Skin exfoliation is one of the steps in skin care routine.
There are many ways to exfoliate your skin: scrubs (please, do not do it, facial scrubs shouldn’t be even sold, unless it is a gentle powder scrub), chemical peels, exfoliating masks and enzyme peels to nave a few.
In this blog post we are going to talk about enzyme peels. I am a big fan of those and find them to be very gentle and effective for the skin.
You can also read about pink clay – a good inexpensive was to exfoliate your skin with a mask in just 5-7 minutes.
Why Do We Bother With Exfoliating?
Our skin cells constantly divide on deeper layers, they move towards the surface as they mature. As skins mature and travel towards outer layer of the skin, they perform different functions. Eventually skin cells reach the outer layer, where they die. This “dead” layer contributes to protective skin barrier.
This protective skin barrier is crucial for the skin health and ultimately for the health of our overall body. This layer of the skin protects us from harmful organisms, UV rays, dust, dirt and so on.
Naturally, this “dead” cells layer is washed off approximately every 3-4 weeks. However, sometimes, our body does not get rid of these cells.
Dead cells start accumulating on the skin surface. When this “dead” skin cells layer becomes too thick, our skin starts looking dull, tired, worn out. Sometimes people have “greyish” skin tone.
Also, thick dead cells layer prevents many skin care product from delivering hydrating and nourishing ingredients to the deeper layers of the skin.
Skin with accumulated dead cells looks dehydrated, pores might appear enlarged; skin could be either extremely dry or very oily, depending on your skin type.
Also, dead cells allow bacteria growth which could also lead to acne, blackheads and other skin diseases.
Please, read more about exfoliation and its benefits at Helathline https://www.healthline.com/health/how-to-exfoliate
What are enzymes peels?
Enzymes peels have another name – ferment peeling.
Enzymes are proteins that are obtained through the process called fermentation. As the name suggests, enzyme peels contain just that – different types of enzymes, that help gently and carefully exfoliate the skin.
There are two the most popular enzymes that are used in facial peels:
Papain – we get this enzyme from raw fruit of papaya plant. It exfoliates skin by dissolving dead cells layer.
Bromelain – we get this enzyme from the fruit or stem of pineapple. It is a softer version of papain, so it is good for sensitive, dry skin and skin with broken capillaries (small blood vessels).
There are other types of ferment peelings where enzymes are derived from other types of fruit: for example, lemon and apple.
Benefits of enzymatic peels (What do enzyme peels do)?
Ferment peels are designed to gently exfoliate your skin. Here are some benefits:
- Dissolve dead skin cells (so you can wash off that layer easily);
- Even out and brighten skin tone
- Remove excessive skin oil
- Clear pores (because enzyme peels are able to dissolve oil plugs as well)
- Lighten dark age spots, acne scars and stretch marks
- Promote skin oxygenation
- Enhance work of other skin care products
- Assist in reducing acne and blackhead formation
- Do not cause redness, inflammation and irritation of the skin (except for personal ingredients’ intolerance)
Enzyme peels vs Chemical peels
Enzyme peels work on the surface of the skin and do not work on deep layers like chemical peels do.
Enzyme peels are much gentler than chemical peels. They can be used all year around around.
You will not have any skin peeling, redness or itchiness after enzyme peels, unlike with chemical peels.
People with the most sensitive skin can do enzyme peels. Also people with broken vessels on the face can also safely use these types of peels.
Are enzyme peels safe?
Enzyme pees are very safe and suitable for any skin type. There is very minimum risk of allergic reaction (unless you are sensitive to a particular fruit that your).
Unlike chemical peels, you can you use enzymes peels all year around.
People with broken capillaries (with cuperose) can also use fermented peels safely as opposed to chemical peels or scrubs.
You can use enzyme peels on any part of your body.
Most ferment peels are safe during pregnancy and lactation (however, of course, consult with your doctor).
How to apply enzyme peels?
- Wash your face thoroughly.
- Apply a peel to wet skin and spread evenly
- Leave on your skin for 10-15 minutes (or according to your product’s instructions)
- Gently wash off with lukewarm water
- Generously apply moisturizers
How often should you do an enzyme peel?
It really depends on the product that you have. I always follow instructions on the label.
On average, use enzyme peels once a week.
Do enzyme peels hurt?
Depending on the product, you might feel some tingling sensation (this is from fruit acids doing their work). This sensation should be comfortable and by no means burning.
Please, do not skip the skin patch test.
Who should not be using enzymes peels?
Some people might have personal intolerances or allergies to specific components of the peel. You always need to perform a skin patch test: apply a small amount of the product on a small area of the skin, leave for 12-24 hours. If there is no bad reaction, the product is safe for you.
Do not use any peels, including enzymes peels, if you have active skin diseases: dermatitis, acne, or infections.
How to store enzyme peels?
This is a very important point, because enzymes could be easily destroyed, if not stored properly.
Store all enzymatic peels in a cool dark place.
To summarize, enzyme peels are most commonly made with fruit enzymes mostly because of fruit natural acids. Enzymes peels dissolve dead cells on the surface of the skin, removing dead cells layer. As a result, skin becomes brighter and lighter, skin tone evens out. Small wrinkles and fine lines disappear. Skin looks fresh, younger, glowing; feels soft and smooth.
Enzyme peels are safe for any skin type and you can use the all year around.
Stay beautiful!!!!