Keratin vs. Sebum — What's the Difference?

Keratin layers in skin and hair protect against environmental pollutants and physical wear.

Sebum is an oily substance secreted by sebaceous glands to lubricate skin and hair.

Keratinocytes, the cells that produce keratin, are essential for skin's protective barrier.

Hormonal changes can increase sebum production, affecting skin condition.

Keratin is a protective protein that makes up hair, nails, and the outer layer of skin.

Sebum production can be influenced by diet, stress, and genetics.

The body's production of keratin can be affected by diet and health.

Sebum helps maintain the natural pH balance of the skin.

Keratin treatments in salons aim to smooth and shine hair by temporarily adding additional protein to the hair strands.

Sebum contains antibacterial properties that protect the skin from certain pathogens.

Keratin () is one of a family of fibrous structural proteins known as scleroproteins. α-Keratin is a type of keratin found in vertebrates.

The semifluid secretion of the sebaceous glands, consisting chiefly of fat, keratin, and cellular material.

A fibrous protein forming the main structural constituent of hair, feathers, hoofs, claws, horns, etc.

(physiology) A thick oily substance, secreted by the sebaceous glands of the skin, that consists of fat, keratin and cellular debris.

Any of a class of filamentous proteins that are abundant in the cytoskeleton of vertebrate epithelial cells and are the main constituents of the outer layer of skin and tough epidermal structures such as hair, nails, hooves, feathers, and claws.

The oily secretion of the sebaceous glands; with perspiration it moistens and protects the skin

Material composed principally of keratin proteins.

(protein) The protein of which hair and nails are composed.

A sulfur-containing fibrous protein constituting the main structural protein of hard epidermal tissues, such as horn, hair, feathers, nails, claws, hoofs, and the like. It is an insoluble substance, and, unlike elastin, is not dissolved even by gastric or pancreatic juice. By decomposition with sulphuric acid it yields leucine and tyrosine plus various other acid-stable amino acids. The amino acid composition varies, but it usually has a high percentage of cystine, which stabilizes and insolubilizes the protein by forming intrachain linkages. A softer form of keratin is present in the epidermis and whalebone. Called also epidermose.

A fibrous scleroprotein that occurs in the outer layer of the skin and in horny tissues such as hair feathers nails and hooves

Signs of keratin deficiency include brittle hair and nails, hair loss, and dry, flaky skin.

Keratin production is primarily triggered by the need for skin, hair, and nails to form a protective barrier and repair themselves, influenced by genetic and environmental factors.

Excess keratin production, leading to conditions like keratosis pilaris, can be managed with exfoliation and moisturizing treatments that contain ingredients like urea or lactic acid.

Factors such as hormonal imbalances, stress, and certain medications can increase sebum production.

Yes, diet can significantly affect sebum production; foods high in sugars and fats may increase sebum production, contributing to oilier skin.

Sebum production tends to decrease with age, which is why older skin may appear drier and less supple than younger skin.

Keratin treatments fill in the porosity of hair strands, effectively reducing frizz, increasing smoothness, and creating a protective barrier around the hair.

Yes, health conditions like thyroid disorders and certain skin diseases can affect keratin levels and its function in the body.

Insufficient sebum production can lead to dry, itchy skin and make it more prone to irritation and sensitivity.

Sebum coats the hair shaft, providing it with shine and protection against breakage, and helps keep the hair hydrated.

Keratin provides structural strength and resilience, while sebum offers necessary lubrication and moisture, both crucial for maintaining healthy skin.

Common treatments include topical exfoliants, retinoids, and moisturizers designed to soften and reduce excess keratin on the skin.

Yes, sebum production can be medically controlled with medications like hormonal treatments or isotretinoin, depending on the underlying cause of overproduction.

Sebum is an oily substance that moisturizes and protects skin and hair, whereas sweat is a watery secretion that helps regulate body temperature.

Yes, an overproduction of keratin can lead to conditions such as keratosis pilaris, where the skin becomes rough and bumpy due to clogged hair follicles.