Exfoliate Naturally With Enzymes

Exfoliation is one of the most instantly gratifying part of your skincare regime. In minutes skin can appear softer, smoother and more radiant. In years gone by we were scrubbing at our faces with gritty products in a bid to remove dead skin cells but these are far too abrasive, damaging and tearing the healthy skin.

Then came the acid invasion. Chemically exfoliating acids, such as glycolic, salicylic and lactic are by no means new but they are the hottest skincare ingredients at the minute. These acids loosen the glue that binds dead cells to the skin surface without the need for abrasives. They sound ideal but they are strong, so a lot of skins find them hard to tolerate, leading to sensitivity, dryness or irritation.

Luckily, there's a new method of exfoliation growing in popularity; one that delivers the same results without the risk of irritation. The enzymes used in exfoliants are proteolytic, meaning they are able to breakdown proteins. As the dead skin cells sticking to your face are keratin protein, they are broken down naturally. Most commonly you will find one of three types of enzymes in your products “ bromelain (pineapple), papain (papaya) or cucurbita pepo (pumpkin).

As they enhance natural processes, enzymes are fair gentler than their scrub and acid counterparts. They also contain anti-inflammatory benefits, making them great for sensitive skins or those who struggle to find a suitable exfoliant. However, their results are the same. You can expect a smoother skin texture and a boost in radiance.“Enzymes sound too good to be true, there must be a catch I hear you cry. Well, kind of. Enzymes can be a tad unstable. Advancements in skincare technologies mean we are now able to create stable formulas, however they should be stored in a cool, dark place to avoid them becoming unstable though. It's not a huge deal though, as there are many skincare actives that need to be stored carefully “ its part of using cosmeceutical products I'm afraid!My favourite enzyme exfoliants include Dermaviduals Enzyme Peeling Mask and Oskia Renaissance Mask.

Remember, exfoliation should be a weekly treat for the skin rather than a daily occurrence. Over exfoliation damages the skin's outer barrier and causes more problems than benefits.

Written for you by: Ellie, Face the Future

Image source: freepik.com