"Keratin care" is popular as a countermeasure against pores, dullness, and rough skin. Are you interested, but not sure if it's suitable for your skin?

This time, we will explain the mechanism of keratin, skin problems caused by keratin, and "keratin care" that can be incorporated into daily skin care.

The role and turnover of keratin

In the first place, keratin refers to corneocytes that exist in the epidermis that covers the outermost layer of the skin. The stratum corneum is made up of superimposed corneocytes, and its thickness is only 0.02mm. It is very thin, about the size of a sheet of plastic wrap, but it plays an extremely important role in protecting the skin from external stimuli and preventing moisture from evaporating. Another feature is that the keratin is reborn in a certain cycle. This reincarnation called "turnover" is said to be ideal for a cycle of about 28 days. However, when turnover is disturbed due to ultraviolet rays, friction, wrong skin care, etc., old keratin accumulates on the surface of the skin, leading to various skin problems.

Skin problems caused by old keratin

Old keratin accumulates on the surface of the skin and thickens the keratin, which is called “keratin hypertrophy”. In addition, thickened keratin can cause the following skin problems.

1. Rough skin
2. Dull skin
3. Conspicuous pores

If your skin feels rough and stiff, it may be a sign of dead skin cells. In addition, there are skin problems such as blackheads and blackheads that make the skin look dull and dull. If you are concerned about these troubles, it is also recommended to incorporate exfoliating care into your daily skin care.

What is the difference between peeling and exfoliating? Skin care suitable for Japanese skin

Japanese skin has a thin stratum corneum! Characteristics of Japanese skin

Peeling is a care that dissolves and removes unnecessary keratin accumulated on the skin. "Chemical peel" is one of the cosmetic treatments that can be received at the clinic. For exfoliating care at home, use cosmetics that contain a low concentration of exfoliating ingredients and are sold for home care.

There are many cosmetics on the market that aim to exfoliate, but what you should know when choosing one is the "characteristics of Japanese skin."

Japanese skin is said to have a thinner stratum corneum than Western skin. Therefore, even if the product is popular overseas, it may be too strong for Japanese skin, so be careful. This is one of the points you should know because it is an era where you can easily order overseas cosmetics.

What peeling ingredients should be checked?

There are various peeling ingredients contained in cosmetics. When trying out exfoliating care, check the ingredients listed on the cosmetic package.

We will introduce some representative ingredients, so please refer to them.

■ Glycolic acid and lactic acid

This ingredient is commonly known as AHA. There are several types of AHA, but the two most commonly used in exfoliating products are glycolic acid and lactic acid.

■ Salicylic acid

This ingredient is commonly known as BHA. Due to its oil-soluble nature, it is also used in acne-preventing cosmetics.

■ Retinol

Retinol, a form of vitamin A. It can be expected to be effective in improving the condition of the skin and resolving problems caused by thickened keratin.

Tips for exfoliating at home

There are various types of cosmetics that can care for dead skin, including ingredients, textures, wash-off types, and wipe-off types. Some products contain 0.1% or less of keratin care ingredients, while others contain 10% or more. In addition, some products contain moisturizing ingredients and ingredients that prevent rough skin to relieve irritation.

For those who are concerned about irritation, we recommend products with a texture that is less frictional or "patch-tested" products that are tested for skin irritation.