Sensitive and vulnerable skin types may often shy away from chemical peels or exfoliants due to their harsh nature. However, exfoliation is a crucial step in all skin care routines to eliminate dead skin cells, regardless of skin type.
Thankfully, enzyme peels offer a gentler approach to exfoliation, so sensitive skin can also unveil a brighter and smoother complexion. These peels are less likely to cause irritation than some acids or chemical peels that penetrate under the skin’s surface.
What is an enzyme peel? An enzyme peel uses fruit enzymes to gently and effortlessly exfoliate the skin’s surface layer with little to no side effects. It’s a safer alternative to most exfoliating acids or chemical peels to wipe away dead skin cells.
While you may be tempted to rummage through your fruit bowl to create your DIY enzyme peel, this treatment is still best conducted by professionals. Enzyme peels are suitable for all skin types and slowly reveal a more even complexion.
Enzyme peels offer a more natural and gentler approach to skin exfoliation for those who are easily intimidated or irritated by chemical peels. However, what else should you know before booking an enzyme peel appointment?
Enzyme Peel
Enzyme peels are usually made up of various fruit and vegetable enzymes to offer a subtle exfoliation. They can help revive dull and blemished skin without intimidating side effects like extreme redness or requiring intense downtime.
Also, enzyme peels are an effortless way to achieve a glowy and brighter complexion. They will seamlessly slough away dead skin, and these enzymes are typically found in fruits like papaya or pineapple.
Benefits Of An Enzyme Peel
What are some crucial benefits of an enzyme peel? Enzyme peels can treat similar skin concerns as chemical peels but are far less invasive. The fruit enzymes will promote a brighter complexion without leaving the skin feeling raw or sensitized.
Also, enzyme peels are known to be a safer or gentler alternative to chemical peels.
Brighter Complexion
Enzyme peels will promote a smoother, even, and brighter complexion. They can target various skin blemishes like fine lines, dry skin, sun damage, enlarged pores, and redness. Reducing these imperfections can promote an even skin tone.
The gentle exfoliation that enzyme peels offer allows you to achieve a clearer complexion with little to no downtime or irritation.
Less Irritation
We’ve mentioned numerous times how enzyme peels aren’t nearly as invasive as chemical peels. You’ll notice fewer side effects like tenderness, redness, or peeling because chemical peels can use acids to deeply penetrate the skin’s surface.
Chemical peels can exfoliate under the skin, leading to more irritation for sensitive skin types. So, enzyme peels will reduce imperfections effortlessly at the skin’s outer layer.
Suitable For All Skin Types
Finally, enzyme peels are suitable for all skin types. They’re created for vulnerable or sensitive skin that can’t tolerate aggressive exfoliating acids usually found in chemical peels.
Fruit enzymes will reduce blemishes while preserving the skin barrier. Your medical provider may even deem enzyme peels as a safe treatment to conduct during pregnancy because of their gentler nature.
Cons Of Enzyme Peels
Before conducting this treatment, what are some negative factors about enzyme peels? Depending on your skincare goals or personal preference, some factors may not always be considered a flaw.
For example, enzyme peel results aren’t long-lasting, which can lead to needing more treatments to achieve a specific goal. Also, enzyme peels may have components that can trigger allergic reactions.
Results Can Fade
Enzyme peels aren’t nearly as intense as chemical peels so you can expect the same with the results. You may notice subtle changes right after an enzyme peel, but these results can disappear sooner than you think.
Its gentle nature will offer subtle results that can quickly fade away without proper care or multiple sessions. Some individuals may view this as a downside if they want long-lasting results.
Frequent Applications
Results that tend to fade rather quickly can lead to receiving enzyme peels multiple times or more frequently than a chemical peel. Again, this may not be a downside if you like the minimal result of an enzyme peel and don’t mind frequent sessions.
However, enzyme peels may not be a great fit for those looking to maintain a budget or wanting to spend less time at a clinic. Chemical peels may not need as many sessions or visits as enzyme peels.
