Historians claim: silk thread was discovered in the III century BC. e. One of the legends says that it was discovered by Empress Xi Lin Shi when she accidentally dropped a cocoon into a cup of tea and noticed how a thin thread was stretching from it. According to another legend, the secret of growing silkworms was brought by Lei Zu - the wife of the Yellow Emperor, who ruled 5,000 years ago.
However, this product was used not only for the manufacture of clothing. Spinners found that thanks to silk, the skin of the hands acquires amazing smoothness and tenderness. After that, residents of the Middle Kingdom began to rub their bodies with strips of silk, and Chinese women wiped their washed hair with dry water. As a result, they acquired shine and softness.
Composition and properties
A cocoon shell is a physiological fiber that resembles human hair in structure. Silk is known for its ability to prevent the propagation of pathogenic fungi and has hypoallergenic properties.
The composition includes 97% of proteins (sericin - up to 30%, fibroin - from 70%), 18 amino acids, minerals, up to 3% fats and wax.
The task of fibroin is to retain the maximum amount of moisture in the skin. It also contributes to the natural production of collagen.
Sericin is a type of protein that is very similar to the basic substance of the amino acids found in the stratum corneum of the dermis. Thanks to the effects of this protein, the skin becomes elastic, enriched with oxygen and becomes soft.
Kinds
Modern scientists have found that silk proteins and their amino acids provide powerful hydration and eliminate the feeling of tightness. These properties are used in the manufacture of decorative cosmetics.
The following 3 types of silk derivatives are most commonly used:
- Amino acids. Obtained from the crushed fibers by hydrolysis with subsequent stages of dealkylation and drying. Low molecular weight helps them easily penetrate the skin and instantly absorb. Amino acids are mainly used in the manufacture of creams, as well as agents for the treatment of seborrhea.
- Silk Proteins. Also obtained by hydrolysis, however, in comparison with the previous substance, they have more powerful moisturizing properties, protect the epidermis from UV radiation and normalize the pH level. They are able to hold water weighing 300 times more than their own. Therefore, they are widely used in the manufacture of hair care products.
- Powder or silk powder. They are highly purified granules of natural proteins with a specific chemical composition and structure. They are considered an excellent tool for regulating skin moisture. In addition, silk powder has a unique ability to absorb fats, that is, the substance is ideal for the manufacture of cosmetics with a matting effect.
Silk Proteins for Hair
Almost every woman in her arsenal has a lot of hair care products. Recently, among them, silk for hair is especially common. As it turned out, the popularity of care products, which contain this substance, is quite high.
As mentioned earlier, proteins are also extracted from silk raw materials, but their effect is somewhat different. For example, they improve the metabolism that occurs at the cellular level in the scalp (this has a significant effect on the growth and condition of the hair), regulate the level of melanin, and also qualitatively protect the hair from UV rays.
Thus, the use of cosmetics containing silk proteins will make your hair shiny, smooth and amazingly soft.
"Silk" hair cosmetics
The following types exist:
- Masks In addition to proteins, the main components are phospholipids, vitamins and some oils (for example, red palm or peach). They provide thermal protection of hair during styling, prevent delamination of the structure, restore and strengthen damaged curls.
- Liquid silk. First of all, this product is designed to give the hairstyle a clean shine. The reason for the persistence of the action is the ability to envelop each hair with a thin film. The tool does not weigh down the curls, which after application become more elastic and radiant. Liquid silk protein is sold in ampoules. Most products should be applied to clean, dry hair, previously rubbed between the palms of the hands. Do not flush!
- Spray. The composition and purpose largely repeats the previous product. The main difference is ease of use. Agree, it is much more convenient to make one press of the sprayer than to smear the product on the hands and then on the hair. Many buyers call the spray a favorite variant of liquid silk, which easily fits in your purse.
- Shampoos The best products are not only for cleansing the hair and scalp, but also for nourishing and moisturizing dry weakened curls that need protection and deep recovery.
Face benefit
Having delved into the topic and read reviews about silk proteins, you can understand that they are most often used in the production of anti-aging cosmetics. And if in ancient times, geishas rubbed their skin with strips of fabric, literally polishing it, now experts are using a chemically treated product.
As mentioned earlier, as a result of this treatment, valuable powder, amino acids and, of course, proteins are obtained. Therefore, any cosmetic based on silk has the following advantages:
- promotes cell renewal;
- protects against moisture loss;
- nourishes and softens the skin;
- improves skin tone;
- tightens the oval of the face;
- eliminates irritation.
BioAqua - the best in its field
The set, consisting of five face skin care products based on silk proteins, is an effective 5-step system providing maximum cleansing, nutrition and hydration of the epidermis. In the customer’s reviews, the following advantages of BioAqua products were noted:
- Suitable for any type of dermis. Universality is explained by the presence of safe and non-irritating components in the composition, which have a mild effect even on hypersensitive skin.
- Contain ingredients necessary for daily care. All means not only blend perfectly together, but also perfectly complement the action of the previous one, thereby providing comprehensive care.
- The effect is noticeable in the first days of use.
Silk proteins contained in cosmetics for the face stimulate the natural production of elastin and collagen, soften the skin, and trigger rejuvenation processes.
Step by step use:
- Wash with a special foam daily in the morning and evening. Rinse with warm water.
- After using a cotton pad, wipe the face with lotion.
- Next comes the emulsion: drive the composition with your fingertips and leave for a while to completely absorb.
- Distribute the moisturizer with light massaging movements.
- At the final stage, to tint and give the skin freshness, apply CC-cream with UV protection and restoring properties. Just one pea of the product is enough so that after a few minutes the composition is completely absorbed and adjusted to the tone of the face.