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Biochemical Reactions and the Use of Enzymes

There are literally thousands of biochemical reactions occurring in your body at any given moment; examples include nerve impulse reactions, the conversion of blood sugar into energy, building cells, and many others. In addition, biochemical reactions are responsible for vitally important things such as boosting the immune system, repairing damaged cells, and healing wounds. In the skin, biochemical reactions are responsible for the creation and healing of new skin cells, so finding ways to improve and speed up this process can be vital to attaining your healthiest skin.

Every one of these biochemical reactions is accelerated by proteins called enzymes. Enzymes occur naturally in the human body and other places in nature, such as papaya fruit (which produces papain) and pineapple (bromelain). In addition, scientists have learned to create enzymes in a lab, such as Bacillus Fermen, made from the fermentation of the micro organism Bacillus Substillus.

In terms of the skin, you can think of enzymes as speeding up the skin’s metabolism. Because of this property, and because they remove the outer layer of dead cells on the skin’s surface, enzymes are often used in various skin care products as non-abrasive exfoliants.

Pure Enzyme is an exfoliating mask by Biomedic that uses papaya and pineapple enzymes to soothe, clean, and brighten dull complexions. Its natural plant extracts help to promote healthy cell renewal and eliminate complexion troubles. Cosmedix also offers a mask called Pure Enzymes that uses cranberry enzymes along with other natural acids and antioxidants to create a healthy radiance with a light, fresh feel.

Enzymes offer the unique opportunity for exfoliation without granules, which often can irritate and abrade skin. The oil-free Fruit Enzyme Peel by Credentials combines salicylic acid with papaya and bromelin enzymes to dissolve surface buildup while spearmint and camphor oils increase circulation and help the skin in release toxins and reduce inflammation.

Yam & Pumpkin Enzyme Peel by Eminence smells so delicious, you’re going to be tempted to sneak a taste. The all-natural formula exfoliates the skin with no irritation and boosts collagen for smooth, firm skin. Follow up with the Eminence's Soothing Chamomile Tonic to calm and hydrate skin with aloe vera, licorice, arnica, lavender, comfrey root and chamomile.

Enzyme cleansers have become immensely popular in recent years for their exfoliating properties. White Effect Enzyme Cleanser by Babor is a light powder cleanser with Vitamin C that cleans and refreshes skin while ridding it of dry skin cells. For a full regimen, check out Babor's White Effect Full Kit, which includes the previously mentioned cleanser, Intensive Concentrate serum, Cream Mask, and 24 Hour Lotion and is available for both combination to dry skin or sensitive skin.

Enzymes aren’t just for exfoliation, however; they also have been used to combat the visible signs of aging. Youth Accelerator by Sircuit Skin is a pumpkin enzyme peel that heals skin and dissolves impurities, residue and dead skin cells, leaving the face youthful and radiant.

If you feel like treating yourself, go for Re-Storation Deep Repair Facial Serum by Z. Bigatti. The intensive treatment combines enzymes with vitamins, potent antioxidants and botanical extracts to visibly reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. If a splurge isn't in your near future, Q10 Cream by Babor provides amazing results with a smaller price tag. It works by aiding in the skin’s own regeneration, smoothing away fine lines and wrinkles.

But don’t let your face have all the fun! Harmonix Plus Live Enzyme Cleanser by Harmonix can be used on your hair and scalp as well as the face. This naturally soothing and toning cleanser is rich in proteins and Vitamin B and gently removes grease, oil and residue from other hair products, leaving the hair and scalp clean and refreshed. Finally, Hands On by Goldfaden soothes and smoothes the skin on the hands, reducing uneven pigmentation and diminishing inflammation.

Now that you know the many uses of enzymes in skin care, put your newfound knowledge to use and choose a few soon-to-be favorites. Your skin will thank you.

Article posted 3/05/2008.

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Youth Accelerator by Sircuit Skin $75.00

Harmonix Plus Live Enzyme Cleanser by HairMax $19.00

Hands On by Goldfaden $75.00