What is an Enzyme Facial? 3 DIY Enzyme Peel Recipes

Have you ever wondered about enzyme facials? In the realm of skincare, enzyme facials have been game-changing, promising a natural, gentle, and effective solution for exfoliating skin, promoting healthy regeneration, and giving your face a radiant glow. But what is an enzyme facial, and how does it work?

Let’s delve deeper and explore the underlying concepts of this effective yet simple skincare regimen. 

Understanding Enzyme Facials 

An enzyme facial is a type of skin treatment using topical applications of natural enzymes that accelerate the process of skin exfoliation, alleviate skin discolorations, and improve skin texture.

These enzymes, primarily from fruits such as papaya, pineapple, and pumpkin, aid in breaking down the ‘glue’ that holds dead skin cells together. When applied to the skin, these enzymes encourage the removal of dead skin, allowing newer, healthier skin cells to surface. 

How Enzyme Facials Work 

Now that we know what an enzyme facial is, you might be wondering how it actually works. The magic is all in the enzymes. When applied, enzymes, which are proteolytic (protein-breaking) agents, catalyze a reaction that breaks down keratin (protein) in the skin. By doing so, they help to exfoliate the top layer of the skin, removing dead skin cells and impurities.

This unique mechanism allows for a gentler effect compared to other forms of chemical exfoliation, making enzyme facials an ideal choice for those with sensitive skin.

Common Enzymes in Enzyme Facials and Peels: 

• Papain: Found in papaya, this enzyme breaks down unnecessary proteins on the skin’s surface.
• Bromelain: This pineapple-derived enzyme acts as a natural exfoliant, removing dead skin cells.
• Pumpkin Enzymes: They speed up cell turnover, brightening and rejuvenating the skin.

The Science Behind Enzyme Facials 

As already alluded to, the science behind enzyme facials lies in their biochemical properties. Enzymes are biological molecules (proteins) that speed up chemical reactions—in this case, the natural shedding process of the skin, also known as desquamation.

Dead skin cells on the surface layer of our skin contain a protein called keratin. When the enzymes in these facials come into contact with this protein, they cause it to break down, resulting in exfoliation.

After the enzyme facial, newer, healthier skin is revealed after removing the layer of dull, dead skin cells. The beauty is it’s all done naturally and gently.

In essence, enzyme facials leverage the biochemical properties of natural enzymes to encourage a naturally glowing skin by removing dead skin cells.

Pineapple enzyme is known for its brightening and clarifying effects on the skin. – Science Direct

DIY enzyme peels can be a cost-effective alternative to professional enzyme facials. – Byrdie

Benefits of Enzyme Facials

After a long, stressful day, there’s nothing quite like pampering yourself with a soothing and relaxing facial, perhaps right after sipping a nice hot mug of tea. With all of the skin benefits of this skincare method, it’s a true privilege it can be done at home, fairly inexpensively. Here are a few key benefits of enzyme facials: 

• Natural Exfoliation: Enzyme facials play a pivotal role in breaking down the keratin protein to remove dead skin cells without any harsh scrubbing. Quite the opposite, no scrubbing’s needed.
• Brighter Complexion: By gently peeling off the dull, dead skin, these facials reveal a fresher, brighter layer of skin beneath that older upper layer of skin that’s been exposed to the elements. Off with the old, revealing the new, natural facials are the best way to reveal new healthy skin.
• Fighting Aging Signs: By boosting cell turnover, enzyme facials help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles for a smoother, more youthful appearance.
• Improved Absorption: Once the outer layer of the skin is removed, your skin care products can penetrate more effectively, ensuring you get the most out of them.
• Safe for Sensitive Skin: Enzyme facials are typically gentler than chemical peels, making them an excellent choice for those with sensitive skin.

Note: As is true with any facial treatment, always patch test any new product on a small portion of your skin before applying it to your face to ensure you do not have an allergic reaction. Be sure to research any natural ingredient before applying to the skin as well. 

Choosing the Right Enzyme for Your Skin Type

Choosing the right enzyme for your skin type is crucial for the success of enzyme facials. But how to navigate through the abundance of enzyme types out there? 

