What Do Enzymes Do For Your Skin?
If you want brighter, clearer, smoother skin but acids are too irritating — try enzymes instead.
What are enzymes?
Enzymes are tiny molecules found in fruits (think pumpkins, papaya, and pineapple, cranberries) that break down the protein (keratin) in dead skin cells. Ever wondered why your mouth can feel a little sensitive and funny after you eat pineapple? This sensation is due to the enzymes breaking down the flesh in your mouth!
Enzymes used in skincare are a much better choice for sensitive and reactive skin since they work on the surface skin cells without causing any cellular death or turnover for living cells more deeply like acids do with more potential for irritation. Think of enzymes as a less forced form of exfoliation.
Discover more benefits of enzymes in skincare below:
Benefits of enzymes for skin
Enzymes help gently break up surface skin cells to promote smoother, softer, healthier looking skin, while also targeting pigmentation and breakouts.
Exfoliation: Enzymes help with the skin’s natural renewal process.
Boost other products: Enzymes are often added to DNA repairing products such as pigmentation reversal, anti-aging, and acne skincare to help signal repair within the skin
.Better absorption: Exfoliation will help you other skincare ingredients work better and penetrate more effectively into the skin.
Gentle for sensitive skin: Enzymes are ideal for those with reactive and sensitive skin to minimize inflammation or irritation while targeting concerns and exfoliating.
Pregnancy friendly: Enzyme exfoliation products can be safe and suited for women who are pregnant or breast-feeding (as long as there are no other acids or contraindicated actives blended into the formula) and replace other exfoliating routine products or professional treatments. (Of course, it is always recommend to see a medical professional and follow their advice while pregnant or breastfeeding).
Works well with other ingredients: Enzymes are compatible with just about every ingredient which can help take the worry out of your skincare routine.
Moisture barrier friendly: Enzymes typically maintain a neutral pH, which can keep the skin's acid mantle balanced and keep your barrier function in best form.
How to use enzymes in your skincare
Like with any form of exfoliation or system that speeds up the skin cell turnover, moderation is key. Start to slowly introduce a new enzyme routine, and like with any new product, it can be beneficial to patch test first to make sure the skin is agreeable. It can be beneficial to work with an esthetician who can recommend an at-home enzyme exfoliation routine that compliments your professional treatments and customizes it to your needs. If you use other active skincare ingredients such as retinol or acids, it could be best to cycle your skincare products to avoid using these in combination at the same application time or day to avoid stressing out the skin. Less is always more and everyone’s needs and tolerance to skincare is unique.
Fruit enzymes can be delicate and have a short shelf so it could be beneficial to keep products stored in a cool, dry place and make sure they are properly sealed to take care of them. Most enzyme products are formulated to be applied for short periods of time through cleansers, exfoliators, masks and treatments instead of a leave-on moisturizer. This can be beneficial for those dealing with acne who require gentle, non-inflammatory exfoliation. But in some cases using alpha or beta-hydroxy acids that are both oil and water soluble cycled in an acne routine can help penetrate through to deeper levels of the skin and dissolve congestion.
The takeaway
Enzymes are an effective yet gentle way to exfoliate. They work on the surface to dissolve dead skin and support your skin’s natural renewal without force. Enzymes are perfect for those with sensitive skin or anyone who prefers a less aggressive exfoliation routine.
Keep scrolling for skincare containing enzymes in the Mindful Beauty Shop:
Osmosis Purify Enzyme Cleanser is specially designed for aging, acne-prone, or pigmented skin to naturally exfoliate and detoxify through botanical ingredients. Tropical fruit enzymes like bromelain and papain from pineapple and papaya are the stars of the show which buff away dead cells and debris without stripping skin of its natural protective lipid barrier.
- Gentle enzymatic exfoliation
- Barrier-preserving enzymatic exfoliation
- Rich lather that is gentle on the barrier and detoxes impurities
- Refreshes to reveal supple skin
- Pineapple and papaya refresh for glowing skin
KEY INGREDIENTS:
Papain | Enzyme from the papaya plant used for its gentle exfoliation effects on the skin that helps to lighten, hydrate, and reduces signs of aging.
Bromelain | Protein-digesting enzyme found in pineapple; effective in the gentle removal of damaged keratin from the top layers of the epidermis.
