Exfoliating is the secret weapon of skin care. It might already be part of your routine, but did you know it’s one of the most effective ways to achieve glowing skin? Exfoliation helps remove dead skin cells that build up on the surface and make your complexion appear dull or uneven. By clearing away this layer, you reveal skin that looks softer, smoother and more luminous.
While there are several ways to exfoliate, enzymes in skin care offer a unique approach. They work without harsh scrubbing or stinging, making them ideal for sensitive skin types. Ready to learn more? Let’s break it down.
Key Takeaways: Enzymes in Skin Care
- What Are Enzymes in Skin Care: Enzymes are natural proteins from fruits like papaya, pineapple and pumpkin that break down keratin in dead skin cells to reveal brighter, smoother skin.
- Why They’re Gentler: Enzyme exfoliants work only on the skin’s surface, making them a safe, non-irritating alternative to scrubs or acid peels, especially for sensitive skin.
- Popular Enzymes: Papain (papaya), bromelain (pineapple), actinidin (kiwi) and pumpkin enzymes offer benefits like brightening, smoothing and reducing the look of redness.
- How To Use Enzymes: Enzyme exfoliants can be used 1–3 times per week to maintain healthy texture, improve hydration and prep the skin for better absorption of serums and moisturizers.
What Are Enzymes in Skin Care?
A quick refresher: Exfoliation is the process of removing those dead skin cells from the surface of your skin. While we usually discuss exfoliation in relation to skin on the face, it can actually be performed on almost all of the skin on the body — from dry elbows to scaly legs and cracked heels. When that layer of dead skin is gone, the skin underneath looks polished and brighter (since dead skin = dullness).
There are three main types of exfoliation:
- Physical exfoliation
- Acid exfoliation (AHAs, BHAs, PHAs)
- Enzymatic exfoliation (fruit-based enzymes like papain and bromelain)
Physical Exfoliation
Physical exfoliation involves using a scrub or tool to gently remove dead skin cells from the surface of your skin. This method includes products with fine, gentle grains or beads, as well as tools like soft brushes or exfoliating cloths. When performed correctly, physical exfoliation can reveal smoother, refreshed skin, and is a popular option for those looking for an instant polished effect.
Acid Exfoliation
Acid exfoliation involves using products containing alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) or polyhydroxy acids (PHAs) to break down the bonds holding dead skin cells together. These acids promote cell turnover and can reveal newer, fresher-looking skin. Each acid type offers different benefits: AHAs, which are water-soluble, address dullness and aging signs, while BHAs penetrate deeper to control excess oil, making them ideal for acne-prone skin. PHAs provide gentle exfoliation for sensitive skin types without irritation.
Enzymatic Exfoliation
Enzymatic exfoliation involves using natural fruit-derived enzymes, such as those from papaya or pineapple, to gently break down the keratin (protein) in dead skin cells. This method of exfoliation is surface-level and doesn’t penetrate as deeply as acids, making it ideal for sensitive skin. Enzyme exfoliants are excellent for brightening and improving skin texture without causing irritation or redness.
Each type of exfoliation offers unique benefits, so choosing the right one depends on your skin type and needs. Whether you prefer the instant results of physical exfoliation, the deep cleansing power of chemical acids or the gentle touch of enzymes, regular exfoliation is key to maintaining healthy, glowing skin.
Difference Between Acids & Enzymes
You’ve probably heard of enzymes in the context of digestion. They are proteins (usually made in the body) that help break food down into smaller parts so your body can easily digest the nutrients. When it comes to enzymes on the skin, their role is to break down keratin — aka the protein in dead skin cells that makes them stick together on the surface. These tiny molecules (often harvested from fruit like pineapple, pumpkin, cherries and papaya) help to dissolve old fibers in the skin to make way for new ones to be synthesized. Without enzyme activity, you would see a buildup of dead cells and old fibers on the skin.
How Enzymes In Skin Care Help Exfoliate The Skin
Enzymes exfoliate the skin by breaking down keratin. This gentle process helps loosen and remove the layer of dead cells that can cause the skin to look dull or uneven. Unlike acid exfoliants, enzymes do not penetrate into the deeper layers of the skin or affect living cells beneath the surface.
