What is keratin?
Keratin is a type of protein. It's in your hair, and in your skin. Other animals have it in their feathers, fur and scales.
Keratin forms a tough, impervious, waterproof layer that protects animals, stopping unwanted substances in the outside world from getting into their bodies. It also builds up in areas of the body that get exposed to lots of wear and tear. Have you ever had a callous on your hands or feet? That's keratin.
As keratin builds up in cells, the cells die and eventually peel away. We do this gradually, losing small amounts of skin and hair all the time. Snakes and other reptiles do it more quickly, shedding their skins - and their keratin - in one go.
Kiss a baby, hug a puppy, squeeze the poo outta someone you love! To dance on ones toes is as sweet as a rose.