First, let’s unpack the most common enzymes found in facial products: 

• Bromelain: Derived from pineapples, Bromelain is known to be mild and soothing, making it an excellent choice for sensitive skin. Its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties help to reduce redness and fight acne in acne-prone skin.
• Papain: Coming from papayas, Papain has powerful exfoliating properties. It can break down and remove dead skin cells, rejuvenating the skin and giving it a vibrant glow. It’s best suited for combination with oily skin types.
• Pumpkin enzyme: Pumpkin enzymes work great on all skin types and effectively deal with dullness, uneven skin tone, and signs of aging.

It’s important to remember that skin types can shift due to a variety of factors: seasons, hormonal changes, medication, stress, aging, as well as your current skincare regime. Always listen to your skin needs and adjust your skincare to them. 

Wondering where to start? 

1. If you have sensitive skin, begin with milder enzymes such as bromelain. They are soothing and less likely to cause irritation.
2. For combination or oily skin types, Papain can be a great choice. It’s powerful enough to help manage excess oil and clean out clogged pores.
3. If you’re struggling with dullness or fine lines, pumpkin enzyme could be your go-to. It has the potency to redefine your skin’s texture and bring out its natural glow.

As mentioned at least a few times already, remember to conduct a patch test before applying any new enzyme on your face completely. Discontinue using if you experience any discomfort or allergic reactions. This is your face we’re talking about. Exercise caution.

Ultimately, the best option comes down to personal preference and how your skin responds to different enzymes. Constant testing and adjusting are key to finding what works best for your skin. Recipes will be included in a few sections below. 

Preparing for an Enzyme Facial

Before you embark on your DIY enzyme facial journey, it’s crucial to prepare your skin to get maximum benefits adequately. Simple steps to prepare for your facial: 

Step 1: Start with a Clean Base  

Begin by cleansing your face thoroughly using a mild cleanser. Cleaning your face will remove makeup residues, oil, and dirt, leaving a clean canvas for the enzyme facial ingredients to interact with the skin.

Step 2: Steam Your Face  

Next, steam your face for about 5 to 10 minutes. Why, you might ask? It opens up your pores, allowing the peel to penetrate more deeply and work its magic. You can do this by either using a facial steamer or simply leaning over a bowl of hot water with a towel draped over your head. 

Step 3: Perform A Patch Test 

Not all skin types react the same way to various ingredients. That’s why performing a patch test on your arm’s inner portion is crucial before applying the enzyme peel to your face.

Apply a similar amount you’d use for a facial to a quarter-size area, allow it to sit for the amount of time you’d allow the facial to remain on the skin, then remove and examine for irritation.

Irritation won’t always occur immediately, and it’s advisable to wait 24 hours or perform a few patch tests days before you try your first facial. You’re good to go if there’s no adverse reaction like redness, burning, or itching. 

Step 4: Gather Your Ingredients  

Make sure you have all the ingredients for your chosen DIY enzyme peel recipe. Keep them at hand for easy access as you apply the peel.

This includes a clean bowl for mixing your ingredients, a brush for applying the peel, and a comfortable spot where you can recline while your skin absorbs the benefits of the enzyme’s exfoliating and renewing properties. 

Properly preparing for an enzyme facial will ensure you get the best out of your DIY skin therapy session. It’s more than just a beauty or skincare routine; it’s about dedicating precious ‘me’ time to nourish your skin and find some time to relax.

Enzyme Facial vs. Chemical Peel: What’s the Difference?

But what is the precise difference? You may wonder. Let’s set that straight. 

Enzyme Facials 

An enzyme facial is a gentle and natural form of exfoliation. It uses active ingredients derived from fruits and plants such as papaya, pineapple, or pumpkin, rich in enzymes. These enzymes accelerate the process of skin cell replacement by accelerating the chemical reactions necessary to bring forth newer, plumper cells and rid the skin of the older, dead cells. 

Chemical Peels 

On the other hand, a chemical peel harnesses acids for exfoliation as a result of a chemical reaction. Strong substances such as glycolic acid, salicylic acid, lactic acid, or trichloroacetic acid cause a ‘controlled injury’ to the skin. This process stimulates the body’s natural healing process, ultimately leading to smoother and more youthful-looking skin. Sound harsh? 

While both treatments aim to improve skin texture and tone, the approach differs. An enzymatic peel offers a more gentle, natural exfoliation option while a chemical peel will offer a more intense, deep skin peeling effect.