That’s what sets enzymes apart from chemical acids like AHAs or BHAs. Acids promote cell turnover at a deeper level, accelerating the renewal of both dead and living skin cells. Enzymes, by contrast, focus only on what’s already ready to go, like dead cells lingering on the outermost layer. By clearing them away, enzymes brighten the complexion and improve texture without disrupting the skin barrier.
Because they work only at the surface, enzyme exfoliants are often recommended every 2–3 days, and they’re generally safe to use during pregnancy. As always, it’s best to consult your doctor before adding any new product to your routine.
This gentle approach makes enzyme exfoliation a reliable choice for sensitive, dry or reactive skin types, offering all the benefits of smoother, more radiant skin, without the irritation that can come with deeper exfoliation.
Types Of Enzymes Used In Skin Care
Enzyme exfoliants are often derived from fruits that contain naturally occurring proteolytic enzymes — compounds that break down proteins like keratin in dead skin cells. Each type offers its own unique benefit and many Eminence Organic Skin Care products harness these fruit-based enzymes to gently resurface and renew the look of the skin.
Papain (Papaya)
Sourced from unripe papayas, this enzyme works to soften and smooth the look of the skin. It gently dissolves surface buildup, making it ideal for brightening dull complexions without irritation.
Bromelain (Pineapple)
Derived from the fruit and stem of pineapples, bromelain is a powerful yet gentle exfoliant with anti-inflammatory properties. It helps remove dead skin while calming the appearance of redness and irritation.
Actinidin (Kiwi)
Found in the Eminence Organics Barbados Cherry Enzyme Cleansing Powder, actinidin helps refine and smooth the look of the skin, even for sensitive skin types. It’s particularly well suited to delicate skin and offers a mild alternative to more active exfoliants.
Pumpkin Enzymes
Pumpkin is naturally rich in enzymes and antioxidants like vitamin A and C. In products like the Yam & Pumpkin Enzyme Peel 5%, pumpkin enzymes are combined with lactic and glycolic acids to deeply exfoliate and improve the look of fine lines, uneven tone and texture.
Why Choose Enzyme-Based Exfoliation?
If your skin reacts to physical scrubs or strong chemical peels, enzyme exfoliation offers a gentle yet effective alternative. Enzyme-based exfoliants work only on the surface layer of the skin, targeting dead skin cells without disturbing the healthy cells underneath. This makes them a reliable choice for those with sensitive, dry or redness-prone skin.
Unlike abrasive scrubs, enzyme exfoliants don’t create microtears. And unlike acids, they don’t sting or increase sun sensitivity as intensely. They gently remove buildup while helping to brighten, smooth and prep the skin for serums and moisturizers. Enzyme exfoliation is also ideal for year-round use. Because of their mild nature, enzymes can be used regularly without thinning the skin or compromising the moisture barrier.
Acids & Enzymes From Eminence Organics
Barbados Cherry Enzyme Cleansing Powder
The Barbados Cherry Enzyme Cleansing Powder transforms from a powder into a creamy foam when mixed with water. As you massage it into your skin, you’ll experience the gentle exfoliation provided by actinidin and papain enzymes, while Barbados cherry, Kakadu plum and diatomaceous earth work together to leave your skin even and balanced.
Part of the Superfood Enzyme Collection, this cleanser harnesses the power of tropical enzymes like actinidin from kiwi, papain from papaya and bromelain from pineapple. These natural enzymes gently resurface the skin and enhance radiance, making them ideal for all skin types, including sensitive ones. Specifically, the actinidin in this cleanser, derived from kiwi, helps refine and smooth even the most delicate skin without causing irritation.
Other effective enzymes in our Superfood Enzyme Collection include bromelain, derived from pineapples grown in Thailand, which contains amino acids to break down dead skin cells, revealing smoother-looking skin. Papain, sourced from unripe papayas (also grown in Thailand) is effective in softening and exfoliating the look of the skin. These enzymes are a natural and gentle way to enhance your skin care routine, promoting a brighter and more even complexion. There are also skin care options that combine the benefits of both enzymes and acids. Here is a list of products that offer the best of both worlds for exfoliation:
Arctic Berry Peel & Peptide Illuminating System
The Arctic Berry Peel & Peptide Illuminating System is another option formulated with both enzymes and acids. This innovative 3-step peel and peptide system is designed to exfoliate and keep skin radiant in between spa treatments. The at-home system is a favorite, with 5-star reviews across the board. One customer, Trina, calls the set “amazing,” continuing in her website review: “Words cannot describe the huge difference in my skin. I have never experienced a more effective at-home product!!!!”