Actinidia Chinensis (Kiwi) Fruit Extract | Part of our Kiwi Kumquat Surfactant Blend, Kiwi extract contains high amounts of potassium and various enzymes including papain and bromelain; has anti-irritating and soothing properties.
HOW TO USE:
Gentle massage 1 pump to the skin and rinse thoroughly.
PRO TIP:
After application, let sit on the skin for an extra 2-3 minutes for a little added enzymatic exfoliation.
200 ML or 50 ML sizes available
Pure Enzymes Cranberry Exfoliating Mask polishes away dull surface cells and pore-clogging impurities with a nourishing blend of cranberry enzymes and lactic acid. This gentle exfoliating mask leaves skin dramatically softer and plump with the help of hydration-boosting Gluconic Acid. Pure Enzymes antioxidant rich formula protects your skin from environmental stressors that can impair the skin’s radiance.
BENEFITS:
Helps to even skin tone by reducing the look of acne scars, dark spots and hyper-pigmentation.
Free radical-fighting antioxidants defend skin from environmental stress that can cause inflammation and damage to collagen and elastin.
A combination of science and botanical ingredients that help firm skin and smooth lines and wrinkles.
HOW TO USE:
Apply a small amount onto clean skin one to two times weekly, as needed. Leave on for 3-10 minutes. Rinse with water and follow with serums, and moisturizer.
2 FL OZ
Note from Katey: Pure Enzymes is a gentle and effective way to renew your skin, everyone will notice your glow after using it.
Clean before it was cool. Cosmedix skin care products exclude parabens, petrolatum, mineral oil, PEGs, sodium lauryl sulfate, hydroquinone, glycolic acid, formaldehyde donors and artificial dyes and fragrances and is 100% cruelty-free.
A 2-in-1 scrub and mask made with a synergetic cocktail of nutrient-rich raw honey, flowers, and fruit to gently exfoliate and renew dull, lackluster skin. The natural AHA's and enzymatic exfoliants in the sugar extract, hibiscus, and pumpkin work to remove dead skin cells and increase circulation. As the mask sits, rosehip and acai deliver potent antioxidants and vitamins that combat environmental stress and reveal a brighter, firmer, glowing complexion. Colloidal oats, raw honey and aloe vera improve skin hydration and calm the skin. While most will benefit from this mud, it's an absolute must for those experiencing clogged pores, hyperpigmentation or loss of elasticity.
KEY INGREDIENTS:
Hibiscus Flowers | Called the “natural botox plant” because of its firming & lifting properties, hibiscus is high in naturally occurring alpha-hydroxy acids. AHAs exfoliate, promote cell renewal & help prevent breakouts. Hibiscus is also high in water-soluble antioxidants, which help fight off damage-causing free-radicals & promote a healthy complexion. Our hibiscus is certified organic.
Raw Honey | The benefits of raw honey on skin are vast! Unlike regular honey, raw honey contains enzymes that help promote skin healing & provide gentle exfoliation. Honey also contains peptides, amino acids, antioxidants & vitamins that help calm & nourish the skin. Honey also helps attract moisture to skin, improving skin hydration when applied topically. We source our raw honey locally here in Connecticut.
Pumpkin | Pumpkin pulp has powerful, naturally occurring enzymes (proteases) that help break down dead skin proteins without affecting the healthy, living tissue. The perfect exfoliant for sensitive skin! Pumpkin pulp is also high in carotenoids, which are powerful antioxidants, & in copper & zinc, which help promote collagen production & fade skin discoloration. Our pumpkin pulp is certified organic.
HOW TO USE:
Use this exfoliating mud 1-3x per week on wet skin.
To Use as a Mask: Wet face. Take a small dime-size amount of the mud, and slowly start applying to face with a gentle circular motion. The mud will melt on your skin, covering it in a thin, sweet layer of flowers and berries. Leave on for 10-15 minutes. Remove by rinsing with warm water
To Use as a Scrub: Wet face. Gently massage a quarter-size amount in a circular motion. Remove by rinsing with warm water.
5 oz Full Size
Leaping Bunny Cruelty Free Certified
Note From Katey: I instantly fell in LOVE with the Hibiscus Exfoliating Mud. It is perfect for all skin types, even inflamed and acne skins, and anyone looking for a gentle but effective way to renew their complexion while maintaining the integrity of your skin’s moisture barrier. All of the ingredients are absolutely divine.