Potential Allergic Reactions
It’s crucial to conduct an in-depth consultation with your provider to see if enzyme peels are a suitable fit for your skin. For example, enzyme peels can potentially trigger an allergic reaction if you’re susceptible to one of its components.
How To Prepare For An Enzyme Peel
How should you care for your skin before an enzyme peels? Thankfully, enzyme peels usually don’t require intense preparation methods. It can help to discuss with your provider what to do before your appointment for the best results.
One way to prepare for an enzyme peel is to avoid makeup or chemical exfoliants a few days before your enzyme peel.
What To Expect During An Enzyme Peel
Most enzyme peels can last for about 45 minutes. However, application, removal, and experience of an enzyme peel can significantly differ by provider or clinic which is why it’s crucial to have an in-depth consultation beforehand.
You can expect to have a layer of plant-based enzymes applied to the skin to gently exfoliate dead skin to make way for a brighter complexion.
Enzyme Peel Results
You may notice subtle changes following an enzyme peel, like flushed skin due to increased circulation, diminished fine lines, dark spots, and scarring.
Again, immediate results may vary by provider but all attempt to achieve a brighter skin tone. Enzyme peels will also produce smoother and softer skin thanks to removing dead skin cells.
Enzyme Peel Aftercare
What sort of aftercare should you be expected to carry out following an enzyme peel?
First, it’s important to note that enzyme peel results may not be as long-lasting as chemical peels, but it’s still essential to maintain your skin after this exfoliating treatment.
Enzyme peels don’t require as much downtime or recovery as chemical peels. It’s normal to feel slight tenderness or redness, and your skin may feel more susceptible to the sun, so applying SPF daily will keep you protected.
Minimizing sun exposure and frequent sunscreen application is essential, especially after an enzyme peel.
Enzyme Vs Chemical Peel
What are the main differences between enzyme and chemical peels? First, they use different components for exfoliation; one provides more intensive results and greater risk.
What Is A Chemical Peel?
There are three different types of chemical peels each varying by intensity. Also, chemical peels can use a combination of acids like beta-hydroxy or alpha-hydroxy to minimize signs of aging and eliminate common skin imperfections.
Characteristics Of A Chemical Peel
Chemical peels are more invasive than enzyme peels because they use various acids rather than fruit enzymes. However, they can produce quicker results that are more long-lasting, but they also involve more downtime, aftercare, and risk.
It’s essential to consult with your provider regarding which chemical peel is right for your skin’s needs or your end goal.
More Potent
Chemical peels are more potent than enzyme peels and offer three intensity levels.
Superficial or light peels are the most common to treat varying skin concerns. However, they can incorporate acids that exfoliate from deep under the skin’s surface.
This deeper and potent exfoliation can lead to more irritation, but produce longer-lasting results.
Treat Prominent Skin Concerns
Medium and deep chemical peels are reserved for prominent or intense skin concerns that can’t always be treated with surface-level exfoliation. However, due to their intensity, these peels are often conducted once or twice in a lifetime.
This can include deep scarring, wrinkles, or discoloration. A gentle enzyme peel may not always treat intense problematic skin.
Involves Downtime
Chemical peels require more preparation and downtime.
It’s essential to provide the proper care for your skin during and after a chemical peel because it can take time to see results. These results will be more long-lasting with the right care than enzyme peels.
Your provider will share guidelines, including how to care for the skin before, during, and after your chemical peel.
Should You Get An Enzyme Peel?
How do you know if an enzyme peel is right for you? Enzyme peels are ideal for vulnerable, susceptible, and sensitive skin types needing exfoliation. Fruit and vegetable enzymes will gently slough away dead skin from the surface.
It’s an excellent treatment that offers subtle results or for those who don’t mind undergoing multiple sessions. It’s crucial to care for the skin by minimizing sun exposure and applying SPF daily.
Takeaway
Overall, enzyme peels are an excellent gentle exfoliating treatment for skincare beginners or those with sensitive skin. It’s less invasive than chemical peels, has little to no downtime, and effortlessly treats the skin’s outer layer for a brighter complexion.
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