Enzyme Peels...
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Enzymes: Are They The Fountains of Life?

Whether or not you get facials regularly, you have almost certainly heard of the “enzyme peels”.

This of course goes double for us in the business of giving facials; we’ve been asked many times whether we provide enzyme peels, how they work, and their benefits.

And just what are these enzymes anyway?

Basically, enzymes are proteins that break down and dissolve other proteins.

In other words they eat dead skin cells and impurities on the surface of the face and they are very safe since they don’t act on live tissue.

The safety of enzymes makes them an ideal treatment for sensitive skin.

Enzymes can also act as antioxidants to fend off free radicals.

They are very safe since they don’t act on live tissue unlike a chemical peel, which actually dissolves (sounds harsh when you put it that way, doesn't it?) the top layer of the skin, an enzyme peel is merely a thorough yet gentle exfoliation.

So where do enzymes come from?

Probably the most commonly used enzymes come from papaya and pineapple.

Enzymes from pumpkin, barley and mushrooms are also widely used.

A very small number of people are allergic to the pineapple enzymes, so you should be careful with its use.

If you (or if you are a beautician, your client) has a history of allergic reactions to sulfur, an alternate enzyme formula should be used.

So what are some of the uses of enzyme peels?

Estheticians will often use an enzyme peel to prepare the skin for other treatments, like acne facials.

With the top layer of dead skin and debris removed, it is obviously far easier for treatments to reach their targets.

This is effective for the application of anti aging treatments as well.

It is one of the best forms of exfoliation.

How are enzyme peels applied?

In one common method, known as a gommage, enzymes are combined with paraffin and applied like a mask, which dries quickly. The mask is then lifted off, along with dead skin cells and impurities.

However, this method is used less in the United States than in Europe.

In the U.S. formulations of enzymes in a gel or cream form are preferred for their gentleness.

These are applied after cleaning the skin to be treated and because enzymes are only active when they are moist, they are steamed during the treatment to keep them “alive and kicking” so to speak ;), before being removed with sponges or gauze.

This is a much more soothing and hydrating treatment, but is less thorough of an exfoliant than gommage.

Enzyme Products at Home

There is also a huge market for these enzyme products for home use. You can read about our top picks here.

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