Whenever possible, we prefer gentle skin treatments vs. harsh treatments that increase the likelihood of damaging the skin. So, enzyme peels are the way to go and are a gentler option than a chemical peel. 

#1: DIY Papaya and Pineapple Enzyme Peel Recipe

This is a simple and easy homemade mask, perfect for those who want to freshen their skin. Here’s how you can make it: 

1. Get a ripe papaya and pineapple. These fruits are packed with natural enzymes that help exfoliate and cleanse the skin.
2. Mash them. Take half of each fruit, remove the seeds and skin, then mash (or blend) them into a homogeneous mixture.
3. Apply the mask. Apply the mixture directly onto a clean face. Leave it on your skin for around 10-15 minutes.
4. Rinse off. Gently wash off with warm water.

#2: DIY Pumpkin and Honey Enzyme Peel Recipe

With this recipe, you can give your skin a nice treat during the fall season. Here’s the recipe: 

1. Prepare your ingredients. You’ll need half a cup of pureed pumpkin, two tablespoons of honey, and half a teaspoon of milk. If you have manuka honey, that’s preferred. If not, any honey will do. 
2. Combine your ingredients. Mix the pumpkin puree, honey, and milk together in a bowl until you get a smooth, creamy consistency.
3. Apply the mask. Apply the mask to your clean, dry skin, leaving it on for 10-15 minutes.
4. Rinse off. Rinse off with warm water gently.

#3: DIY Banana and Yogurt Enzyme Peel Recipe

If you have sensitive skin, this peel is for you. Even with finicky skin, an at-home enzyme peel is still possible since you can control the ingredients, as well as how long you allow the ingredients to remain on the face. Here’s what you need to do: 

1. Prepare your ingredients. Grab an overripe banana and a quarter cup of plain yogurt.
2. Create the mixture. Mash the banana and mix it with the yogurt until you achieve a smooth consistency.
3. Apply the mask. Apply the mask onto clean, dry skin and let it sit for 10-15 minutes.
4. Rinse off. Gently wash off with warm water.

Tips for a Successful DIY Enzyme Facial at Home

• Use fresh ingredients: The key to a potent and effective DIY enzyme peel is using fresh ingredients. Fresh fruits contain live enzymes that are far more active and beneficial to your skin than store-bought, processed alternatives.
• Prep your skin: Cleanse your face thoroughly before applying the peel. Any make-up, oils, or dirt can block the enzymes from fully penetrating your skin and doing their job. Check out our facial prep tips in an earlier section (see table of contents).
• Stick to the recommended frequency: It might be tempting to try these peels daily, especially when you start seeing results. However, too much of anything is harmful. Stick to a maximum of one enzyme facial every few weeks to allow your skin time to heal and regenerate. Even as little as once per month or every few months is fine. You’ll quickly learn when you should plan your next facial just by touching and observing your skin. 
• Stay hydrated: Enzyme peels can sometimes cause a slight tightness on your skin – that’s normal. Rehydrate your skin immediately after rinsing off the mask by applying a high-quality, hydrating moisturizer.
• Patience is key: Skincare isn’t a race. Visible results might not occur immediately. Consistency and patience are key when it comes to DIY skincare. You’re in this for the long game, and gentle is best.

Safety Precautions and Allergies to Consider

When it comes to skincare treatments like enzyme facials, it’s essential to prioritize safety and be aware of potential allergens. This procedure involves applying various natural enzymes to your face, so it’s crucial to know how your skin will react. 

Firstly, always conduct a patch test before attempting any DIY enzyme peel treatments at home. How do you do that? Simply apply a small amount of the mixture to a less visible part of your skin, such as behind your ear or on your wrist, and wait for at least 24 hours to see if any adverse reaction occurs.

We can’t stress patch testing enough. We’re serious. Test your skin’s reaction to new ingredients first!