Another fan, Abbie, says: “My skin looks bright, tight, and my pores are significantly smaller — even my husband noticed. I’m buying it for both my husband and me to use.” And Stacy says: “You need this! … I could not be happier. About a day after using the product, your skin will be glowing. I love it so much, I’ve been giving it to others as gifts.”
Mango Exfoliating Enzyme Masque
The Mango Exfoliating Enzyme Masque is formulated to reveal brighter-looking skin with a trio of exfoliating fruit enzymes. Enzymes actinidin, bromelain and papain offer gentle yet effective enzymatic exfoliation that removes dead skin cells to soften the look of the skin for a smooth and glowy complexion. This mask contains mango, a superfood noted for its high concentration of antioxidants, including vitamin C, plus pineapple, another natural source of antioxidants. This formula also boasts Kakadu plum, a source of vitamin C and antioxidants to help minimize the appearance of dark spots.
Yam & Pumpkin Enzyme Peel 5%
The Yam & Pumpkin Enzyme Peel 5%contains pumpkin, pineapple and papaya enzymes, as well as lactic and glycolic acids. This enzyme peel accelerates the exfoliation process, removes dead skin cells and reduces the appearance of dark spots and fine lines and. A delicious purée of yam and pumpkin, this exfoliant leaves the skin looking firm and radiant.
Pineapple Refining Tonique
If you’re looking for a toner with enzyme and acid ingredients, our Pineapple Refining Tonique uses both bromelain, a gentle-yet-effective enzyme exfoliant derived from the fruit and stem of the pineapple plant, and polyhydroxy acid (PHA), a mild exfoliant that noticeably renews the feel of the skin while targeting dryness and the visible signs of aging. The combination of both enzymes and acid helps brighten the look of the skin, minimizes the appearance of dark spots, unclogs pores and hydrates the skin.
The Benefits Of Enzyme Exfoliation For Healthy Skin
Enzyme exfoliation goes beyond just removing dead skin. By gently clearing away surface buildup, enzyme-based products create the ideal environment for healthy, balanced skin. The result is not only a smoother texture but also improved tone, hydration and clarity without the risk of irritation often associated with harsher exfoliants.
- Brightening: Enzymes help lift dull, dead skin cells that can make the complexion look uneven or tired. With regular use, skin appears more radiant and discoloration or dark spots may look visibly reduced over time.
- Hydration Boost: Because enzymes don’t strip the skin or disrupt its natural barrier, they help maintain moisture balance. Once the surface layer is cleared, hydrating products like serums and moisturizers can absorb more effectively, boosting overall skin hydration.
- Smoother Texture: Enzymes gently refine the skin’s surface, softening rough patches and minimizing the appearance of fine lines and uneven texture. With continued use, skin feels softer and more supple to the touch.
Most Commonly Asked Questions About Enzyme Skin Care
Are enzymes safe for sensitive skin?
Yes, enzyme exfoliants are one of the most gentle options available. They work only on the surface of the skin, removing dead cells without disrupting the moisture barrier, making them ideal for sensitive or reactive skin types.
How often should I use enzyme exfoliants?
Most enzyme exfoliants can be used 1–2 times per week, depending on the formula and your skin type. For daily use, look for gentler options like enzyme cleansing powders. Always follow product instructions and adjust based on how your skin responds.
Can enzyme exfoliants replace my regular exfoliation routine?
For many people, yes. Enzyme exfoliants provide consistent resurfacing benefits without the irritation that scrubs or acids can cause. It’s particularly well-suited to delicate skin and offers a mild alternative to more active exfoliants.
Do enzyme exfoliants work as well as acid peels?
While enzymes don’t penetrate as deeply as AHAs or BHAs, they still offer visible results when used consistently. They brighten, smooth and refine the skin without downtime, making them a great choice for ongoing maintenance between stronger treatments.
Are you interested in adding enzymes into your exfoliation routine? Visit your nearest Eminence Organics Spa Partner to find out which ones are right for you.
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