The more skincare evolves, the more we discover about how natural ingredients can be found and formulated to benefit your skin. Recently, enzymes have emerged as natural allies that can make for an incredible addition to your skincare ritual.
But what are enzymes exactly? Where are they found? And how do they work? By exploring the ins and outs of enzymes more closely, you’ll be ready to embrace them in your own skincare. And your skin will enjoy plenty of benefits, too.
what are enzymes?
Enzymes are complex proteins that play a significant role in speeding up many biological processes – including digestion and metabolism.
When it comes to enzymes in skincare specifically, they’re mainly used to exfoliate and to nourish – as enzymes gently dissolve dead skin cells on your skin’s surface without causing irritation and inflammation. They enhance your skin cell turnover too, which is essential for healthy, radiant skin.
how are enzymes derived naturally?
Most enzymes used in skincare are derived from fruits, vegetables and plants.
These are some of the most common natural enzyme sources – and how they can specifically improve the health and vitality of your skin:
- Papaya: the enzyme papain is found in papaya, which exfoliates and softens your skin
- Pineapple: this is where you’ll find bromelain, a natural enzyme that reduces inflammation and gently exfoliates your skin
- Banana: banana peels are filled with natural enzymes, which draw toxins from your skin’s surface for easier exfoliation
- Passionfruit: the enzymes found here help to repair and nourish your skin
- Pumpkin: rich in alpha-hydroxy acids that help to speed up cell regeneration and replenish skin
- Mango: filled with vitamin C to help your body produce collagen, as well as antioxidants for hydration
- Kiwi Fruit: contains the enzyme actinidin, which helps manage dead skin cells and reveal a brighter complexion underneath.
how are enzymes derived naturally?
Most enzymes used in skincare are derived from fruits, vegetables and plants.
These are some of the most common natural enzyme sources – and how they can specifically improve the health and vitality of your skin:
- Papaya: the enzyme papain is found in papaya, which exfoliates and softens your skin
- Pineapple: this is where you’ll find bromelain, a natural enzyme that reduces inflammation and gently exfoliates your skin
- Banana: banana peels are filled with natural enzymes, which draw toxins from your skin’s surface for easier exfoliation
- Passionfruit: the enzymes found here help to repair and nourish your skin
- Pumpkin: rich in alpha-hydroxy acids that help to speed up cell regeneration and replenish skin
- Mango: filled with vitamin C to help your body produce collagen, as well as antioxidants for hydration
- Kiwi Fruit: contains the enzyme actinidin, which helps manage dead skin cells and reveal a brighter complexion underneath.
the benefits of enzymes in skincare
Enzymes shine in skincare for all kinds of reasons. Unlike physical exfoliants or chemical peels that can be abrasive, enzymes gently dissolve dead skin cells and impurities on your skin’s surface without causing irritation and inflammation. They enhance your skin cell turnover (which can slow down as we get older), promoting healthier and more radiant skin.
Removing this barrier of dead skin cells also allows other skincare products – like serums and moisturisers – to be absorbed more effectively. And they do all of this without affecting your skin’s natural pH or moisture barrier either.
which products contain enzymes?
Most skincare products that contain enzymes aren’t meant to be left on the skin all day. Instead, you’ll find them in products like cleansers, scrubs and peels.
One of the most effective ways you can make natural enzymes part of your daily skincare ritual is through our Glycolic Exfoliating Cleanser. Enriched with glycolic acid as well as an abundance of enzymes, it both cleans and gently exfoliates your skin. Use it once daily, leaving it on your skin for just a minute before rinsing it off.
For a deeply-exfoliating, nourishing treatment, using our Rapid Enzyme Peel once or twice a week is an ideal addition to your daily ritual. It harnesses the power of mango and pomegranate fruit enzymes to remove dead skin cells and reveal fresher, smoother, glowing skin. Leave it on your skin for just five minutes and you should see and feel the enzyme-enriched benefits.
Make sure you always follow up with SPF 50+ sunscreen, as this kind of exfoliation can make your skin more sensitive to the sun.
which products contain enzymes?
Most skincare products that contain enzymes aren’t meant to be left on the skin all day. Instead, you’ll find them in products like cleansers, scrubs and peels.
One of the most effective ways you can make natural enzymes part of your daily skincare ritual is through our Glycolic Exfoliating Cleanser. Enriched with glycolic acid as well as an abundance of enzymes, it both cleans and gently exfoliates your skin. Use it once daily, leaving it on your skin for just a minute before rinsing it off.
For a deeply-exfoliating, nourishing treatment, using our Rapid Enzyme Peel once or twice a week is an ideal addition to your daily ritual. It harnesses the power of mango and pomegranate fruit enzymes to remove dead skin cells and reveal fresher, smoother, glowing skin. Leave it on your skin for just five minutes and you should see and feel the enzyme-enriched benefits.
Make sure you always follow up with SPF 50+ sunscreen, as this kind of exfoliation can make your skin more sensitive to the sun.
which skin types benefit from enzymes?
In short – most of them! Enzyme skincare products deliver a range of benefits and are suitable for many skin types.
If you have sensitive skin and find most physical exfoliants or peels too harsh on your skin, enzymes offer a gentler approach to exfoliation. You’ll feel the benefits of a smoother and fresher complexion, with a lower risk for irritation, inflammation or hyperpigmentation.
Oily and acne-prone skin will feel fresher and more radiant too, as enzymes unclog your pores and reduce the risks of breakouts. They’re also kind to more mature skin where skin cell turnover might have slowed down. Enzymes speed up this process, improving texture, reducing the appearance of fine lines or dullness and ensuring skin of any age is as bright as it should be.
Enzymes are another natural wonder that deliver all kinds of incredible benefits to a range of skin types. They’re a powerful addition to your routine, whether daily as a cleanser, or once or twice a week.
