Exfoliation is essential to achieving youthful, glowing dead skin cells in the skincare world. Novel skin cells are produced to replace old ones, and if these dead cells build up, it can lead to dull-looking skin, clogged pores, and an uneven complexion. Enzymes and hydroxy acids are two effective ingredients often used in exfoliating skincare products to counteract this. These active ingredients act as exfoliants, killing cells and breaking down the glue holding them to the skin, resulting in an evener (and healthier) complexion.
This article looks at skincare products that use enzymes and hydroxy acids to remove dead skin cells, why they are used, and what ideal skincare product this type of product might be to introduce into your daily routine.
WHY DO YOU NEED TO EXFOLIATE YOUR SKIN?
Exfoliation is essential to achieving smooth, glowing skin. Finished time, dead skin cells shape up on the surface of your skin, making it rough and dull. In addition to this, these same cells can also clog pores and lead to pimples and blackheads. Regular exfoliation helps to:
Brighten your complexion
Prevent clogged pores
Increase the absorption of skin care products.
Improve skin texture and tone.
Reasons it is suitable for your skin: It helps stimulate collagen production, thus helping fight aging.
First things first… Enzymes and Hydroxy Acids
Types of Enzymes and Hydroxy Acids We Recommend in Reviews Concept Cleared Up Front
Enzymes in Skin Care
Enzymes are protein substances from natural sources such as papaya, pineapple, and pumpkin. As for papain and bromelain, these proteins disrupt dejected keratin, the protein found in dead skin cells, making them loose and leaving your body flaky after scrubbing or scrubbing it. While physical exfoliants rely on these grainy particles to manually exfoliate dead skin cells, enzymes do their work on the surface in a much gentler way, making them ideal for sensitive skin.
Papain: Papain is an enzyme from papaya that gently exfoliates and helps remove dullness from the skin.
Bromelain is a fruity little bit found in pineapple; this enzyme not only exfoliates but is also a natural anti-inflammatory.
Pumpkin: Pumpkin contains vitamins and antioxidants that help rejuvenate the skin.
What are hydroxy acids?
Two main types of hydroxy acids are alpha hydroxy acids (A.H.A.s) and beta hydroxy acids (BHAs), which work as chemical exfoliants. These acids break down the bonds that hold dead skin cells together and help dissolve them easily. They can enter deep into the skin, ideal for treating various skin issues.
Alpha hydroxy acids (A.H.A.s): Water-soluble acids that work on the skin’s surface to eliminate dead cells. Properties: Glycolic acid, lactic acid, and citric acid A.H.A.s are great for dry and sun-damaged skin as they exfoliate and leave skin looking smoother and brighter.
Beta hydroxy acids (BHAs): These fat-soluble acids can penetrate deeper into the skin and work great at exfoliating sticky dead cells that clog pores. Salicylic acid is the most shared BHA ideal for oily and acne-prone skin.
Synergy of enzymes and hydroxy acids.
Exfoliating duo… Enzymes and skin care Enzymes combined with hydroxy acids in Split Creek Dermatotherapeutic Japanese 除 fluorescence Enzymes exfoliate on top to help lift and remove dead cells from the surface (a form of manual removal). In contrast, hydroxy acids can penetrate hair follicles. Clearing clogged pores below and promoting increased cell renewal. This combination helps exfoliate more gently without irritating the skin, creating an appropriate treatment for all skin types except sensitive skin.
Combining enzymes with hydroxy acids in skin care products exfoliates in two ways, promoting more complete skin rejuvenation from top to bottom.
Using Enzymes and Hydroxy Acids in Skincare Like a Boss
With that explanation in mind, here are my top picks for the best skincare products with enzymes and hydroxy acids that exfoliate pesky dead skin cells.
Enzyme-Based Exfoliants
Elemis Papaya Enzyme Peel
This product is a creamy exfoliating product with papaya and pineapple enzymes. Because it contains glycerin and natural soap, it is gentle enough for sensitive skin as it exfoliates dead cells without harsh scrubbing. It is also enriched with milk protein and seaweed to provide intense hydration to the skin, leaving it soft and radiant.
