Enzyme Peels for Acne: Are Enzyme Peels Good for Acne?

If you’ve ever turned to an enzyme peel to revive a dull complexion or smooth out rough and uneven texture, you know these gentle yet effective treatments can work skincare magic. But do enzyme peels help acne?

In this guide, we’ll explore the benefits of incorporating these exfoliating treatments into your acne management plan, how to find the best enzyme peel for acne based on your skin’s specific needs, and tips for applying them effectively and safely.

Common Causes of Acne

Before we explore how to use an enzyme peel for acne, it’s important to first understand acne’s common causes. Generally, the culprit is excess sebum production, which is when the skin overproduces oil. When this excess oil mixes with dead skin cells that linger on the surface of the skin, it can clog pores and hair follicles, leading to what we know as blackheads and whiteheads. This environment also leaves skin susceptible to bacterial growth, particularly the bacteria Propionibacterium acnes, which causes pimples. In more severe cases, this can trigger the skin’s inflammatory response, causing symptoms like redness, swelling, and painful cysts or lesions.

But let’s backtrack here—what causes the skin to produce excess oil in the first place? This can occur based on a number of different factors that vary from case to case, such as certain foods and lifestyles, fluctuating hormones (think those produced during puberty, menstruation, and pregnancy), genetics, and some medications like steroids and hormonal treatments.

What is an Enzyme Peel?

An enzyme peel is a type of exfoliating treatment that resurfaces the skin. Powered by proteolytic enzymes—proteins that help speed up chemical reactions within the body—they work by dissolving the skin-dulling and pore-clogging dead skin cell build-up on the skin’s surface, revealing new, fresh skin underneath. This exfoliation reaps a litany of benefits, such as stimulating cell turnover to promote an overall more even tone and texture, decongesting the skin, fading dark spots and hyperpigmentation, and even smoothing the look of fine lines.

The proteolytic enzymes used in these peels are typically derived from natural, plant-based sources, such as pumpkin (the star of our Pumpkin Purifying Enzyme Peel), Bromelain from pineapple (included in our Sweet Cherry Brightening Enzyme Peel), Ficin from figs (found in our Pear & Fig Polishing Enzyme Peel), and Papain from papaya. They also tend to be less harsh than physical scrubs and chemical peels, making them suitable for most skin types, even including those with sensitive or reactive skin, depending on the formulation.

Are Enzyme Peels Good for Acne?

Can enzyme peels help acne? In short, yes—for a few reasons. Let’s dive in…

How Do Enzyme Peels Help Acne?

Enzyme peels provide gentle exfoliation that can be extremely beneficial for fighting acne. By dissolving surface-level dead skin, they can help clear and prevent clogged pores and hair follicles, effectively fighting blackheads, whiteheads, and blemishes. Some popular proteolytic enzymes used in peels like Bromelain and Papain also boast anti-inflammatory properties that can help calm redness and swelling associated with more severe breakouts. Increased cell turnover can not only help smooth your skin’s texture, but it can also help fade lingering scars and pigmentation issues from past breakouts. What’s more, shedding these dead skin cells helps your skin better absorb your other skincare products, ensuring you get the most out of any other topical acne or hyperpigmentation products you may be using.

Are There Any Drawbacks to Consider?

The good thing about enzyme peels is that they tend to be milder than chemical peels, including those that use skincare acids like AHAs and BHAs. However, they’re still a peel, and they still require some caution when using. There’s a small chance you’ll experience redness, dryness, sensitivity, or, rarely, an allergic reaction. In the case of using an enzyme peel for acne, you also may experience an exacerbated breakout or purging as these impurities are brought to the surface to be cleared out. (Sometimes, it gets worse before it gets better—but it does get better!) To ensure you don’t experience any uncomfortable or more severe side effects, we always recommend patch-testing your peel before applying it to your full face.

Tips for Choosing the Best Enzyme Peel for Acne

Always Consider Your Skin Type

To find the best enzyme peel for acne and avoid potential side effects, you’ll first want to consider your skin type—the right formula is one that caters to your skin’s unique needs. As mentioned previously, Papain and Bromelain are great for helping fight the inflammation associated with acne, which can be helpful for oily and acne-prone skin types, especially those who deal with more severe or cystic breakouts. You’ll also want to avoid anything overly abrasive or formulated with heavy oils that may further clog pores.

If your skin leans more combination or normal, opt for balanced peels that are gentle yet effective, avoiding anything formulated specifically for oily or dry skin types. Dry and mature skin types should look for formulas with lightweight hydrating ingredients (think Aloe Vera, Hyaluronic Acid, and Glycerin) to avoid stripping the skin and steer clear of anything highly acidic. If your skin is sensitive, opt for a milder formula with a lower concentration of active enzymes, as anything too concentrated or strong may over-exfoliate and cause irritation, redness, or flaking, which can worsen any current breakouts.

