The keratin skin diet is essentially the intake of nutrients believed to protect the outer layer of your skin, the epidermis. Keratins are tough, fibrous proteins produced by cells called keratinocytes, which are responsible for protecting and forming your skin, hair and nails, according to Genetics Home Reference. Essential fatty acids and several vitamins may help protect your skin as well as benefit a group of keratin-related skin disorders called hyperkeratosis. Consult your doctor before attempting to treat any skin condition.
Hyperkeratosis
Hyperkeratosis includes a wide range of skin disorders involving the protective protein keratin, according to the website Aetna InteliHealth. Hyperkeratosis can range from harmless conditions, such as thick corns and seborrheic keratosis --- common brown and tan skin growths --- to highly bothersome ailments that include chronic eczema and its associated itching, redness and blisters, according to Aetna. Hyperkeratosis may be a consequence of the skin's fight against chronic-inflammation, infection, ultraviolet (UV) radiation and from genetic causes, as well.
Vitamins
Eating food rich in vitamins A, B and C may reduce your risk of hyperkeratosis. According to Ohio State University, vitamin A --- vital for healthy skin --- is obtained from food sources, such as sweet potatoes, carrots and spinach. B vitamins are found in whole grains, pork, liver and dairy products as well as numerous other foods. Vitamin C is best obtained through citrus fruits and vegetables.
Essential Fatty Acids
Adequate dietary amounts of essential fatty acids, or polyunsaturated fatty acids, may play a protective role in some forms of hyperkeratosis. Essential fatty acids, as in omega-3 and omega-6, are vital for cell membrane health and must be acquired through foods, according to the Linus Pauling Institute. Omega-3 fatty acids are found in fish, such as salmon, tuna and trout, along with some plant and nut oils. Omega-6 fatty acids are obtained through sunflower, safflower and corn oil as well as from some seeds and nuts, according to the LPI.
Follicular Hyperkeratosis
A lack of essential fatty acids and B vitamins may lead to acne --- scientifically known as follicular hyperkeratosis --- which results from an overabundance of keratin in hair follicles. Research published in the May 1967 edition of the "American Journal of Clinical Nutrition," conducted by K. Seetharam Bhat, observed the effects of safflower oil and vitamin B complex on acne. Researchers report that acne can result from an essential fatty acid deficiency and that vitamin B complex may play a significant role in the origin and treatment of acne.
Photodermatitis
According to the University of Maryland Medical Center essential fatty acids, such as in fish and flaxseed oil, may benefit those with extreme sensitivity to the UV rays of the sun, or photodermatitis. Photodermatitis patients may have an impaired immune system response to the sun --- resulting in rashes and blisters that resemble eczema. An investigation, reported by the UMMC, discovered that 13 people with sun sensitivity showed improvement after taking fish-oil supplements. However, the fish oil supplements are not as effective as sunscreen, according to the UMMC.
References
- Genetics Home Reference: KRT5
- Merck: Vitamin A
- "American Journal of Clinical Nutrition"; Biochemical Studies in Phrynoderma (Follicular Hyperkeratosis); K. Seetharam Bhat et al.; May 1967
- Aetna InteliHealth: Hyperkeratosis
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Omega-3 Fatty Acids
- Ohio State University: Vitamin A (Retinol)
