Enzymes and Skin Health
Enzymes are an essential part of our bodies and their everyday functions by working as catalysts to oversee the rate at which metabolic reactions occur. Enzymes separate large molecules into smaller ones so that our bodies can process them via our intestines. Digesting meat and converting starch into sugar are two examples of enzymatic processes.
Also, enzymes can work in conjunction with each other creating metabolic pathways. Each enzyme passes its product to another enzyme in a continual process that helps break down the initial product even further. Without this chain reaction, our metabolism would be too slow and too useless 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
New cells are produce in the skin's deeper layer, the dermis. During the course of their life, these cells travel to the epidermis and stratum corneum, and the connections between the skin cells breaks apart. This is what we call desquamation. Enzymes in our skin and hair follicles catalyze this natural process and the skin cells slough off.
As we age, the desquamation process becomes uneven, producing a rough, patchy and unhealthy looking skin surface. For this reason, exfoliation, mechanical or chemical, is essential so that we can remove the dead skin cells and unveil the newer, healthier cells below.
Mechanical exfoliation depends on abrasive elements to eliminate dead skin cells. These elements can be a sponge or brush or natural products such as oatmeal or sugar. It is important to note that excessive abrasion can produce. Therefore, be gentle if you opt for mechanical exfoliation.
Chemical exfoliation, however, relies greatly on acids and enzymes to do its work. Some experts say that the alpha hydroxy acids or AHAs used for chemical exfoliation are different from because they normalize cell turnover in the epidermis. If this is true, this process helps trigger the formation of healthy skin, including desquamation, less dry scales and the stimulation of the cell cycle.
The enzymes used for 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 promote exfoliation by eliminating the cohesion between cells in a chemical manner. In essence, they break apart proteins and create a softening effect that promotes de natural desquamation process.
Every skin care routine stresses the importance of periodic exfoliation as a method to keep your skin youthful. With the previous information, it is plain to see that enzymes also have their place in our skin care routine. As we age it becomes very important to find skin care products that can help our skin keep its youthful glow by attacking wrinkles, fine lines, opaque and dry skin.
A new skin care treatment can help you eliminate all kinds of scars, imperfections and skin conditions, ensuring the recovery of the aspect and functionality of your skin.
Published March 12th, 2008