Look for Acne-Focused Ingredients

Many enzyme peels for acne are formulated with other acne-fighting ingredients to boost their efficacy. For example, Lactic Acid, an AHA, can be great for acne as it helps smooth skin and can brighten the appearance of dark spots and scarring—you’ll find it in all three of our enzyme peel formulas. Jojoba Beads, like those found in our Pear & Fig Polishing Enzyme Peel, provide ultra-gentle physical exfoliation to aid in clearing pores without being too harsh. Other complementary ingredients include Salicylic Acid, a BHA that deep cleans pores; Tea Tree Oil, a natural bacteria-fighting antiseptic; and Niacinamide (Vitamin B3), an anti-inflammatory that helps soothe skin and supports healing.

Check the Concentration of Active Enzymes

Concentration is a crucial factor to consider in terms of efficacy. Research any enzyme peel contenders to make sure they contain an effective concentration of enzymes. If you’re unable to find the exact concentration, check the ingredient list—if it appears towards the end, it may not be strong enough unless your skin is particularly sensitive and requires a milder formula.

Assess Brand Reputation and Product Reviews

Opting for reputable brands that use high-quality ingredients is key! Be sure to thoroughly read through product reviews (on multiple platforms, if possible) to ensure the formula you’re considering is the real deal. Your skin will thank you!

Find the Perfect Solution at Naturopathica!

At Naturopathica, we offer a collection of enzyme peels that can help you on your quest to clear your acne. They’re all infused with other good-for-your-skin botanicals, antioxidants, and hydrators to ensure your skin reaps the most benefits from your peel without being too harsh or irritating. What’s more, our formulas are created without any toxic ingredients or unnecessary fillers. Not sure where to start? Our Pumpkin Purifying Enzyme Peel is specifically formulated to help clarify and decongest the skin while remaining gentle, making it an effective choice for all skin types, but especially acne-prone.

How to Use Enzyme Peels for Acne

How can you use an enzyme peel for acne? Follow this step-by-step guide to yield effective results while protecting your skin.

Preparing the Skin

For optimal results, prep your skin before applying your peel by gently cleansing. Washing away makeup, dirt, and impurities will enhance the efficacy of your peel and allow your skin to better absorb its active ingredients—just be sure to reach for a non-stripping cleanser like our hydrating Aloe Vera Cleansing Gel or ultra-nourishing Manuka Honey Cleansing Balm to avoid potential irritation.

Applying the Peel

With clean fingertips or a mask brush, smooth on a thin and even layer of your enzyme peel to freshly cleansed and dried skin. Apply to the full face, but avoid sensitive areas like the under-eye and around the lips, as active ingredients like enzymes may irritate these areas.

Post-Peel Care

Maintain your clear, glowing post-peel results by following a consistent skincare routine and keeping your skin amply hydrated—yes, even oily and acne-prone skin needs a moisturizer! Stick to lightweight, non-comedogenic formulas that won’t clog your pores, such as our Vitamin C Revitalizing Lotion. Avoid abrasive scrubs, chemical exfoliants like AHAs and BHAs, and other strong actives like Retinoids for a few days following your peel to avoid over-exfoliation and limit your exposure to sun (or be sure to slather on SPF), as enzyme peels can increase sun sensitivity for at least a week afterward.

Most of all, pay attention to how your skin reacts post-peel. If you notice unusual redness, irritation, or uncomfortable dryness, the formula may be too strong for you. Apply plenty of soothing and skin-barrier-fortifying products to help your skin heal.

Frequency of Use

There’s no set rule for how often you should use an enzyme peel for acne, as they come in a variety of forms, strengths, and applications. Many peels are formulated for use every one to two weeks, though some milder options may allow for multiple uses per week. For this reason, following package directions carefully and incorporating them into your routine slowly is important. You’ll also want to consider your skin type, skin goals, and current routine. Sensitive skin types may want to use them less than recommended, whereas those with especially acne-prone skin that tolerates these peels well may decide to increase frequency.

Overall, you should monitor how your skin reacts during and after the first few applications. If you’re still unsure how often to use it, consult your dermatologist.

More Tips on Preventing Future Flareups

While enzyme peels can help acne, there are other steps to take to prevent future breakouts. A consistent gentle and non-comedogenic skincare routine will ensure optimal skin health without causing irritation or clogging pores. Staying hydrated, eating a balanced diet, and reducing stress can also help keep your skin clear, and it’s always a good idea to consult your dermatologist to create an effective acne management plan tailored to your skin’s specific needs.

Wrapping Up Our Guide to Using an Enzyme Peel for Acne

So, are enzyme peels good for acne? Yes! They boast properties that can help reduce current breakouts, prevent future ones, and even improve the appearance of scars, marks, and hyperpigmentation from past breakouts. So long as you find an effective formula that’s suitable for your skin type and skin goals, you’ll be on your way to a clearer, smoother, and more radiant complexion. At Naturopathica, we offer a collection of effective formulas powered by nature’s finest botanicals to help keep breakouts and blemishes under control—and your skin happy and healthy!