If you’re looking for a gentle yet effective way to exfoliate and rejuvenate your skin, enzymes may be your new best friend. Extracted from fruits like papaya, pineapple, and kiwi, these natural proteins help accelerate the skin’s natural exfoliation process without the harshness of traditional scrubs and chemical exfoliants. Enzyme-based masks and treatments are available for both spa-only services and at-home use. At the spa, they can be used in higher concentrations to target specific concerns. At home, you can incorporate enzymes to help prolong that freshly spa-refreshed glow.
Find out how enzymes work in skin care and why they’re becoming so popular among beauty enthusiasts.
The Discovery of Superfood Enzymes: What Are They?
Fruit and plant enzymes can help you achieve a more refined complexion in spa treatments or at home. Enzyme treatments often encompass a holistic approach to skin care. They not only exfoliate but also provide hydration, nourishment and antioxidant protection, contributing to overall skin health. Our skin is primarily composed of a protein called keratin. As we age, decreased cell turnover causes the top layer of the epidermis (stratum corneum) to thicken and accumulate dead skin cells. This buildup can make the complexion appear dull.
Luckily, enzymes can help solve this problem. Enzymes extracted from superfoods like pineapple, kiwi, and papaya are one of the most gentle exfoliating methods available and are ideal for sensitive skin. These proteins act as catalysts to speed up biological processes and by enhancing the skin’s natural exfoliation, they also support the skin’s natural renewal process. Enzymatic exfoliants gently break down the bonds that bind dead cells to your skin, helping to unclog pores and address issues like uneven skin tone, dark spots and signs of aging. Keep reading to find out more about the benefits.
Benefits of Enzyme Exfoliation
Enzyme exfoliation leaves skin looking brighter, smoother and refreshed. Because enzymes gently exfoliate the top layer of skin, they have few side effects and are widely recommended by skin care experts for all skin types, including sensitive skin. Here are some other key benefits they can have on your skin:
Natural Exfoliation
Enzymatic exfoliants are an alternative to traditional physical and chemical exfoliants. Enzymatic exfoliants increase cell turnover, removing dead skin cells that dull the complexion. This process leaves the underlying layers of skin brighter and fresher, resulting in an even skin tone.
Gentle on Sensitive Skin
Enzymes are generally gentler on the skin than chemical exfoliants that are part of the AHA family, such as lactic acid and glycolic acid. AHAs and BHAs are effective exfoliants, but they can cause irritation and increase sensitivity. In contrast, enzymes provide gentle exfoliation without causing irritation or redness, making them a good choice for sensitive or reactive skin.
Shining brightly
Enzymes like papain help brighten skin by removing dulling surface cells, and exfoliating enzymes allow for deeper penetration of subsequent products, including those containing radiance-boosting antioxidants.
Customized Exfoliation
Different enzymes target specific types of skin concerns – for example, papain and bromelain are great for gentle exfoliation, while lipase helps to control excess sebum – allowing for a more personalized skincare routine and spa treatments.
Improved skin texture
Enzymatic exfoliants break down the bonds between dead skin cells to smooth the skin’s surface, reduce the appearance of fine lines and improve skin texture. This gentle exfoliation leaves skin softer and smoother without the harshness caused by physical scrubs.
Reduces dark spots
Enzyme exfoliants are effective in reducing the appearance of dark spots, helping to even out skin tone and reduce discoloration by accelerating pigment cell turnover.
Source of Enzymes in Skin Care
Enzymes used in skin care are often extracted from fruits and vegetables. For best results, look for an enzyme exfoliant that contains a variety of fruit enzymes (such as actinidin, bromelain, papain) or plant-derived enzymes (such as lipase). Each has its own unique effects that promote the emergence of new skin cells. Enzymes can be found in superfoods such as:
Kiwi (actinidin enzyme)
Actinidin is an enzyme derived from kiwi fruit that exfoliates the surface of the skin, removing dead skin cells and leaving skin smoother without irritation.
Pineapple (bromelain enzyme)
Bromelain, an enzyme found in pineapple, is a powerful anti-inflammatory, making it ideal for sensitive, irritated or rosacea-prone skin. This leaves skin calmer and more even-toned. Pineapple is also a rich source of Vitamin C, an antioxidant that improves skin elasticity and youthfulness.
Papaya (papain enzyme)
Extracted from the papaya fruit, papaya enzymes are beneficial for acne-prone skin as they break down dead cells in pores and unclog clogs trapped under the skin. This enzymatic action not only reduces the formation of blackheads and whiteheads, but also promotes a clearer, more refined complexion.
Fermented vegetable sugars (lipase enzyme)
Lipase, an enzyme used in oil control, is derived from fermented plant sugars. This enzyme is used to break down oils.
If you would like a skin care routine tailored to your unique skin type and concerns, schedule a consultation with a certified esthetician at your local Eminence Organics spa partner.
