Enzymes are an essential part of our bodies and their everyday functions by working as catalysts to oversee the rate at which metabolic reactions develop. Enzymes break down large molecules into smaller ones so that our bodies can handle them. Biological reactions such as digestion of proteins and starch are two examples of enzymatic process.

Also, enzymes can work in conjunction with each other creating metabolic pathways. In these cases a chain reaction is produced when one enzyme passes on its product to another enzyme. Our bodies would die without this chain reaction because are metabolism would be too slow to sustain life. Industrial applications such as paper production or food processing also depend on enzymes. Beer, meat tenderizes and processed foods as well as the biofuel industry also use enzymes.

ENZYMES AND DESQUAMATION

Fresh cells are come from the skin's deeper layer, the dermis. As they mature, these cells travel to the outer layers of the skin, and the unions between the skin cells breaks apart. This is known as desquamation. Enzymes found on our skin and hair follicles catalyze this natural process and the skin cells rub off.

The skin becomes opaque and uneven because the natural aging process makes desquamation uneven. For this reason, exfoliation, mechanical or chemical, is vital so that we can remove the dead skin cells and reveal the newer, healthier cells below.

Dead skin cells are removed by using abrasive elements. This is what is known as mechanical exfoliation. These elements can be a sponge or brush or natural products such as oatmeal or sugar. Be aware that excessive abrasion can produce. Therefore, be gentle if you opt for mechanical exfoliation.

Chemical exfoliation, on the other hand, relies greatly on acids and enzymes to exfoliate the skin. Some experts say that the alpha hydroxy acids or AHAs used for chemical exfoliation differ from mechanical exfoliation by normalizing cell turnover in the epidermis. If this is true, this process helps stimulate the formation of healthy skin, including desquamation, less dry scales and the stimulation of the cell cycle.

The enzymes used in chemical exfoliation include biological enzymes such as Bromelain (which comes from pineapple and can also control cellular inflammation); and Papain (derived from papaya). The job of these enzymes is to trigger exfoliation by eliminating the cohesion between cells chemically. As a result, they break apart proteins and create a softening effect that promotes de natural desquamation process.

Every skin care routine underlines the importance of exfoliation as a method to keep your skin youthful. With the previous information, it is clear that enzymes also have their place in this process. As we age it becomes increasing important to find skin care products that can help our skin retain its youthful shimmer by attacking wrinkles, fine lines, opaque and dry skin.