Why Exfoliating Enzymes Work Better Than Harsh Scrubs

Way back when, we were all told to scrub our skin into oblivion if we wanted it to “glow”. The rougher the granule the better, right? Well we now know that that was wrong. That squeaky-clean, tight feeling after a scrub is not radiance, it is barrier damage. And barrier damage is the last thing you want if you are serious about healthy, youthful skin.

The good news is, exfoliation is still one of the best ways to keep your skin smooth, clear and glowing. The even better news? You do not need harsh scrubs to achieve it. Enzyme-based exfoliation does the job daily, gently, and without leaving your skin with barrier damage.

WHY SCRUBS JUST DON'T WORK

Scrubs rely on physical particles (think ground nut shells or beads) to “buff” away dead cells. The problem is, they also create tiny micro-tears in the skin and disrupt your barrier. This leads to sensitivity, redness, and sometimes even more breakouts. So while you may feel smooth in the moment, you are setting yourself up for long-term irritation, redness, dryness, sensitivity etc.

WHAT ARE ENZYMES?

Enzymes are clever little proteins that dissolve the glue holding dead cells to the surface of your skin. Instead of ripping them off with grit, enzymes gently break them down so they lift away naturally. The result? Smooth, bright skin without any redness, rawness or barrier damage.

I always use the example of 'Pacman' eating up the dead skin cells, however, I think that's showing my age though now, as nobody under the age of 30 seems to know who or what Pacman was! Tragic!

Anyway, daily enzymes are also suitable for most skin types, even sensitive ones. This makes them perfect for keeping pores clear, boosting your other products’ performance, and giving you that consistent healthy glow.

MY FAVOURITE ENZYMES

Here are two of my favourite enzyme based products that give stunning results all the time.

Revision Papaya Enzyme Cleanser – A fabulous option if your skin is feeling dull or sluggish. Papaya enzymes naturally lift away the dead cells, leaving skin soft, smooth and radiant.

Revision Papaya Enzyme Cleanser

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Nimue Exfoliating Enzyme – This one is a weekly exfoliating treatment packed with papaya and pineapple enzymes. Ideal when you need an extra boost without any irritation. Click here to order.

REMEMBER WITH ENZYMES...

The secret is not one dramatic exfoliation session at all. It is the fact you can use them consistently. Daily enzyme use keeps your skin turning over at a healthy rate, reduces the likelihood of clogged pores, and supports your barrier rather than scrubbing it away.

Compare that to scrubs, which you have to use sparingly because they are too harsh, and you can see why enzymes win every single time. This also goes for any kind of scrubbing facial brush too. We want to be gentle with our skin, no scrubbing necessary!

I know some people think scrubs might feel satisfying, but enzymes do the work without the damage. If you want your glow to last longer than a few hours, ditch the grit and switch to daily enzymes.

If you are unsure which exfoliator is right for your skin, fill in my Skin Check-In form. It is completely free and I will send you a personalised plan with exactly what your skin needs.

Thank you so much for reading,

Emmaline