Enzymes are a vital part of our life and biological function because they work as catalysts to regulate the rate at which metabolic reactions develop. Enzymes break down large molecules into smaller ones so that our bodies can process them via our intestines. The digestion of meat and the conversion of starch to sugars with saliva are only two examples of enzymatic processes.

Enzymes can also work in conjunction with other enzymes to create metabolic pathways. In these cases a chain reaction is produced when one enzyme passes on its product to another enzyme. Without this process, the metabolic reactions would be too slow to be of use in our bodies. Enzymes are also used in industrial applications ranging from food processing to paper production. They are used in the brewing of beer, in fruit juices, as meat tenderizers and even in the biofuel industry among many more.

ENZYMES AND DESQUAMATION

Healthy cells are created in the skin's deeper layer, the dermis. During the course of their life, these cells travel to the outer layers of the skin, and the bonds that hold the skin cells together become weaker. This is known as desquamation. Enzymes in our hair follicles and skin expedite this natural process and the skin cells slough off.

Age makes the desquamation process slower and uneven which leads to a rough and unhealthy looking skin surface. For this reason, exfoliation, mechanical or chemical, is very important so that we can eliminate dead skin cells and expose the newer, healthier cells underneath.

Dead skin cells are removed by using abrasive elements. This is what is known as mechanical exfoliation. 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 produce. 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 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 trigger the formation of healthy skin, including 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. So, they break apart proteins and create a softening effect that helps the skin slough off.

Every skin care routine stresses the importance of periodic exfoliation as a method to keep your skin young. With the previous information, it is evident that enzymes also have their place in our skin care routine. As we age it becomes very important to find skin care products that can help our skin maintain its youthful shimmer by dealing with wrinkles, fine lines, opaque and dry skin.