When you read or think about enzymes as an ingredient on a label in a black skin care product, it can sometimes sound like a cosmetic soup. But most are natural derivatives that can come in the form of fruits, vegetables or marine extracts. They’re basically anything that is “ living”. Some of the enzymes that are most often used in skin care products for African American skin are papaya, pumpkin, pineapple, green apples, cranberries and kiwi.

The Benefits of Enzymes in Black Skin Care Products

Before we get into the breakdown of having each one of those particular fruit enzymes in a product, let’s take a look at the benefit of working with enzymes for skin care. First, they’re great exfoliates. Not everyone likes the idea of fruit or fruit derivatives on their skin, so you can use other products to exfoliate.

But, when you think of enzymes you’re actually looking at a natural exfoliate or exfoliator. They can improve your skin’s texture and tone, act as an anti-inflammatory agent and clear your pores, hydrate and scavenge your skin for free radicals.

Enzymes work right on your skin’s surface and they actually can dissolve and digest the old dry skin cells, so that you can wash them easily from your skin surface and see an immediate appearance of healthy glowing skin.

Many enzymes are derived from fruits based on the list above and will also up the ante by being an antioxidant and have the ability to remove the free radicals from your skin. Enzymes help jump start cell turnover and boost the metabolism of cells looking and acting younger. On the opposite side of that, you might ask the question, “If enzymes are so good for your skin, then why doesn’t every skin care product on the market incorporate them as an ingredient?” Well it’s not that simple.

Enzymes can break down very quickly and some manufacturers think that only the freshest skin care products, as in mashing up a given fruit or vegetable is the only way you can get the straight benefits of a natural enzyme. Plus, some skin therapists warn that they aren’t always suitable for sensitive skin types and they can also pose a risk for allergies. Let’s take a look at what each fruit is beneficial for.

Fruits with Enzyme Power

Papaya –  is one of the most commonly used enzymes in skin care. Papain, which is the botanical name for papaya, contains very powerful and anti-inflammatory properties. Papaya is so powerful that the FDA issued a warning on products that contained it a few years back. Although it was geared more towards topical drugs, it is imperative you make sure that you’re not allergic before using anything that has papaya as an ingredient.

Pumpkin – there’s nothing like a pumpkin mask. It’s another one of those ingredients that you have to test on a small area of your skin before you go full blown across your face because it’s such an exfoliator that it can actually become an irritant. But if you test and use pumpkin in moderation, it can be one of the best exfoliators for removing dead skin cells. Pumpkin is loaded with anti-aging vitamins, vitamin A being the key one. It’s the best enzyme for treating fine lines and wrinkles.

Cranberries – Another exfoliate that is super-duper. Its vitamin and antioxidant packed all in one, and can help brighten your skin naturally and has antiseptic properties, making it good for acne.

Bromelain – Which is in essence pineapple, is considered the strongest enzyme in skin care products. The pineapple has several scientific studies that back up its ability to also treat inflammation when applied topically.

Malic Acid – which is found in green apples, is found in several fruits and is what gives apples that tart taste. It contains alpha hydroxyl acids, so it may be too harsh for those with sensitive skin, but it’s ideal for mature skin that has texture and tone concerns.

Actinide – Which is kiwi and is packed with Vitamin C and has the ability to brighten your skin, it’s the most suitable enzyme for sensitive skin.

One of the things I did not mention was cucumber. Cucumber, when mashed, put in the blender and put on your face also acts as a super exfoliator. You apply it to your skin and in a matter of hours can see dead skin cells coming off of your skin in a peel. It’s almost like a natural peel for your face.

Finally…

I just wanted to give you some insight into certain fruits and vegetables to take a look at. If you’re looking for a natural enzyme, you can also take these particular fruits and veggies into your system by way of fresh juice or smoothie.  When you do that, you also want to maintain a regimen of topical use and you’ll have the best skin care from inside and out.

As Always …

Dedicated To Your Beauty

Juliette Samuel

Esthetician/Author/Publisher

Nyraju Skin Care