Key Takeaways
- The differences between an enzyme peel vs chemical peel are based on ingredients, intensity/potency, biological mechanisms, and how deeply they penetrate the skin.
- Chemical peels use potent acids to lower the skin’s pH level and dissolve bonds that “glue” dead skin cells together.
- Enzyme peels use natural fruit proteins that break down and “digest” the keratin protein in dead skin cells without harming the healthy skin below.
Using the right type of face peel can promote glass skin with a healthy glow. On the other hand, the wrong type of peel can cause redness and inflammation, as well as other serious skin concerns like scarring and infection. Here’s what you need to know.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a chemical peel?
A chemical peel is an acid-based resurfacing treatment that lowers the skin’s pH level and dissolves the “glue” that binds dead skin cells to each other and to the skin barrier. After destroying those bonds, the layer of dead skin can be peeled away.
What is an enzyme peel?
An enzyme peel is a surface-level treatment that uses various fruit-based proteins with proteolytic enzymes that target, break down, and “digest” the keratin proteins that make up dead skin while leaving the healthy skin below intact.
What are the benefits of face peels?
Face peels work similarly to exfoliators in that they remove the top layer of dead skin cells and reveal the healthy, radiant skin below.
What is a chemical peel or enzymatic peel able to do beyond sloughing away old skin? Here are some of the common benefits:
- Smoothing out rough patches
- Balancing uneven skin tone
- Unclogging pores to prevent acne
- Signaling the body to produce new, fresh skin cells
- Stimulating collagen production
- Reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
- Giving skin a glassy glow
Should I use a chemical or enzyme peel?
When weighing the pros and cons of an enzyme peel vs chemical peel, it’s important to consider your skin type.
Chemical peels are often harsh, and they’re essentially causing controlled micro-injuries. While the results can be more prominent, the damage can be significant, too. They’re best reserved for those with resistant skin and/or exceptionally oily skin.
Enzyme peels are typically gentler and better tolerated by all skin types. They’re much better for those who have sensitive skin and/or dry skin.
What is a chemical peel typically used for?
Chemical peels are often used as part of a short-term corrective skincare routine. They’re aggressive treatments that can significantly alter the appearance, texture, and pH balance of the skin, so they’re not always suitable for regular, consistent use.
Chemical peels are often used to target major breakouts, hyperpigmentation, severe scarring, sun damage, rough patches, and fine lines and wrinkles.
What is an enzyme peel typically used for?
While enzyme peels can also provide immediate corrective benefits, they’re often used as part of a long-term preventative skincare routine. The formulas tend to be much gentler, but the results can still be very noticeable.
Enzyme peels are often used for rejuvenating and brightening dull skin, supporting a smooth, glassy complexion, and treating breakouts.
What is a chemical peel made from?
Formulas vary widely, but chemical peels often contain AHAs (alpha hydroxy acids), BHAs (beta hydroxy acids), and/or TCA (trichloroacetic acid).
What are enzyme peels made from?
Again, formulas vary widely, but enzyme peels are usually made from fruit-derived proteins that contain proteolytic enzymes. For example, our LBB Skincare Labs Professional Glow Botanical Enzyme Peel features papaya, pineapple, and cucumber extracts.
Key Differences to Keep in Mind
Now that you understand the fundamentals, let’s compare and contrast the key differences between an enzyme peel vs chemical peel.
Overall Intensity
What is a chemical peel? As the name makes clear, it’s a chemical-based treatment. While not all chemicals used in skincare products are inherently harsh or harmful, it’s no surprise that chemical peels tend to be more intense, especially when made with synthetic chemicals.
What is an enzyme peel? Again, the name says it all! While there are certainly potent, efficacious enzyme peels out there, the simple fact that they’re made from fruit-based enzymes means they’re usually much gentler and less likely to damage your skin.
Some beauty and skincare enthusiasts enjoy ultra-strength treatments. We’re not here to stop you. However, in our experience, we’ve found that enzyme peels can produce comparable results without the common drawbacks associated with chemical peels.
Penetration Depth
What is a chemical peel doing once it hits your skin? Many chemical peels penetrate deep into the skin’s layers.
Their acids lower the skin’s pH and destroy the layer of “glue” between dead skin cells and the skin’s natural barrier. However, when they penetrate deeply, they can also destroy healthy skin cells in the process, causing irritation, inflammation, scarring, and other concerning issues.
Enzyme peels, on the other hand, lift away the layer of dead skin cells without damaging the healthy skin cells below. These “smart” surface-level treatments tend to be much safer because they’re only removing the bad stuff while leaving the skin barrier intact.
Recovery Time
What is a chemical peel? It’s a treatment that intentionally irritates the skin, signaling the body to produce new skin cells. Depending on its potency, you may experience a stinging sensation and redness that continues after the treatment is finished. The skin may flake or peel for days.
What is an enzyme peel like in regard to recovery? Much easier! Most people don’t experience discomfort, and they’re often left with rosy, flushed skin that quickly fades into a natural glow.
Enzyme Peel vs Chemical Peel: Which to Choose?
Ultimately, we recommend using enzyme peels unless you really need to target a major skin concern and a qualified skincare professional recommends a chemical peel. What is a chemical peel? It’s a very powerful treatment that should be reserved for specific needs.
If you do want to use chemical peels, we recommend proceeding with caution and using them as a rare treatment, rather than part of your regular routine.
In contrast, many enzyme peels can be used regularly. For example, most of our customers use our medical-grade, all-natural LBB Skincare Labs Professional Glow Botanical Enzyme Peel 2-3 times weekly. Our powerful enzyme peel delivers clinically proven results without the harshness.
Shop Professional-Grade Formulas Now
Now that you know what a chemical peel is and how it compares to an enzyme peel, it’s time to decide which matches your skincare goals. Still not sure which type of peel is right for you? Reach out for a personalized recommendation!
Here at Lea Black Beauty®, we use only the finest, clean, raw ingredients ethically sourced from around the globe. Shop our proprietary face care formulas and other luxurious natural skincare products with 100% confidence.
