Enzymes in Skincare – What Are They & Why Should I Use Them?

Last updated on July 11th, 2022 at 10:39 pm

By: Adriana M. Perez, L.E.

Is the fall weather drying out your skin and leaving it looking dull, feeling tight, and making fine lines appear deeper than they actually are? You may be tempted to avoid any type of exfoliation and slather on a heavy moisturizer, but this may not always be the best solution.

Not All Exfoliation Is Good For Your Skin

Gentle, year-round exfoliation (once a week for norma/dry skin, once or twice a week for oily/acneic skin) will prep your skin to better absorb treatment products that you apply afterward – resulting in hydrated, glowing, and healthy skin. People often tell me that they rub harsh and abrasive exfoliants across their skin *cough* St. Ives Apricot Scrub *cough* because they think that is the best way to achieve optimum exfoliation, and this cannot be any further from the truth. Products with harsh physical exfoliators such as ground nuts or seeds can result in tiny tears and scratches on the skin, causing side effects such as inflammation and irritation.

Effective exfoliation can be achieved by lightly rubbing a soft wash cloth in circular motions across the skin while cleansing, or by gently massaging the skin with a soft, bristled face brush (such as a Clarisonic) designed for the delicate skin on the face. Another alternative (and one of my very favorite forms of exfoliation) is to use products that contain enzymes.

What Is an Enzyme?

I like to think of enzymes as little “pac men.” Enzymes go about their exfoliation business by eating away (or breaking down) all of the dead, superficial dry skin cells that sit on the surface of our skin that can make it appear dry, flakey, and dull. Unlike a chemical peel which slips in between our skin cells to loosen up the intercellular “glue” that holds them together (causing them to slough off), enzymes do their work on the surface. Because enzymes work on the surface of the skin, they are much more gentle and less irritating than a chemical peel, making them the perfect treatment for people with inflammatory skin conditions like rosacea.

Enzymes in Fruit

Now that you’re full of knowledge and excitement about enzymes, I am sure that you can’t wait to try some 🙂 If you’re a do-it-yourself type of skincare fan, you should know that enzymes can be found in papaya, pumpkin, pineapple, and blueberry (just to name a few). Throw some of these ingredients together and they will make a great enzyme masque full of antioxidants, then take the remaining ingredients and make a healthy, body-fueling smoothie! Who doesn’t love smoothies?

My Favorite Enzyme Skincare Product

One of my favorite enzyme treatments comes in a citrus-scented masque form from Image Skincare. The Vital C Hydrating Enzyme Masque from Image is probably the most popular item that I use in my treatment room, and the first thing that everyone comments on is its fresh, zesty orange scent. This enzyme masque gently exfoliates away dead skin cells all by itself – no need to massage it into the skin. In fact, it is so light that it often absorbs into the skin. I sometimes recommend not rinsing it off (if skin is super dry) and just leaving it on as a moisturizer over night. This masque is perfect for all skintypes and can help soothe and calm inflammation from acne and rosacea, plus you get the benefits of the healing and anti-aging antioxidant vitamin c.

The next time you reach for something to exfoliate with, consider giving enzymes a try – they are a gentle yet effective form of exfoliation that will leave your skin feeling soft and smooth.

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Adriana is a Ventura, California-based esthetician who provides services such as facials, waxing, sugaring, and eyelash extensions. She enjoys learning about ingredients in skin care and makeup, and when she is not educating clients on ways to help them achieve beautiful, healthy skin, she is most likely running around Los Angeles and Ventura County enjoying a nice glass or wine or trying to attend as many random concerts and festivals as possible.