The Regimen

It’s Time To Rediscover Enzymes

With all the various procedures and devices available for resurfacing and refining skin, the unfussy enzymatic peel may get relegated to the back of the shelf. But this skin-resurfacing bedrock deserves a top spot on your services menu as an enticingly simple, surprisingly dramatic radiance booster, especially in cases where other types of mechanical or chemical exfoliation may be too harsh.

Here’s what you need to know about the indispensable enzo-exfo.

Enzymatic exfoliation is plant-based therapy that relies on the proteolytic action of organic substances to rid skin of dead cells and debris, eliminate accumulation, and unclog pores for enhanced penetration of additional products.

What’s proteolytic action? Glad you asked. Proteolytic enzymes (or proteases) digest protein, breaking it down into amino acids. They are produced naturally in the pancreas and play an integral role in the digestive and immune systems, and help regulate bloodstream, liver, kidney, spleen and pancreas function. They also encourage the healing of tissue and muscle recovery.

Nature also produces proteolytic enzymes. Two of the best natural sources are papaya and pineapple. Papaya’s enzyme is papain, a rich source of vitamin C, vitamin A, vitamin E, and a natural skin lightener. Bromelain, the enzyme extracted from pineapple, is a potent anti-inflammatory. Both have an antibacterial and hydrating and effect.

As a topical agent, proteolytic enzymes accelerate the cell turnover by digesting surface-level protein (dead skin cells and the cellular glue that binds them together) and encouraging new cells to form. The enzymatic process is gentler than an AHA exfoliation because enzymes are activated by water and don’t penetrate as deeply as AHAs.

Despite their gentler action, enzymes yield some dramatic results yielding smoother, more supple skin texture and a brighter, more radiant tone.

Vivant’s bromalain-based Prozyme Lite is a moderate treatment for all skin types. The more aggressive Prozyme Forté is a blend of papain enzyme and rosemary best for oily or acne-prone skin. Use them for facial treatments, as prep for peels, or as a post-peel booster.

Benefits Of Vivant Prozyme Treatments