Enzymes (enzymes)

They are responsible for many of the reactions that occur in the organisms of all living beings on the planet. They are able to change the essence of things and do it with incredible speed. Now let’s see what role enzymes play in cosmetics.

What are enzymes?

Enzymes, or enzymes, are proteins-catalysts, that is, accelerators of all biochemical reactions occurring in the body. In fact, they control all life processes and, like all proteins, they are a chain of amino acids. To date, more than 3000 enzymes have been found in humans. About 400 varieties of enzymes have been synthesized and produced using animal and plant material. Today, enzymes are used:

  • in the food industry;

  • household chemicals;

  • medicine;

  • pharmacology.

In cosmetics and cosmetology, only some enzymes have found application. Their number is small, because controlling the activity of these extremely capricious molecules, which are also capable of increasing reaction rates to cosmic levels, is a very difficult task.

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The effect of enzymes on the body

Every minute, millions of biochemical reactions and metamorphoses take place in the body, and none of them passes without the participation of enzymes. The work of the digestive tract, muscles (including the heart), every organ and all systems depends on how enzymes behave.

Enzymes manage the metabolism, break down complex compounds into simple ones and decide what to do with them next: destroy them as unnecessary or put them into circulation for the benefit of a common cause, that is, life.

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Enzymatic peels gently exfoliate the skin

The main reasons for the lack of enzymes in the body

Enzymes are simple and complex. Complex enzymes require an ally, a coenzyme, to function. Vitamins and microelements play this role. That is why the lack or excess of vitamins generally negatively affects health, because enzymes, left without a partner, cannot perform their functions. The main enemies of enzymes are:

  1. chemically synthesized additives in food products;

  2. inflammatory processes in the body;

  3. any intoxication;

  4. smoking;

  5. stress;

  6. infection.

For the normal functioning of enzymes, the body must receive a sufficient amount of vitamins and minerals, which are rich in fresh vegetables and fruits. Unhealthy diet, bad habits and stress suppress the activity of enzymes.

It is impossible to “feed” the body with enzymes and stock them up for the future. However, this does not prevent us from using the unique features of these proteins to create effective medical and cosmetic preparations.

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Frequent guests in cosmetic formulas – exotic fruit enzymes

Enzyme Properties

Enzymes are a great creative and destructive force. In cosmetics and cosmetology, degrading enzymes are mainly used. In the list of ingredients, they can be easily recognized by the end of “-aza”. The only exceptions are papain and bromelain – pioneers that appeared in the cosmetic world even before enzymes were classified.

All enzymes, regardless of specialization, have common properties.

  • Activity in a warm environment

    They are comfortable at a temperature close to the temperature of the human body – natural for their life.

  • Narrow focus and selectivity

    Each group of enzymes works with a specific substance: some enzymes deal exclusively with proteins, others with carbohydrates, and still others with fats.

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Types of enzymes

In cosmetics and cosmetology, enzymes of predominantly plant origin are used. The most common area of ​​application is exfoliation. Indeed, enzyme or enzyme peels are famous for their ability to gently and efficiently exfoliate horny cells. But skin renewal is not the only effect expected from enzymes.

In the beauty industry, the main mission of enzymes is delicate skin renewal.

Enzymes (enzymes) in cosmetics and cosmetology

Enzyme (enzyme)SourceActionApplication in cosmetics

Papain

papaya

Promotes the destruction of protein (keratin), may cause irritation.

enzyme masks and peels
Bromelainpineapple

Promotes the destruction of protein bonds, keratolytic.

enzyme peels, renewing serums
Trypsin and chymotrypsinBiotechnologyDestroys proteins, including those in the hair follicles.enzymatic hair removal
lipasecereals, legumes, algaePromotes the breakdown of fats.slimming products, anti-cellulite gels, oily skin cleansing products
amylaseBiotechnologyPromotes the breakdown of carbohydrates.masks and peels for the treatment of oily skin and inflammation
Superoxide dismutase and oxide dismutaseBiotechnologyPromotes the destruction of hydrogen peroxideantioxidant, used in creams to fight free radicals
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