What are Enzymes?
Enzymes are quite fascinating when you consider what they are and the big job they have. These biological molecules are primarily proteins that are vital for life. In the body and cells, they play a significant role from digestion to increasing metabolism. Enzymes also speed up the rate of most chemical reactions that take place in cells. You need enzymes to initiate the production of melanin as an example. They essentially serve as a catalyst for most cellular functions.
Each cell contains thousands of different enzyme molecules that are specific to particular chemical reactions. Some help break larger molecules down, so they are more easily absorbed, while others bind molecules to produce new molecules. Enzymes exist in every living thing—animals and botanicals.
After understanding how enzymes work, it’s easy to see why they are so effective in the skin regeneration process and how they help unlock radiant, luminous skin.
Enzymes, when applied topically, digest the cells of the stratum corneum where acids dissolve. They work almost the same way as the enzymes produced in the body that help break down the food we ingest. On the skin, however, they are breaking down old cells that clog up pores and prevent the penetration of other topicals.
Enzymes have come a long way. For instance, we now know how extraction methods, formulation potencies and even ingredient combinations can significantly impact the efficacy of the enzyme and the results produced.
Through science, we have ways to extract the enzymatic portion of botanicals and other protein sources to create far more potent enzymes that provide nourishing and skin-building benefits, in addition to digestive actions.