Enzyme Peels Are the Gentle Way Get Glowing Skin
What Is an Enzyme Peel?
Enzymes are a natural part of the epidermis which helps the process of exfoliation to “turn over” the skin. However various reasons such as aging, decreased immunity and unhealthy lifestyles can affect the skin’s natural regeneration cycle, which would mean that the enzymes are not able affect the skin properly.
If a more intense remedy such as an acid peel is too aggressive to combat this problem of skin regeneration, many estheticians turn to an enzyme peel instead. This is a process of using ‘protease’, or enzymes that are similar to the ones found in the epidermis that are derived from animals, plant, fruits and vegetables, bacteria and mildew instead that specifically breaks down protein.
Enzymes are active in many parts of our body especially when it comes to generating and activating energy, which is why it also acts as stimulant to aid digestion and boost metabolism, as well as doing its job as a catalyst to speed up the chemical processes within cells in our systems.
While enzyme peels are just as effective as acid peels, it is significantly less provocative in the peeling process and allows a much gentler experience makes this appealing to many, especially those with sensitive skin.
"Enzyme Peels for hypoallergenic skin versus regular acid peels, how do they each work differently towards skin regeneration?"
Enzyme Peel vs Acid Peel
Enzyme Peel : Skin Regeneration Using the Digest Method
The basic mechanisms of enzyme peels consist of breaking down desmosome, the cell structure within the skin’s stratum layer, and loosening up the bonds between keratinocyte in order to accelerate the process of shedding dead skin cells.
This means that there aren’t any kind of external abrasions nor heat created which means it doesn’t have any negative effects on the skin barrier, but instead stimulates cell growth and regeneration. With that being said, the process of replenishment through ‘digestion’ is the key focus of an enzyme peel treatment.
The Process of Skin Regeneration Through Enzyme Peel
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Breaking Down the Protein Bonds within the Skin Cells
Deteriorating the protein bonds that makes up the skin cells and reducing them to a smaller atomic unit, polypeptide. This leads to unbinding the structure of keratinocytes as well, and the overall cohesivity of different elements of the skin cell.
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Hydrolytic Degradation, or Decomposing using Water, Inducing Natural Regeneration
The polypeptide particles that are not bonded to each other gets bonded with water particles instead, resulting in revitalization using through water. Hydrolytic degradation can induce a gentle elimination of dead skin cells, naturally followed up with the process of regeneration.
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Maintaining the Skin’s Natural pH Balance, and Vitalizing the Reconstruction Process
Targeting the bonds within the skin cells would only help to make space between the particles allowing the removal of dead skin cells and other impurities without affecting the skin’s barrier and pH levels. The most notable feature of this kind of peel would be the gentle and non-abrasive nature of the process.
Acid Peel : Skin Regeneration Using the Dissolving Method
On the other hand, acid peels work in a completely opposite manner, as chemicals penetrate deep into the skin and cause a biochemical reaction within. Although the initial method is quite different, acid peels do have similar principles as an enzyme peel as this biochemical reaction also weakens the binding between cells. The main difference is that while an enzyme peel achieves this result through a process of ‘digestion’, and acid peel ‘dissolves’ the bonds in order to accelerate regeneration. Acid peels are done by purposefully applying active stimuli in order to induce the production and synthetization of crucial elements in skin regeneration and strengthening such as hyaluronic acid and collagen.
While it is definitely possible to control the intensity of the chemicals used depending on the condition of the skin it is being applied to, it is also true that compared to the enzyme peel that works by structurally disassembling the skin cells, acid peels do leave a more obvious and inevitable temporary damage to the skin.
Ingredients of Different Enzyme
Among many different types of enzymes, ones that are derived from fruits are especially beneficial because it also consists of antioxidant vitamins that works to regain skin vibrancy and has anti-aging benefits along with the peeling effect.
Some of the most widely used fruit enzymes include bromelain (from pineapples), papain (from papayas), pumpkin enzymes, berry enzymes (from blueberries and raspberries) and ficin (from figs).
1. Bromelain
This is one of the most well-known and commonly used type of enzyme; it not only exfoliates, it is highly effective in discarding impurities within the skin as well. It is packed with vitamin C, and its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial elements are used to prevent and improve hyperpigmentation and treat acne as well.
It also reinforces the capillary vessels, which means it is suitable for people with hypersensitive skin with redness and other skin conditions as well.
2. Papain
Papain is very high in vitamin A, B and C, and it has notable anti-aging qualities as it is also abundant in flavonoid, which is a very strong antioxidant.
The beta keratin and phytochemical elements not only aids in the restoration of damaged skin barrier and regeneration process, but it is also remarkably useful in treating acne scars and hyperpigmentation. However papain is a more active element especially in comparison to bromelain, which means there should be more caution when using this on someone with sensitive skin.
Enzyme Peel Guide
Incorporate Water When Using
In order for any type of enzyme to be activated within the skin, integration of water is a necessary step. Therefore, when applying the enzyme power on the skin, it should always be in a liquid or gel form.
Make Sure the Temperature is between 35-45℃
35-45℃ is the most idea temperature for the enzymes to be in in order to bond itself to dead skin cells, break it down and digest it.
Use Hot Towels and Facial Steamers
Utilizing hot towels and facial steamers in order to supply moisture and regulate temperature can help soften up the skin and assist in the enzymes’ bonding process with hydration.
Introducing Pure Raum’s
AHOHAW Inten-Cure Enzyme Wash Powder
This gentle exfoliating enzyme powder removes dead skin cells, sebum and dirt while supporting the skin's moisture barrier. Softens skin while leaving it looking healthy and revitalized. Suitable for all skin types.
How to Use
Using it as a Face Wash: apply a small amount of the powder on wet hands and create a fine layer of foam by melting and rubbing the powder on the palm before applying it on the face in gentle, rolling motions. Wash off with warm water.
Using it in a Spa: scoop a bit of the powder on to a small bowl and mix with either warm water or aloe vera gel. Evenly apply the mixture on to the skin using a brush, and wash off after 5-10 minutes.
TIP: Enzyme powder is very sensitive to temperature, which is why it is the most effective when mixed with warm water. Softening up the skin using a hot towel before application can increase effectiveness and increase the benefits of the product.
How to make Enzyme whipped cream peel
- Mix 2-3 tsps of enzyme powder and 2-3 pumps of aloe vera gel for about 30 seconds until the texture starts to resemble whipped cream. (It is helpful to use aloe vera that has been in the warmer since enzyme powder reacts better in warm temperatures)
- Apply on face and neck with a brush in an up and down motion. Place two hot towels on the face and rest for 5 minutes.
- Wipe off any excess using the hot towels.