What’s the difference?
Both are exfoliants, both are actives. Both help dissolve dead skin cells to reveal healthy, fresh, radiant skin.
The main difference… Enzymes are more gentle. Enzymes use fruit enzymes; papaya, pumpkin, raspberries, pomegranate, pineapple, cherries, etc. I do have some stronger Enzymes but I wouldn't use them on a first time client or a client that has sensitive skin. Chemical Peels use acids of various strengths.
Enzymes can be used on ALL skin types, even sensitive skin. There is no downtime and there is an immediate glow. Enzymes, like Peels, can target various skin conditions; aging, dehydrated, hyperpigmentation, acne, scarring and more. However, they do not yield the same long lasting results as Chemical Peels and can be done more frequently as they are a more gentle exfoliant.
Chemical Peels (Peels) are more aggressive and can treat deeper skin concerns and conditions. While peels can accomplish the same as Enzymes, peels penetrate deeper into the skin and can cause peeling of the skin. However, there are different levels to peels. I’ll talk more about the levels below. Chemical Peels often include ingredients like Lactic Acid, Glycolic Acid, Salicylic Acid, Tartaric Acid and Mandelic Acid to name a few. Peels are for dissolving certain proteins and lipids that hold dead skin cells together to reveal new, healthy skin.
Peel ingredients determine the level; superficial, medium and deep. Superficial peels are generally made up of AHA’s and BHA’s like lactic, glycolic and Salicylic. I like to do these in a series and these can be done weekly. Medium peels are stronger and penetrate into more layers of the skin. Medium Peels are usually a TCA or a Jessners. They often produce peeling and may require some down time. Deep peels should only be done by doctor. Deep peel will have significant downtime and is a one-time only treatment. Aestheticians work with superficial to medium peels.
Superficials peels provide subtle and gradual improvement over time. The peel penetrates into the outermost layer of skin. Ideal for fine lines, wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, acne, aging and textured skin. Recovery is usually a few hours to a couple days with little to no downtime. My peels are done in a series, 3 superficial peels and 1 medium peel.
Medium peels penetrate into the first few layers of the skin. These are great for scarring, age spots, moderate wrinkles and uneven skin coloring. Recovery may take a week or more and may require some downtime.
Deep peels produce the most dramatic results and should only be done by a medical doctor.
If you are unsure of where to start, let’s chat https://goodvibesaesthetics.com/. I use enzymes in all my facial treatments (except a Peel series). A Classic or The Works Facial is the best place to start. And, as always, I preach… use a Broad Spectrum Sunscreen, one that protects against UVA and UVB rays. I like and use mineral based, Image Prevention+ SPF 32. It's so important to protect your skin!
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