What is the difference between enzyme and acid exfoliation? Can I use both?

Q. I think that my skin needs exfoliation. It seems dull and dry, yet oily at the same time - with blocked pores and congestion being a real problem for me. I have looked at both enzyme and acid products and am really confused as to the difference. Is it an either or choice or can I use both?

A.Exfoliation sloughs off dead skin to reveal healthier, newer cells. This leads to a luminous, younger-looking complexion and helps your skin absorb moisturizers and other products. Here's a comprehensive look at different types of exfoliants, what products to use and how often to use them. What is it? Exfoliation is the process of removing dead skin cells from the skin's surface. Why bother? After skin cells form, they trek through the epidermis toward the top layer — drying out and dying along the way. When cells reach the surface, they build up, making your skin look thick, rough and lifeless. Individuals over 30 years old are more prone to cell buildup, because natural cell turnover tends to slow as we age. Exfoliation takes care of this buildup, replacing the dead cells on the surface of your skin with fresher, healthier cells. client has not recently waxed, has no evidence of sunburn, or has not had any form of laser/light-based treatment within the last 72 hours. Examine the skin for any open acneic lesions; those clients who have recently taken Accutane (Isotretinoin) will need to wait a minimum of six months before undergoing any form of exfoliation. Topical forms of Vitamin A, however, only require discontinuing application the day of or up to a few weeks b Therefore, we do not recommend the use of crushed fruit pits, shells or similar damaging substrates.efore exfoliation, depending on the form used and its concentration. Hungry Natural Enzymes For those skin conditions for which physical exfoliation is contraindicated, or for skin in need of deeper exfoliation, the use of enzymes, vitamins, acid-free smoothing agents, or other active ingredients will often hold the answer. Enzymes are excellent for all skin types. They are especially useful when targeting acneic skin in need of extractions, dry, sensitive skin, or as a complement to chemical peels. This growing category of skin exfoliants is derived mainly from a variety of fruits and varies in potency. Enzymes do not rub the skin like mechanical exfoliation methods, nor do they loosen dead cells from skin surface like chemical peels; technically, enzymes accelerate the natural exfoliating process of skin by nibbling or gently eating away at the keratinized protein layer which forms a hard coating on an aged cell. With this nibbling action in mind, proteolytic enzymes such as Bromelain, Papain and Pumpkin are ideal for mature skin, which is experiencing a natural slowing of cell turnover that results in a dry, rough feel or lifeless, dull appearance. Since enzymes are not acid pH-dependent like AHAs and BHAs, they are versatile in being used at a higher pH (six to eight) or in conjunction with hydroxy acids. Anhydrous, or non-water formulas, are evolving to minimize the amount of injury, pain and ultimately the downtime a client might experience. Manufacturers are blending or creating proprietary mixtures of acids and active ingredients that allow for simplified application, offering the best predictability of results and allowing for a multifunctional approach in making chemical peels more target specific. Some of the newer formulas on the market today do more than just exfoliate; these formulas can affect the skin on a cellular level, not only exfoliating the skin but also evening out the pigmentation distribution in the process. It is often said that AHAs affect the skin from the inside out because of the suggestion that they influence corneocyte cohesion at the lower layers of the Stratum Corneum. The result is a thinner Stratum Corneum that is more flexible and compact, reflects more light and gives the skin a more youthful overall appearance.