[The harsh truth about exfoliating scrubs + a big enzymatic peel reveal]
You know those gritty exfoliants that make your face feel baby soft and oh-so-polished?
We’re sorry to break it to you, but they can actually do your skin damage over time – kinda like popping pimples or standing with your face upturned under a scalding hot shower.
Sure, it might feel cathartic, but mechanical exfoliation can cause micro trauma that’ll leave your precious epidermis dry, stressed and prematurely ageing.
Here’s some good news: there’s another, gentler way to reveal radiance and regenerate your skin so that it keeps on glowing and glowing.
Have you heard about exfoliating enzyme peels?
They’re the new kid on the skincare block – smoothing, brightening and deeply regenerative. We’re talking at the DNA level.
Made from naturally occurring plant enzymes like papain (from papaya) and bromelain (from pineapple), they work in a completely different way to abrasive, rub ‘n’ scrub exfoliants of the past – more on that below.
Before we expand upon the benefits of exfoliating enzyme peels, let’s have a look at what other types of exfoliation are out there so you can compare and contrast.
Physical exfoliants, aka: “Treat ‘em mean, keep ‘em keen.”
👉 Physical or mechanical exfoliants contain itty bitty finely ground ingredients like apricot
kernels, nuts, sugars, crystals, rice, oatmeal and – gulp – polluting micro plastic beads.
👉 They work like sandpaper, scrubbing off surface cells.
👉 They can be (addictively) effective, making your skin feel all smooth and shiny…
👉 …but at what cost?
👉 In the short term, physical exfoliants may cause redness, dryness and flare ups.
👉 In the long term, they can permanently weaken skin due to micro cuts and tears which promote infections and accelerate ageing.
👉 Case in point: There’s a certain apricot scrub that most of us have harboured in our bathroom cabinets that ended up facing a lawsuit for skin damage. Yikes.
👉 Upshot: Physical exfoliants can satisfy your need for immediate softness and a sense of squeaky-clean, but for most people, this heroic approach can have negative consequences down the line.
Chemical exfoliants, aka: “Trigger warning.”
💅 Chemical exfoliants include things like alpha and beta hydroxy acids which you might recognise as glycolic, lactic and salicylic acids.
💅 They can be derived from nature (like citrus or apple cider vinegar) or synthesised in a lab, and some are much stronger than others.
💅 As opposed to physical exfoliants, chemical exfoliants penetrate into the skin and trigger old cells to shed, making way for the next generation.
💅 They’re really effective at smoothing the complexion, revealing brighter skin and stimulating the production of collagen.
💅 Like physical exfoliants, chemical exfoliants can be harsh and irritating for people with sensitive skin, but on the other hand, they’re pretty fab for promoting a healthy complexion when used the right way.
💅 Upshot: Do your research and patch test first.
Enzyme exfoliants, aka: “Dissolve and conquer!”
🐝 Enzyme exfoliants are derived from wholefoods like papaya (papain), pineapple (bromelain), malic acid (from apple) and pumpkin (Cucurbita pepo enzyme).
🐝 They work through a process of proteolysis, which is the breakdown of proteins.
🐝 Your skin (and hair, and nails) have a layer of protective keratin, a type of protein that can become hard, dull and rough over time.
🐝 By gently pulling keratin apart (see: proteolysis), the craggy outer layer sloughs off and peachy fresh skin is revealed.
🐝 Enzymes are a lot gentler than scrubs and most chemical exfoliants, and have bonus anti-inflammatory effects from all those vitamins antioxidants found in fruits and vegetables.
🐝 For that reason, they soothe redness and irritation at the same time as getting rid of dead skin. Double whammy.
🐝 They’re a top choice for folks with sensitive skin and, in our humble opinion, are the gentlest and most effective way to glow.
🐝 Upshot: Enzyme exfoliants are shifting the skincare paradigm from harsh and heroic to intuitive and natural, bringing you all the benefits of traditional exfoliation without harming your face’s future.
Buff up with our Honey Enzyme Peel and Glow
Want to experience the virtues of gentle and regenerative enzymes?
Meet our brand new Bioactive Honey Enzyme Peel and Glow.
There’s not much else like it out there, filled as it is with Tassie botanicals, wilderness honey and living plant enzymes and zero harsh synthetics.
It gently dissolves the glue that keeps dead skin cells attached via effervescent fruit enzymes like papain (from papaya) and malic acid (from apples), sloughing off rough, gruff skin to reveal radiance.
Your face will be on high beam.
Because we’re obsessed with Tasmanian herbs and wholefoods, we’ve also added healing calendula, kelp polysaccharides, Leatherwood honey and rare Aker Fassi to give you the softest, peachiest, most luxurious home facial ever.
And here’s something magic: when you add water to this enzymatic powder it changes into a beautiful coral colour right before your eyes. There’s definitely a transformation metaphor in that.
Be one of the first to try our brand new Bioactive Honey Enzyme Peel and Glow. Long may it grace your face.
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