Silk protein can be mixed with water to create an emollient for your skin. The effect can soften skin and soothe any irritation. You can also buy emollient silk protein products for different kinds of skin in many different brands.
In this article, we will cover how silk protein acts as an emollient, what kind of products are made from silk protein, as well as whether or not silk protein is the best emollient.
What Is Silk Protein?
Silk is a natural protein fiber that derives from the silkworm and silk protein is made by converting the silk from the silkworm’s cocoon.
Silk has a similar natural structure to collagen, one of the most important building blocks of both hair and skin.
Silk protein, therefore, has similar benefits to collagen and is used in many skincare and haircare products.
The benefits include increasing skin elasticity, regeneration of cells, and anti-aging properties.
What is an Emollient?
An emollient is a substance that helps moisturize dry and flaky skin.
They are often found in skin products such as creams, moisturizers, and ointments and are particularly useful in combating skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis.
Emollients help the skin by filling in open spaces between cells in your skin. The spaces are filled with fatty substances and this helps to make your skin much softer.
Emollients contain a lot of oil and they can therefore also coat your skin which helps seal in the moisture of your skin. Emollients, therefore, help to keep your skin hydrated for longer.
Is Silk Protein An Emollient?
Silk protein has the ability to penetrate the skin and hair and can therefore moisturize and protect both skin cells and hair follicles.
So yes, you could argue that silk protein acts like an emollient as it helps to keep your skin and hair hydrated. It also has the ability to make hair and skin feeling silky soft.
Overall, silk protein contains a lot of the same amino acids that make up your skin.
By applying a hydrolyzed version of silk protein, you replenish some of those amino acids you may have lost due to sun exposure, physical labor, or other everyday tasks.
Silk protein helps fill in the gaps where those amino acids are missing, replacing them so that your skin essentially knits itself back together.
This helps soften and soothe your skin by creating a strong protective barrier and strengthening your skin naturally.
The emollient properties of silk protein will leave your skin looking and feeling younger because it will help reverse any damage done.
Your skin will return to its natural soft state without the addition of harsh chemicals.
What Emollient Products Are Made from Silk Protein?
Silk protein additives for emollient products are usually found in the form of silk peptides, silk amino acids, and silk powder.
All of these contain the skin-softening abilities of silk protein and are combined with other materials to create a wide variety of skincare products.
Lotions, moisturizers, anti-aging cream, foundation and other makeup products, soaps, and even lip balm can be made with silk protein to aid in soothing and softening your skin.
Silk powder is also available for purchase to be mixed with essential oils, your favorite lotion, or your makeup to add the desired effect to your skin.
There are some popular name brand products containing silk protein on the market, but a lot of the higher quality silk protein products come from smaller companies that promote organic materials and healthy skin.
Is Silk Protein the Best Emollient?
Depending on the needs of your skin, silk protein could be the best emollient for you.
However, in general, natural oils such as sweet almond oil and ointment creams tend to be the best emollients for soothing dry skin.
Silk protein can be highly effective when combined with some of these other emollients and it has the added benefit of being natural.
Some other emollient products on the market are made with a lot of chemicals which can do more harm than good if you have sensitive skin.
Silk protein is naturally spun by silkworms so the protein is not created in a laboratory.
Depending on the needs of your skin, silk protein may be one of the best emollients if you are looking for an organic way to repair and soften your skin.
Where Can I Buy Emollient Silk Protein Products?
Emollient silk protein products can be found at any store that sells skin care products such as department stores, big box stores, and pharmacies.
Places like Walmart, Target, CVS, and Walgreens are sure to carry some emollient silk protein products.
If you are looking for a specific brand, a lot of the smaller, more specialized silk protein skin products are available for purchase on the brand’s website.
Amazon is another place to check for a large variety of silk protein emollient products.
If there is a specific silk protein product you need for a medical skin condition, your dermatologist should be able to recommend some places to look.
What Properties Make Silk Protein an Emollient?
Silk protein is made from the strands of silk spun by silkworms. The two major proteins that make up silk protein are fibroin and sericin.
Fibroin is a protein that provides elasticity and strength. Sericin is what knits your skin back together and holds it in place, protecting it from the everyday assaults it undergoes.
With the elasticity of fibroin and the repairing properties of sericin, silk protein acts as both a healer and defender of your skin.
It naturally weaves a new layer of protein to encourage your skin to return to its soft, healthy state.
Not only does silk protein repair skin, but it also strengthens it against any further damage by elements such as dehydration and ultraviolet radiation from the sun.
These powerhouse properties of skin protein make it unmatched as an excellent emollient for your skin.
What Kind of Skin Benefits from the Emollient Properties of Silk Protein?
All types of skin can benefit from the use of silk protein.
Those who suffer from dry skin, eczema, and psoriasis should use silk protein to help repair and replenish their damaged skin.
Silk protein can provide much-needed relief and protection for those who deal with such skin irritation diseases.
Silk protein products are also highly recommended for older people to help rejuvenate the skin and restore elasticity that is naturally lost due to age.
The only people who should actively avoid using silk protein skin care products are those who may be allergic to silk or the proteins it contains.
Conclusion
Silk protein is an extremely effective emollient to help soften, soothe, and protect your skin.
The proteins sericin and fibroin work to knit your skin back together, strengthen it, and protect it from further damage.
Many skincare products contain silk protein or you can purchase the powdered version to add to your favorite products.
Everybody’s skin is different. For those who suffer from skin irritation or the effects of aging, silk protein is a natural way to repair damaged skin.
It is safe to use every day and can be found at most drugstores, big box stores, as well as online from individual vendors and Amazon.
Frequently Asked Questions
Not only does silk protein soften and soothe the skin as an emollient, but it also acts as a moisturizer. Most applied silk protein is hydrolyzed so it binds with water to hydrate your skin when you use it as a skincare product.
In addition to softening your skin, silk protein can also be used to soften your hair. The protein applies the same mechanisms to knit together and repair dry and damaged hair so that it can restore elasticity, strength, and softness.
Silk protein can be applied to your skin with products that already contain it as an additive. Alternatively, you can mix silk protein powder with essential oils or your favorite skincare products to give your skin a softening boost.
You should apply silk protein to your skin every day to help ensure that the softening properties keep protecting and strengthening your skin. You can apply it multiple times a day if you desire. If you have a certain skin condition, consult your dermatologist on the recommended frequency of application.
References
- newdirectionsaromatics.com/blog/products/all-about-silk-raw-materials.html
- https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/1091581820966953
- https://www.allure.com/gallery/silk-skin-care-ingredient-products
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