Enzymes
Spring is the time for renewal, cleansing, and preparing for beautiful warm weather.
Enzymes are gently exfoliating agents - one of my favorite ways to introduce exfoliation early in the season! They renew the skin and are mild enough to use on most skin types. Enzymes are excellent for a quick but effective brightening treatment professionally or at home.
What are enzymes?
Enzymes break down organic matter, which is helpful for various health and beauty purposes. Enzymes can be taken after a meal to aid digestion or used topically on the skin to break down dead skin cells. For example, bromelain breaks down protein, so it is helpful for the digestion of fatty meals.
If you’ve ever felt a mild reaction after having pineapple, you’ve felt the power of enzymes, specifically bromelain. That reaction is essentially exfoliation. Fruit-based enzymes break down the sticky, oily bond between dead skin cells, helping them come off the skin and reveal the new, healthy skin cells underneath.
A silly but good example: cleaning tile. While soap and water work well, a degreasing cleaner will release the stuck-on grime and vastly improve the tile's appearance. You can take cleaning a step further and powerwash the area, but not all surfaces, like tile, can handle that. That’s how enzymes work; they are the mid-level skin exfoliant.
How do enzymes help the skin?
As a holistically inclined person, I love enzymes because they can be incorporated into our diet and topical treatments. They help improve our skin from the inside out. A healthy gut and a functioning digestive system help your body break down food, expel toxins, and effectively absorb necessary nutrients; this alone can improve skin.
Fruit enzymes are used to clear the skin and exfoliate, even in sensitive skin types. Because they can be used on most skin types, they pair well with more invasive treatments.
Generally, enzymes have been shown to:
Aid exfoliation and cleanses pores
Increases cell renewal
Brightens the complexion
Incorporating enzymes into your skincare routine
Enzymes are added to various products, from cleaners to masks and oils. While they are mild, everyone is different. You want to be mindful when using exfoliating products.
I recommend starting with once and waiting two weeks for the next application. If your skin does well with the product, you can do it once per week and eventually work up to a maximum of twice weekly.
If you have reactive skin, open areas, or severe acne, it’s best to contact your skin care professional or us for personalized advice!
My favorite enzyme-based products
The Glow Juice Mask contains fruit enzymes, including pineapple, pomegranate, and other tropical fruits. These plant-based enzymes tenderly exfoliate and rid skin of dead cells for smooth, healthy-looking skin. You can use this product 1-3 times per week, depending on your skin's current state.
The Sunshine Dew Cleansing Oil combines ultra-hydrating kelp and meadowfoam seed oil with papaya fruit enzymes for a mildly exfoliating cleanse.
I love D.I.Y. recipes containing fruit as well! I always recommend always doing a patch test and using caution as natural, even food based products can negatively affect skin!