Oh, this stuff is good. Anyone with rough, congested, acne-prone or lumpy skin should try it out. The AHA’s (alpha hydroxy acids) in this product work to gently exfoliate and remove dead skin cells. After using for a while the skin appears (and feels) smoother and clearer. Some types of AHA ingredients are derived from citrus, as is the case here. The Enzyme Cleansing Gel contains Grapefruit extract and papaya extract which are citrus acid AHAs. AHA can also be glycolic and lactic acid. They all can contribute to reduction of fine lines and improving the general quality of the skin, reducing inflammation and blotchyness and by promoting healthier more robust skin. Unfortunately though, AHA are not generally recommended for people with rosacea or very sensitive or eczema prone skin because they can have too strong an exfoliating effect. Psoriasis on the other hand may benefit greatly from their use. If you have a dermatological condition and are considering a potent cosmetic ingredient it is wise to talk to a dermatologist or doctor about whether or not you should proceed because everybody’s skin is slightly different and people with the same condition may react differently to the same product.
Citric acid AHA have in the past caused me trouble when I was in an active eczema flare up on my cheeks, however when I am not experiencing a flare up they have been fine and even beneficial on my very sensitive skin – as has been the case with the MB Enzyme cleanser. Since using this I have less flaky skin patches – sometimes I get those around the outer edges of my eyes from rubbing them. My skin also feels like it has better integrity. Because it is not flaky and rough it seems like there are less ‘compromised’ areas, which means less itchiness. Aside from the smoother, stronger feeling skin, using this has done wonders for acne due to clogged pores.
This past summer has been very humid and when skin is sweaty, perspiration that stays on the skin can promote small pimples from blocked pores. Using a cleanser that gently removes the dirt and dead surface layer skin cells does a great deal to prevent this kind of acne. Unfortunately I don’t think it has a huge impact on cystic acne around the chin and jaw line as I believe that this type of acne originates mainly from within. For more on this kind of acne and diet (specifically vitamin a) have a look at my post on acne and vitamin A here. Using the enzyme cleanser has reduced the inflammation on the cystic acne area though, which has markedly improved the appearance of the acne. It is not as red and inflamed. I’ve been using this in conjunction with the Mario Badescu control cream, which I’ve reviewed here and added to my recommended section as well. Although a lot of the reduction in inflammation may be due to the cream, I do think in some part it is the cleanser as well as the seaweed toning lotion from the same line I have been using (which I’ll review next). When starting a new skin care regime it can be hard to tell which particular product is having the beneficial effect. No irritation, great results and good price mean that this may become one of my favourite, staple products, although I would not use this during an active eczema flare up or when the surface integrity of the skin is compromised.
Ingredients List
Deionized water, Glycerin, Papaya Extract, Grapefruit Extract, Lauramide DEA, Monomide, Triethanolamine, Methylparaben.
I bought my MB products from the Kit cosmetics counter in the Sydney CBD Myers department store.