• Allergic Reactions: Natural enzymes are usually gentle, but they can still cause rare allergic reactions in some people. Signs of an allergic reaction include redness, hives, itching, and difficulty breathing. If you experience any of these symptoms after a patch test or after the enzyme facial, discontinue use and seek medical attention immediately.
• Sensitivity: Even if you’re not allergic, you can experience some skin sensitivity or slight irritation after an enzyme facial, especially if you’ve never had one before. If your skin feels unduly tight, dry, or otherwise uncomfortable, rinse the peel off immediately with cool water. Any skin concerns warrant caution, so if you have doubts about previous apparent skin allergies, etc., get in touch with your healthcare professional beforehand.
• Exposure to UV Rays: Post-treatment, your skin may be more sensitive to UV rays. Thus, it’s a good idea to limit your exposure to the sun for a few days and apply a good SPF if you go outside.

Remember, while enzyme facials can provide several skincare benefits, they’re not for everyone. If you have any skin conditions—or if you’re currently under a dermatologist’s care or using prescribed skin products—consult with your healthcare professional before trying a DIY enzyme peel treatment at home. 

Ultimately, it’s about understanding your skin, knowing your allergic reactions, and taking appropriate safety measures. So, always do your research, prepare properly, and listen to your skin!

FAQs: Enzyme Facials and Peels

For those new to the realm of enzyme facials, you’re probably filled with a host of questions. Here, we’ve curated a list of the ten most commonly asked questions and their detailed answers. 

1.) What exactly is an enzyme facial?

An enzyme facial is a type of skincare routine that uses natural enzymes, usually from fruits like pineapple and papaya, to exfoliate and revitalize skin by breaking down and removing dead skin cells.

2.) How do enzyme facials work?

Enzymes work by speeding up the chemical reactions on our skin. As a result, they help to refresh your skin by breaking down the keratin protein in dead skin cells from the upper layer of your skin and then removing them. What’s left over is smoother skin with new skin cells in all their radiance on the surface of the skin that’s now able to be revealed since the old layer has dissolved away.

3.) Are enzyme facials safe for sensitive skin?

Yes, enzyme facials are generally considered safe for sensitive skin types. This is because enzymes are gentler and less invasive than traditional facial scrubs or chemical peels. However, as with any new skincare routine, it’s always best to do a patch test first. Enzyme peels are a great way to obtain the benefits of a facial without the harshness of physical exfoliation or overly concentrated harsh ingredients.

4.) How often should I get an enzyme facial?

Most estheticians recommend getting an enzyme facial every few weeks or at least once per month, depending on your skin type and sensitivity. Now, realistically, we believe skin is quite resilient and pretty good at doing what it’s designed to do in normal circumstances. Therefore, we stick with gentle DIY options at home, perhaps every couple of months, as part of a healthy skincare routine.

5.) What should I expect after an enzyme facial?

Post-enzyme facial, you may experience minor redness, or it may appear your blood vessels are more visible, often called the “plasmatic effect” or “vascular matting”.

This typically will fade fairly quickly and is the result of having a bit more visibility into the blood flow under your previously unseen layer of skin. Ultimately, your skin should feel smoother and have a clear, glowing, more radiant appearance.

6.) Can I do an enzyme facial at home?

Yes, you absolutely can, and we have some great DIY recipes in the article above. Just always remember to do a patch test first if you’re using a new ingredient to make sure you don’t have an adverse reaction.

7.) What ingredients are commonly used in DIY enzyme peel recipes?

Typical ingredients include fresh fruits like papaya, pineapple, pumpkin, and apple, as these contain naturally occurring enzymes. You might also find ingredients like honey or yogurt in DIY recipes.

8.) How long should I leave an enzyme mask on my skin?

You should leave the enzyme mask on for about 10 to 20 minutes. Don’t leave it on for longer, as it could potentially irritate your skin. Skin irritation and skin damage go hand-in-hand. For your first DIY facial, less time is more until you understand better how your skin responds. 

9.) Is it possible to have an allergic reaction to an enzyme facial?

While rare, it’s possible to have an allergic reaction to any skincare treatment, including enzyme facials. That’s why it’s crucial to do a patch test before applying any new product or ingredient to your entire face.

10.) Can I use regular skincare products after an enzyme facial?

Yes, you can. However, make sure to use gentle, non-irritating products, as your skin may be sensitive after the facial. Avoiding harsh chemicals and fragrances is advisable, as always. Also, always opt for natural and organic skincare products.

We believe the best natural skincare products are the ones made with whole ingredients you can actually read. Even better, homemade skincare products you’ve crafted ensure you know exactly what you’re putting on your body.