First, what are enzymes?
Let’s break down how enzymes perform in the body for a better understanding on how they affect our skin care. Enzymes are living organisms that help perform very important tasks. “An enzyme is a type of protein found within a cell” and helps speed up the rate of chemical reactions to help support vital functions such as building muscle, destroying toxins and break down food particles for digestion.
Enzymes are found naturally in the body but can be found in foods rich of these proteins and in fact such foods can boost enzyme activity in your body. “In addition to your diet habits, your body’s overall state of health will also affect how well it produces, stores, and releases enzymes and how efficiently enzymes function. This will vary from one person to the next.”
What do Enzymes do for Your Skin?
“Enzymes break down the keratin protein in the upper layer of the skin, which bonds dead skin cells together. Without this, the dead skin can gently slough off. This results in smoother, softer skin and helps diminish scars and pigmentation.”
"Most of the enzymes used in skincare products are sourced from fruits and vegetables, such as papaya, pineapple and pumpkin. These enzymes are called proteolytic enzymes and their role is to break down proteins."
“[In short], enzymatic exfoliation enhances dead skin cell turnover, thereby unclogging pores and revealing new more vibrant cells. These newer cells provide for better penetration of products and more vibrant skin,” says Bella Schneider, a celebrity esthetician and product formulator. “Further, enzymes also speed up cellular function when used both topically and internally, and enzymes can fight against free radicals and oxidation, protecting skin from environmental damage.”
Which Skin Type are Enzymes Most Suited For?
Skin care products rich with enzymes are suited for most skin types and for various issues. “Enzymes are a great choice for those with sensitive skin, as they provide a gentle way to exfoliate and brighten. They’re also an option during pregnancy,” says Dr. Hadley C. King, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City. “Enzymes a great choice for those who find are unable to tolerate acids and need a gentler touch” because they do disrupt the skin’s natural PH balance.
To wind it all up
Enzymes can be used from top to toe to gently exfoliate, brighten, and smooth the skin. "Enzymes are sensitive souls and they need to be looked after and stored carefully. Changes in temperature and pH can render them inactive (known as denaturing) and it’s very tricky to determine whether or not they are still working. [Therefore], at home, keep your enzyme products in a cool dark place and make sure the packaging is properly sealed to prevent contamination.”
Recommended enzyme-rich products:
BIO FOAMING CLEANSER: This cleanser is great as a facial and body wash for an all-over clean that leaves your skin refreshed and soft. Rich with prebiotics derived from potato protein enzyme and apple cider vinegar, perfect for sensitive skin by improving redness, irritation, and blemishes.
AMAZE CREAM contains powerful botanical compounds like alpha lipoic acid, hyaluronic acid, MSM, and CoEnzyme Q10 perfect for improving elasticity, minimizing wrinkles and providing ultimate hydration.
CONCENTRATED ANTIOXIDANT SERUM, containing 2x the potency as our amaze cream, this antioxidant rich serum nourishes the skin while protecting it from environmental stressors such as pollutants and free radicals making the skin’s physical more resilient.
Reference Articles:
https://www.healthline.com/health/why-are-enzymes-important#takeaway
https://theklog.co/enzymes-in-skin-care/
https://www.byrdie.com/what-are-enzymes-in-skincare-4693687
Photo by Sora Shimazaki from Pexels
