Enzymes are a vital part of our life and biological function because they work as catalysts to oversee the rate at which metabolic reactions develop. Enzymes decompose large molecules into smaller ones so that our bodies can process them via our intestines. Biological reactions such as digestion of proteins and starch are two examples of enzymatic process.

Enzymes can also work in conjunction with other enzymes to create metabolic pathways. Each enzyme passes its product to another enzyme in a continual process that helps break down the initial product even further. Our bodies would die without this chain reaction because are metabolism would be too slow to sustain life. Another field of application for enzymes is the industrial sector. Such activities like food processing to paper production rely 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 bonds that hold the skin cells together become weaker. This is known as 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 very important so that we can eliminate dead skin cells and expose the newer, healthier cells underneath.

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. Be aware 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 differ from mechanical exfoliation by normalizing cell turnover in the epidermis. If this is true, this process helps produce 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 trigger exfoliation by digesting the cohesion between cells chemically. As a result, they decompose proteins and create a softening effect that allows skin to naturally slough.

Every skin care routine emphasizes the need to exfoliate as a method to keep your skin young. With the previous information, it is clear that enzymes also have their place in our skin care routine. As we age it becomes increasing important to find skin care products that can help our skin retain its youthful spark by dealing with wrinkles, fine lines, opaque and dry skin.