Enzyme peels and masks - what are they?

An enzyme peel is a treatment that is used to deeply cleanse and resurface the skin on the face by treating the upper layers of skin tissue. Enzyme peel uses organic and all natural ingredients to remove dead skin cells and restore your skin. The natural enzymes then dissolve surface skin debris and leave skin feeling soft, cleansed and refreshed. Fruit enzymes peels provide your skin with nutrients and accelerate cell renewal process, that will then generate a new layer of fresh and strong new cells. By removing dead skin cells, the face is left clearer with a more even tone and texture.

Enzyme peel is generally regarded as a gentle exfoliator which is great for all skin types as it is an enzyme exfoliation and not a chemical aha or bha exfoliation. Enzyme peel is recommended if you have sensitive skin that is non-tolerant of acid usage. It also can improve acne, by thoroughly cleansing the congested pores, that may be clogged with excess surface sebum, dead skin cells and other impurities.
Enzyme peel has the greatest benefits when wet, once it dries the enzymes stop working and so it really needs to be used with steam.

This fruit enzyme property is naturally present in plants like aloe vera and fruits like papaya, pumpkin, pineapple, grapefruit, cucumber and some others. You could make your own enzyme peel by mashing these ingredients together in a food processor and then applying it freshly to your face. You couldn't get a more organic peel than that.

I love enzyme peels and I use them on regular basis in my facial routine and I they defiently make a difference. When using enzymatic peels or masks at home, make sure to remove the peel thoroughly and use a toner to restore the skin's acidic pH value to 5.6. You will also have to protect your freshly exfoliated skin with a sunscreen with at least SPF 30 , otherwise you might risk damage to the skin.

I can recommend the following enzyme peels for home use:

Nimue Exfoliating Enzyme

A combination of Papaya and Pineapple enzymes in a non abrasive gel base detach dead skin cells gently and promote cell renewal.
I really feel that it refines skin texture and leaves my skin clean, smooth and radiant skin. I find it just a tad to drying for skin, so I always follow with extra rich serum and moisturiser.

Elemis Papaya Enzyme Peel exfoliating cream

It has 7 active ingredients, such as papaya, pineapple, seaweed and vitamin E to repair skin.

I find this is a great exfoliating creme peel for sensitive or mature skin types.
My skin feels really smooth and well moisturised.
It smells lovely, like a fruit smoothie and feels more like a masque than a peel.

Elemis Tri-Enzyme Resurfacing Gel Mask
It contains a combination of amino acids,cerola cherry, white truffle and great burdock.  Once applied it has tingling sensation on my skin and has menthol scent and feel.
After use,  my skin feels refreshed, plumped up and has rosy after glow. Be careful, if you have sensitive or dehydrated skin, it might be to drying.

glotherapeutics glo Brightening Polish
Recommended for all skin types and hyperpigmentation, sun & environmental damage, freckling, dull complexion.
Brightens the skin with Kojic Acid, Turmeric and fruit extracts. Also contains Jojoba beads for mechanical exfoliation.
I like the way it brightens my skin, haven't experienced any lightening on my old pigmentation spots, can also be tad drying, so this one also needs good nouri moisturiser for after use.

glotherapeutics glo Pumpkin Enzyme Scrub
It contains gentle physical, such as date seeds and jojoba beads and enzymatic exfoliants, such as pumpkin and fruit enzymes together with rice extract
to help breakdown dull, rough skin and impurities without damaging or irritating healthy skin.
I find it gentle enough to use 3- 4 times a week. It feels really nourishing and moisterizing on the skin. My favourite scrub at the moment.



Have you tried any enzymatic peels or srubs yet? What is your favourite?

xxx Marina