produce keratin naturally via unique cells known as keratinocytes. It can also be obtained from foods rich in protein, from hair, and skincare products fortified with keratin.
Excess keratin can stem from various factors. Broadly speaking, they fall into three groups: genetics and health conditions, environmental factors, diet, and lifestyle.
Some people may have genes that lead to excess keratin, causing skin ailments like keratosis pilaris and hyperkeratosis. Also, certain health issues such as eczema (atopic dermatitis) and psoriasis might cause skin to have too much keratin.
Our surrounding plays a key part in regulating the amount of keratin in our body. Rough elements, extreme weather, or sun UV radiation can cause your body to make more keratin as a way of self-defense.
A poorly balanced diet can cause your body to overproduce keratin. Eating a lot of proteins, especially meaty ones, can make keratin levels increase. Some medications and supplements, like creatine, might boost keratin production as well.
Excess keratin can present in different ways on our skin. A few common signs are described below.
This is a harmless but possibly annoying condition marked by small, rough, pink, or skin-coloured bumps. They mainly show up on upper arms, thighs, and buttocks. They’re often called “chicken skin” due to their look.
Hyperkeratosis refers to when the outer skin layer gets thicker because there’s too much keratin. Calluses, corns, or thickened skin could show up. It might also be linked with fungal infections or other skin issues.
These occur when dead skin cells and keratin gather in the pores. This clogs the pores, leading to sebum plugs and blackheads. If not treated, acne, whiteheads, or even cysts could form.
Now that we’ve covered what causes excess keratin and how it can present on our skin, below we have discussed the natural ways to tackle it.
Exfoliating often may help remove keratin plugs and keep your skin healthy. There are two ways to exfoliate which are described below.
You could use a soft-bristle brush, a mild scrub, or a washcloth to softly exfoliate your skin. This is said to help get rid of dead skin cells and keratin from the outer skin layer. However, avoid rough scrubs, as they might land you in more trouble by causing irritation.
Products that have alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) like lactic acid and glycolic acid, or beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) like salicylic acid can dissolve dead skin cells and keratin plugs. Ask a skincare specialist to tell you the right product strength and how often to use them for your specific needs.
To control the keratin content in your body, you might need to bring changes to your lifestyle.
Drink enough water all day long. It helps keep your skin hydrated and healthy overall.
Eat a balanced diet full of nutrients. Aim for foods with biotin, L-cysteine, vitamins A and C, and zinc. Here are some examples:
Reduce high-protein foods, especially red meat, to possibly trim down excess keratin levels.
Consider lessening the amount or stopping the usage of creatine supplements. But do this only after speaking with a healthcare professional.
Too much use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can harm your kidneys. Consult your doctor or healthcare provider for advice about pain management.
Smoking is bad for kidney health and chronic kidney disease. These affect how well the kidneys work in flushing out extra creatinine.
Drinking excess alcohol can hurt your kidneys as well. Limiting how much you drink is key for controlling keratin levels.
Stress can worsen skin conditions and overall health. Make relaxation techniques like meditation, yoga, and deep breathing exercises part of your daily routine to manage stress effectively.
While natural remedies may help with most excess keratin issues, there can be times when you need to get professional help.
If you’ve tried all these natural remedies but haven’t seen improvement, or if the symptoms are severe and impede daily life, see a dermatologist. They can provide personalized advice and management options.
If you think that the excess keratin might be due to another health issue, or if kidney disease runs in your family, consult your healthcare provider. They can evaluate you and provide guidance.
Maintaining balanced keratin levels in your body is vital for healthy hair, skin, and nails. Since genetic and environmental factors, along with your diet and lifestyle, can cause excess keratin production, you may manage these levels by using natural remedies shared above.
Always seek advice from a healthcare professional before making big dietary changes or starting new skincare products. By being watchful and proactive about managing your keratin levels, you may be able to maintain healthy balance in your body functions and enjoy healthier skin, hair, and nails.
The main causes for too much body keratin are genetics, health issues, the environment, and diet.
Exfoliating your skin, managing stress, and making lifestyle changes may effectively reduce and remove excess keratin.
Stress management, exfoliating your skin, staying hydrated, eating a healthy diet, and controlling protein intake and creatine supplementation are ways to naturally reduce keratin.
Follow the natural remedies shared in this article to lower keratin levels which are exfoliation, lifestyle changes, and stress management.
Too much keratin can cause skin issues like keratosis pilaris, hyperkeratosis, and sebum plugs. In severe cases, it might even affect kidney function and overall well-being.
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