Ingredient Focus – Enzymes
Wednesday, October 12th, 2011
Enzymes are an excellent way to exfoliate, lifting dull skin and giving a refreshed look and soft touch. But how do they work?
Enzymes are chemicals that speed up the rate of chemical reactions, without being consumed in the reaction; they are incredibly useful in biological processes because they can facilitate reactions at body temperature that would normally require dangerously high temperatures. We produce them naturally in our bodies and without them we would die.
Enzymes are the best and safest way to chemically exfoliate skin. They dissolve the bonds that hold dry, dead cells to the surface of your skin without causing a pH imbalance.
As we age, our bodies gradually lose the ability to provide an effective skin renewal process, especially as damage occurs from harsh environmental conditions, which is why gentle, weekly chemical exfoliation helps skin look younger.
Enzymes are manufactured from various sources such as fruits, vegetables, animals and marine life. The enzymes defend the skin against the effects of free radicals and they also encourage the skin to generate new cells. Protease Enzymes, the ones used in skin care, 
are able to decompose human skin proteins like keratin.
Currently enzymes are mainly used for facial products but hopefully brands will start to branch their use out to include body, hand and foot care so every single limb of the body can be smooth and exfoliated to perfection, without scrubbing and scratching.
If you fancy adding an enzyme boost to your skincare, try the following resurfacing/exfoliating cleansers REN Glycolactic Peel Mask, Elemis Tri Enzyme Resurfacing Facial Wash, NuBo Peel & Reveal, Bliss Steep Clean, Ling Skin Care Papaya Resurfacing Peel. There are also two anti-ageing serums SoPhyto Mega Serum and Dr Bragi’s Marine Enzyme Face Serum that will knock the socks off wrinkles. cate sewell
Ever thought about a life without moisturiser, mascara and lipgloss? Us neither, until news of the decline of the busy British bumblebee reached us. You see, if the bee dies out so too do almost 4,000 of Britain’s best loved beauty products. 
A must-have for the Ancients (Cleopatra was a fan), beeswax was used in the first generation of skin creams, lipsticks and nail varnishes. And those Egyptians were onto as winner thanks to its composition of complex polysters and hydroxy fatty acids, which mean it’s a great thickening and binding agent, has fantastic waterproofing capabilities, and can provide a barrier against air and moisture. From a dermatological point of view, beeswax is suitable for sensitive skin and its natural antibacterial agents and antioxidants have ensured it’s still a cosmetic industry favourite more than 2,000 years on.