Elemis is a luxury British skin care brand that utilizes a wide range of natural ingredients to produce everything from anti-aging creams to masks to sun protection. Elemis strives to combine cutting-edge science and technology with powerful biological actives from above and below the earth’s surface in order to create high-performance formulations. One such formulation is the Elemis Papaya Enzyme Peel, which this review will discuss in detail below.
What is it?
You may be familiar with papaya as being a tasty, tropical fruit, but did you know that papaya can be very beneficial when applied to the skin? Elemis has incorporated the natural enzymes found in the papaya fruit, as well as pineapple, into a peel that can clarify your complexion. There are several other ingredients in the Elemis Papaya Enzyme Peel that work to exfoliate the top layer of skin while simultaneously providing the skin with nourishment.
Who is it for?
Elemis Papaya Enzyme Peel is suitable for all skin types. It is ideal for the following skin concerns:
Dull skin: One of the main causes of dull skin is a lack of exfoliation. Thus, this peel is perfect for those with tired, lackluster skin as it contains many ingredients that aid in brightening complexion through exfoliation of dead skin cells.
Acne prone skin: One of the main causes of acne is a build up of dead skin cells on the surface of skin that ultimately clog pores. By exfoliating the top layers of skin, the Elemis Papaya Enzyme Peel helps to prevent the formation of blemishes.
Dry/sensitive skin: Many people with dry or sensitive skin stay away from exfoliating products because they often contain abrasive ingredients that can aggravate these conditions. Even though the Elemis Papaya Enzyme Peel does work by exfoliating the skin, it also contain numerous ingredients that are gentle and calming in order to keep the skin nourished and hydrated.
Formulation Insight
As the name implies, one of the key ingredients found in the Elemis Papaya Enzyme Peel is papaya fruit extract. The value of papaya fruit extract resides in its rich composition of papain, the very stable and effective enzyme extracted from the papaya fruit. Papain works on the surface of the skin to dissolve keratin, a protein found within skin that acts as a glue to keep skin cells together. By dissolving keratin, the papain enzymes helps to exfoliate the top layer of dead skin cells, leaving skin looking brighter with a more even tone. Exfoliating the skin also helps to prevent acne since the build up of dead skin cells can clog pores.
Another key ingredient in the Elemis Papaya Enzyme Peel is pineapple fruit extract. Pineapple is rich in bromelain, a protein-digesting enzyme that softens skin by breaking up keratin and exfoliating dead skin cells, similar to papain. Bromelain will unclog the pores and can help reduce irritation caused by the accumulation of surface skin cells. Bromelain also has anti-inflammatory properties. By pairing the calming effects of pineapple fruit extract with the exfoliative effects of papaya, the Elemis Papaya Enzyme Peel works to improve the skin’s complexion while still being gentle enough for sensitive skin.
Both papaya and pineapple fruit extract are high in vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant that can protect the skin from free radicals. The way antioxidants defend against free radicals is by neutralizing them, which is accomplished by donating an electron. The International Dermal Institute explains, “Antioxidants help prevent such damage by giving free radicals what they want before they attack your cells.” This is important because free radicals can attack important cellular components like mitochondria, cell membranes, DNA, and collagen. When these components become irreversibly damaged, the result is inflammation, uneven skin tone, and premature signs of aging.
The final key ingredient that makes up the Elemis Papaya Enzyme Peel is bladderwrack, one of the most common types of seaweed found in the oceans. Bladderwrack has been traditionally used to help soothe skin irritations (burns, insect bites, dryness, itchiness) due to its content of B-complex vitamins, calcium, iodine, iron, magnesium, potassium, sodium, sulfur, and silicon that contribute to its anti-inflammatory benefits. Additionally, bladderwrack contains carotene, selenium, zinc as well as minimal amounts of antioxidant vitamins A, C, and E, which all contribute to this ingredient’s anti-aging and healing properties. All of these vitamins and minerals found in bladderwrack add hydration to the skin and help to reduce visible signs of aging.
How to use
After cleansing, apply the Elemis Papaya Enzyme Peel to skin, avoiding delicate areas around the eyes. Leave for 10 to 15 minutes and rinse with lukewarm water to reveal a brighter complexion. This peel should be used twice weekly for best results.
