Now, there is, and probably will be for a long time, a debate over which is better, enzymes (fruit and vegetable-derived) or acids (Alpha Hydroxy-Acid or Beta Hydroxy Acid), which include: glycolic, salicylic, lactic. The truth is that they both possess great benefits, it just depends on what you are looking for, as well as what skin type it is being used on.
AHA’s are a little stronger and can produce more “anti-aging” results. AHA’s penetrate the top layer of the skin and work by reducing cell adhesion by dissolving the desmosomes between cells, also known popularly by “dissolving the intercellular glue”, this promotes exfoliation on the outer most layer. While getting deep into the skins layer, AHA’s also help to stimulate collagen and elastin production which helps with the elasticity or the skin as well as plumpness, and we all know that means fine lines and wrinkles are delayed.
AHA’s are better for your tougher more durable skin types; however, in lower percentages and pHs, more sensitive skin types can use them too. Some acids such as Kojic and Azeleic can greatly improve skin discoloration such as hyper pigmentation or sun damage. These AHA’s help by stopping or slowing down the melanin production and at the same time exfoliating and getting rid of the over discolored cells. This is when you reach for Natural Skin Lightening Complex.
Enzymes are the gentler of the two, yet still very effective. Enzymes work NOT by penetrating into the layers of the skin, but by digesting the already dead cells on the top of the skin and by speeding up the break down of keratin or the protein in the skin. Just think of stomach enzymes, they digest your food.
Enzymes are great for you sensitive skins as they stay active only on the top of the skin. However, they are available in higher percentages and can be just as effective as AHAs. Enzymes are also great for a drier skin type because they help to gently get rid of the dryness and help promote moisture.
Both are going to help improve the skin’s texture, increase the cellular renewal, and improve hydration and moisture retention. They can also both have great benefits if used properly and to their fullest potential. They can both be used with steam, with much caution of course, as well as knowledgeable supervision, if that is yourself then great, to enhance the benefits.
Lotus Moon has a wide variety of enzymes and AHAs, with differing strengths and percentages. So whatever your weapon we’ve got it. Just be sure to pick one that appeals to you and your skin that you love so much.
Question: Which do you prefer, acids or enzymes, and for what reasons? Have you seen better results with one or the other?
