Product Rave: 100% Pure Enzyme Mask

Oh joy!  I've finally found something that gently exfoliates my sensitive, acne prone skin. 

I bought the 100% pure enzyme mask after doing extensive research on enzymes.  I really wanted to replace my weekly microdermabrasion with something a little more gentle and this fits the bill perfectly.  Initially, I wasn't expecting this to exfoliate as well as a microdermabrasion cream, but it did!
If you don't know already, papain and bromelian are proteolytic enzymes that target that dry keratinized layer of skin.  Their effectiveness is greater than a scrub, but less drastic than a chemical peel. 

The mask is in powder form and you have to mix it with your favorite liquid.  I just used water.  Here's what the company has to say:
             "Skin brightening facial mask concentrated with pineapple enzyme, papaya enzyme, Vitamin C and Citrus, effectively peels surface dead skin cells for a brighter, glowing complexion.  This facial peel is concentrated with potent anti-aging antioxidants which help restore the appearance of previously damaged skin."

My Experience:  I did my first treatment on July 20, 2011 and a second treatment on the 23rd.  It's very simple to use; simply mix a tablespoon of the powder mask with 1 teaspoon of water or lemon juice.  When mixed with water, it has a creamy, frosting like consistency.  After cleansing, I was able to smoothly apply the mask with a foundation brush.  I then left the mask on for 5 minutes.  During the 5 minute wait time, I could feel it working.  My skin felt a little itchy in certain areas and like something was crawling across my nose.  After five minutes, I rinsed and washed my face again (according to my research, always wash your face after an enzyme peel.  If trace amounts are left on the skin, it will continue to digest your skin, causing irritation).  After that, I toned with Citrix antioxidant toner, applied Cosmetic Skin Solutions CE+ferulic acid serum, phyto gel to my dark spots, and moisturized with CeraVe.  My skin was satiny soft and with a rosy glow.  This product did everything it claimed and more.  It's definatley going to be a staple in my regimen!

Ingredients: Kaolin Clay, Bromelian, Papain, Pineapple Juice, Vitamin C, Lemon Juice.

Enzyme Therapy For Dark Skin

Often times my skin seems to be too sensitive for the more aggressive treatments available, such as AHAs and BHAs.  I mean, they work, but sometimes I can’t use them every single day.  In my attempts to care for my sensitive dark skin, I’ve started searching for alternatives to glycolic and salicylic acids.  My research has led me to the proteolytic enzymes papain and bromelain.

Papain

Papayas are not only delicious, but apparently the sap from the stem can exfoliate the skin.  Papayas contain the enzyme papain.  Papain is an enzyme that breaks down proteins and therefore has the ability to dissolve dead skin cells.  This fact has been known for many years and that’s why it’s often found in meat tenderizers.  Papain reduces inflammation, dissolves scar tissue, gently exfoliates skin, and adds moisture as it exfoliates.   It does contain latex, so those with latex allergies should not use it.  

Bromelain

Bromelain is another proteolytic enzyme and it is found in pineapples.  It was first isolated from pineapples in the 1800’s and was used to reduce inflammation.  Some studies have shown that it reduces swelling from insect bites and stings.  This leads me to believe that it would also be beneficial for acne since acne is inflammation.  It’s also a wonderful exfoliant.  In fact, it was often used to remove damaged skin from burn victims. Just imagine what it can do for you.   

Both enzymes seem to exfoliate without the irritation associated with chemical peels.  Sounds like a win-win situation to me!  I plan to use an enzyme peel once a week and will report the findings.