Katherine’s question: I read that you can get smoother skin by rubbing egg white on your face and letting it dry. I tried it and I could feel my skin noticeably tighten – like I imagine Botox feels. Why does this work? The Right Brain tightens up this response:
What is an egg white?
Egg white, technically known as albumen, is the clear, liquidy part of the egg that provides nourishment for the growing embryo. It consists of proteins (about 15%) dissolved in water.
What happens when you cook an egg?
When you cook an egg, a chemical reaction causes these proteins to denature, which is a fancy way of saying they react with each other and become less soluble in water. So they turn from a clear, liquidy solution to a white, congealed solid (or goo, depending on how you cook your eggs.)
What happens when you put egg on your face?
A similar process occurs as a thin film of egg white dries out. In this case, the protein forms a film as water evaporates. The film is what makes your skin feel tight. It’s kind of like putting a coat of paint on your face and letting it dry.
Does egg white give you smoother skin?
Although it gives you a temporary feeling of tightness, once you you wash the egg white away, the film is gone. So although this tightening effect makes you think it’s doing something special, there’s really no significant benefit to this kind of facial. It doesn’t get rid of wrinkles like Retin-A does!
And by the way, just in case your boyfriend brings it up, Sarah Bellum wants you to know that other kinds of protein facials don’t really do anything for your skin either. (Ok Sarah, are you happy now??)
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J Says:
“And by the way, just in case your boyfriend brings it up, Sarah Bellum wants you to know that other kinds of protein facials don’t really do anything for your skin either.”
Hahahaha love you guys
That brings up another question though (which my boyfriend insists is true however I have my doubts) — what about ingestion of certain protein substances that help to clear up acne?
Katherine Says:
Thanks for answering my question! I figured it was a mechanical and not chemical process, and therefore only temporary.
Amino Acid Says:
I just wanted to clarify that the denaturing of proteins does not mean they react with each other. Rather, it is when the long strands of amino acids that make up proteins lose their secondary and tertiary structures. So it’s kind of like losing their original blobby shape and just becoming a long string of amino acids.
Right Brain Says:
Well said, Amino! I was just trying to give the quick and easy version but I appreciate the additional explanation.
Glitterati Says:
Hahahaha! Can Sarah & I be friends?
Joanna Says:
Thanks for this post! So does an egg hair mask have little effect too?
Marlon Says:
Sarah B., you are terrible but truly funny!!!
And yes, what about the shampoos that claim they nusrish the scalp with egg and rhum (Phytorum)?
Sarah Bellum Says:
J: About your “ingestion” question…if that really worked for acne, I wouldn’t have this zit on my cheek right now!
Michele Says:
Thanks Sarah, for clearing that up for me. I will immediately tell my boyfriend. Though he may want to know….from what university did you receive your degree?
Michele
Winnie Says:
Hahaha, sarah B…..Well i suppose if you were a vegetarian, ingestion of certain protein substances might be a good supplement….I will however, let my bf know that it will not clear up acne nor wrinkles!
Sarah Bellum Says:
Michelle: I’d rather not disclose my alma matter but I can tell you that I did really well on the “ORAL” exam!