Enzymes are vital to life because they work as catalysts to control the rate at which metabolic reactions occur. Enzymes separate large molecules into smaller ones so that our bodies can absorb them via our intestines. Digesting meat and converting starch into sugar are two examples of enzymatic processes.

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. Without this chain reaction, our metabolism would be too slow and too useless to sustain life. Industrial applications such as paper production or food processing also depend 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. During the course of their life, these cells migrate to the outer layers of the skin, and the connections between the skin cells breaks apart. This is what we call desquamation. Enzymes in our hair follicles and skin expedite this natural process and the skin cells rub 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 remove the dead skin cells and reveal the newer, healthier cells underneath.

Mechanical exfoliation depends on abrasive elements to eliminate dead skin cells. These elements can be a brush or sponge or natural products such as oatmeal or sugar. It is important to note that excessive abrasion can cause irritation. Therefore, don't be too harsh on your skin.

Chemical exfoliation, on the other hand, relies heavily on acids and enzymes to exfoliate the skin. Some experts believe that the alpha hydroxy acids or AHAs used for chemical exfoliation are different from because they normalize cell turnover in the epidermis. If this is true, this process helps produce the formation of healthy skin, which includes desquamation, less dry scales and the stimulation of the cell cycle.

The enzymes used in 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 stimulat exfoliation by digesting the cohesion between cells in a chemical manner. In essence, they break down proteins and create a softening effect that promotes de natural desquamation process.

Every skin care routine underlines the importance of exfoliation as a method to keep your skin healthy. With the previous information, it is clear that enzymes also have their place in our skin care routine. As we age it becomes ever so important to find skin care products that can help our skin retain its youthful spark by attacking wrinkles, fine lines, opaque and dry skin.