Key Benefits:
- Gently exfoliates without irritating the skin.
- Hydrates and softens the skin.
- Safe for sensitive skin
- Buy Peter Thomas Roth Pumpkin Enzyme Mask Here
This multi-tasking exfoliating mask is formulated with pumpkin enzymes to remove dead skin cells and A.H.A.s to brighten and even skin tone. It also contains tiny aluminium oxide crystals, providing mechanical exfoliation for those who want an intensive treatment at home.
Main Benefits:
- Improves skin brightness, texture, and clarity.
- Combines chemical and physical exfoliation.
- Packed with antioxidants
A.H.A. and BHA exfoliants
Open FREE ORDINARY GLYCOLIC ACID 7% TONING SOLUTION
This is an excellent and inexpensive A.H.A. exfoliating product. This product is made with glycolic acid, a powerful A.H.A. that exfoliates the skin’s surface to improve texture and tone. This toning solution provides gentle exfoliation to improve skin’s radiance and visible clarity.
Key Benefits:
- An excellent chemical exfoliant is a glycolic acid.
- It helps to achieve smooth and glowing skin.
- Economical and suitable for all skin types.
- Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting Liquid Exfoliant with 2% Salicylic Acid BHA
Salicylic acid (BHA) mildly exfoliates dead skin cells and removes excess oil deep within the pores. Battle-tested on oily and acne-prone skin, this is a significant skin tightener for clogged pores, breakouts, and uneven texture.
Key Benefits:
- Clears pores and acne.
- Improves overall skin texture.
- For oily and combination skin.
Enzyme + Hydroxy Acid Combo Product.
Tach The Rice Classic Polish 2.1 oz.
This gentle exfoliating powder by Brontex, a dual exfoliant enriched with papaya enzymes and salicylic acid, has expired. The powder turns into a rich foam with water that exfoliates dry skin cells on the skin’s surface, revealing a brighter, smoother complexion. Ideal for those with sensitive skin looking for something more intense than an enzyme or BHA product.
Key Benefits:
- With enzymes and BHAs for dual-action exfoliation
- Soft, smooth skin
- Suitable for daily use
- L.C. Drunk Elephant Sukari Baby Facial
What it is: This at-home facial uses glycolic acid, malonic acid, and fruit enzymes to exfoliate dead skin cells and divulge radiant skin. This superfood for women fights texture, dullness, and blemishes with a high dose of hydroxy acids.
Key Benefits:
- Exfoliates dead skin cells for a flatter texture.
- Brightens complexion
- Ideal for weekly treatments.
- Part 2 (H): Safely Using Enzyme and Hydroxy Acid Exfoliants
While time-tested enzyme and hydroxy acid exfoliants can work wonders when it comes to renewing your skin, they can quickly lead to irritation and over-exfoliation if misused.
H3: Start Slowly
If you’re new to chemical peels, use enzymes or hydroxy acids once or twice weekly. This determination allows your skin to adjust and reduce the chance of irritation.
Moisturize after exfoliating. Exfoliate first, then moisturize.
Since exfoliation can dehydrate your skin, always use a moisturizer to increase moisture content and improve the skin barrier.
Always use sunscreen
It is essential to know that after using hydroxy acids, your skin may become more subtle, and your risk of sunburn may increase. It is necessary always to use a “broad spectrum” sunscreen when using any chemical exfoliant.
Conclusion
Enzymes and hydroxy acids are game changers in skin care – exfoliating dead cells, stimulating new ones to emerge, and revealing radiant, beautiful skin. From the gentle exfoliation of fruit enzymes to the deep penetration of industry-leading hydroxy acids, each comes in various skin-perfecting formulas based on your needs and concerns. Incorporating these exfoliants into your routine and using them correctly is an almost guaranteed path to better skin – smoother, more radiant, older, younger-looking dead skin cells!
