Why I Made the Switch from Glycolic to Enzymes in My Skincare

Otherwise known as AHA, Glycolic and Enzymes come from two separate strains. One is good, the other is better. Here’s why:

I have been using glycolic based products in my skincare for a long time now, as I always felt this one ingredient gave me a deep cleanse of removing built-up dirt and excess dead skin cells, unlike any other cleanser.

If you don’t know what AHA, Glycolic or Enzymes are, here’s little detail about them:

Short for Alpha-Hydroxy Acid, it’s derived from fruit, dairy, and sugar cane. There are different types, including glycolic acid, lactic, acid, malic acid, and citric acid.

I have an oily combination skin type with fairly large pores which can be seen from space and collect anything which passes by like dust and dirt. Leaving my skin almost permanently clogged up on a regular basis and feeling congested with dead skin cells and other icky stuff.

These AHAs are designed to dislodge and remove dead skin cells, without interfering with the skin’s natural moisture barrier.

So, basically, they loosen the glue which holds old cells onto the face, letting the new ones shine through. This sort of chemical exfoliation helps to even out texture; including acne scars, improve pigmentation, reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines, add vibrancy and illumination to dull skin, stimulate collagen production and add firmness and lift to the face.

They are quite literally a miracle skincare ingredient if you ask me, and they have certainly been my savior for many years. The moment I stop using AHAs in my skincare, I feel the effects almost immediately.

Not that the explanation is out of the way, I will now explain why I switched from glycolic-based AHA to a more enzyme-based AHA.

Although there is not too much difference between the two and they essentially do work the same in doing what is needed to keep skin clean and clear. Glycolic-based products are made from sugar-cane and enzyme-based products are derived from acidic fruits like pineapple and papaya. Can you spot the difference already?

When I found out Glycolic was made from sugar-cane I made the obvious switch to start using products where fruit enzymes were being used. Of course, this isn’t always recommended for everyone, as a lot of people do have reactions to fruits on their faces. Not that the product is straight fruit being placed on your skin – though I have heard this is effective also. If your skin is not too sensitive.

Always patch test on your arm before using any product anyways, in case you break out in a terrible rash. Better to have the rash appear on your arm than on your face – don’t you think?

Now, there is a great debate on whether or not sugar-cane is good or bad for you. Many health professionals claim it is great for cleansing the liver and other health professionals say sugar-cane contain many vitamins producing cancer agents. With both sides of the health market neither claiming it is good or bad, I made the decision is bad. Mostly as I do have a history of cancer in the family. So, it was natural for me to make the switch and ditch the sugar-cane glycolic-based products.

Do you use any AHA products? If you do, tell me about your experiences, cause I freakin love them and can’t live without them.