Exfoliation is crucial for skin health and enzymes are nature’s gentle superhero exfoliators. Fruit enzymes are some of the most gentle exfoliators, making them ideal for everyday exfoliation and for sensitive skin. 

Fruit enzymes break down proteins, keratin protein specifically, on the surface of the skin, and help combat rough and dull skin through removing dead skin cells. By gently exfoliating the top layer of skin, fruit enzymes reveal fresh, new skin; and with regular use, they result in soft and smooth skin and a glowing and luminous complexion.

Enzyme exfoliation doesn’t disturb the skin’s pH, microbiome or skin barrier. They’re a great choice for those who can’t tolerate alpha hydroxy and beta hydroxy acids, or for those who use other exfoliating treatments like retinoids. Fruit enzymes are a more gentle way to exfoliate the skin and can be used more frequently than AHAs and BHAs. 

What enzymes are used in skin care?

The main enzymes found in skin care are derived from fruit and they all have slightly different uses and actions. Pineapple is rich in vitamin C and E, both are potent antioxidants that have skin brightening and healing effects. 

Pineapple contains bromelain, one of the most effective enzymes. Bromelain is considered a proteolytic enzyme, meaning that it both reduces inflammation on the skin and breaks down the proteins that cause buildup of excess cells on the surface of the skin. 

Bromelain works by loosening the proteins that hold together old, dead skin cells on the outermost layer of our skin. It speeds up desquamation to help reveal healthy and glowing skin. Desquamation is the normal shedding of skin and crucial for the maintenance of skin function and appearance. Unlike glycolic acids, which also break down proteins that hold dead skin cells together, bromelain doesn’t penetrate as deeply, so it’s less likely to irritate skin. 

Bromelain has antimicrobial properties, which along with its ability to reduce inflammation, makes it a dream ingredient for spots and blackheads. It also speeds up the body’s own healing process, so spots clear up more quickly. 

Internally, bromelain is used in powder or pill form as a remedy for inflammatory conditions such as arthritis and digestive problems and to help speed up wound healing. It’s often combined with turmeric to treat inflammation. 

Papaya contains papain, another proteolytic enzyme that helps to break down proteins that have accumulated on the skin. Like bromelain, papain has anti-inflammatory properties that help to soothe irritated, inflamed and blemish-prone skin. Papaya is high in vitamins B, C, carotenoids and other phytonutrients which act as antioxidants. 

Are fruit enzymes good for acne?

Fruit enzymes are a powerful ally for people with acne. If you have acne-prone skin, you should notice significant improvement with regular use of enzymes. Not only are fruit enzymes great ingredients to unclog pores and clear up the skin, but they also help speed tissue healing and overtime will help to minimize residual dark spots from acne. 

What skin types benefit from fruit enzymes?

All skin types can benefit from fruit enzymes and they are particularly beneficial for those with sensitive skin that can’t tolerate other forms of exfoliation. 

Mature skin can greatly benefit from enzymes because as we get older, the rate of which we produce new skin cells slows down, leading to dull and tired looking skin. Read more about the changes in our skin as we get older here. Regular and gentle exfoliation can help speed up the rate at which dead skin cells are removed and reveal brighten skin. 

Anyone with sensitive skin should start slowly with fruit enzymes. Start using them two or three times a week, and then gradually move up to daily use. For sensitive skin, dermatologists don't recommend using fruit enzymes in combination with AHAs, BHAs, or retinoids, because they can compound irritation. 

How to use Eight Flowers Enzyme Cleansing Oil

We’ve added both papaya and pineapple to our cleansing oil to help remove the outlet layer of dead skin cells, reduce inflammation, and reduce blemishes. The cleansing oil is designed to effectively remove all traces of makeup, sunscreen, dirt and grime and to wash off with zero residue. To use, apply two pumps to dry skin and massage in. Wash off.

Pro tip: for a deeper exfoliating experience, leave on for 10-15 minutes before washing off. Shop here.