How do enzymes benefit the skin?

Enzymes are incredibly useful chemicals, used in the skincare industry, in the food industry and in our bodies themselves. They speed up the rate of chemical reactions which would otherwise require intense heat – all without consuming themselves in the reaction.

In the food industry, the help to ripen fruits, produce cheese, make wine and tenderise meats. But what good do they do in skincare?

Enzymes have two main roles in skincare products. They help exfoliate and they’re also used in anti-inflammation. Many manufacturers prefer to use them as they provide a gentler alternative to scrubs and microdermabrasion.

Enzymes help remove the top layer of skin which is a layer of dead skin cells which contain keratin protein. Enzymes break down this keratin protein, and removing the dead skin cells, which results in smoother skin.

Skincare products can contain fruit enzymes – particularly from fruit like pineapple, papaya and blueberry.

Other enzymes (some found naturally in skin) can function as a scavenger of free radicals and protect skin against oxidative damage. Simply put, enzymes can protect against damage from sun, environmental pollutants and even acne. Look for phosolipase or lipase.

Babor Enzyme Cleanser is a fine-grained cleansing powder that forms a soft foam when mixed with water. Formulated with skin brightening vitamin C and enzymes, Babor Enzyme Cleanser works to cleanse intensively while revitalizing the skin with a gentle exfoliating effect.

The features and benefits of this cleanser from Babor include:

• Fine-grained cleansing powder.
• Deeply cleanses and gently exfoliates.
• Eliminates dead skin cells and surface debris.
• Brightens and evens the complexion.
• Smoothes skin texture.

Every morning and evening, mix a walnut-sized scoop with water in palms and emulsify into a lather.

Apply to face and neck in circular motions. Rinse thoroughly.

Active ingredients:

Vitamin C – Brightens the complexion and evens skin tone.

Enzymes – Exfoliate away skin-dulling and pore-clogging residue on the surface of the skin.