The protein-degrading enzyme “protease” found in sake lees
The sake lees extract contained in Kuramoto no Shizuku includes skin-brightening ingredients such as arbutin, kojic acid, and vitamins. Among these, the standout ingredient is the “protease enzyme”!
This enzyme is particularly effective for addressing mature skin concerns. Today, we’d like to introduce you to the amazing benefits of this protease enzyme.
What exactly do enzymes do?
Enzymes are commonly seen not just in skincare but also in food products.
Enzymes are essential proteins involved in the chemical reactions happening within the body. They play a crucial role in processes necessary for human survival, such as digesting food and absorbing nutrients. It’s said that the human body contains approximately 5,000 different types of enzymes, each with a specific function, such as breaking down fats, digesting food, or converting it into energy.
For humans, enzymes are indispensable, and the body’s proper functioning is maintained thanks to these enzymes.
What the Protease Enzyme Can Do?
Among the many types of enzymes, what benefits does the protease enzyme offer?
Protease enzymes play a role in breaking down proteins. By breaking down unnecessary proteins into amino acids, they assist with food digestion, tenderize meat, and even help remove stains from clothing.
When included in skincare products, protease enzymes are known to remove old keratin and promote skin turnover, making them effective for addressing rough, built-up keratin, such as bumpy dark spots on the skin.
- Removal of old keratin
The outer layer of the skin is made up of a protein called keratin. Normally, keratin naturally sheds from the skin, but factors such as disrupted skin turnover, UV damage, and dryness, which weakens the skin’s barrier, can cause it to accumulate.
Protease enzymes help break down proteins, softening the accumulated keratin and making it easier for the dead skin cells to slough off. Unlike other exfoliation methods, such as scrubs, protease enzymes use chemical reactions to soften the keratin, which results in less friction on the skin, making it a gentler option, often suitable for sensitive skin.
- Regulation of skin turnover
When skin turnover is disrupted, it can lead to issues like excessive melanin production, which causes dark spots, dullness, and clogged pores. Additionally, thickened keratin can hinder the absorption of skincare products, blocking the path to smoother, more radiant skin.
To restore proper skin turnover, the best solution is to remove old keratin. By allowing fresh cells to emerge on the skin’s surface, it promotes a clearer complexion and reduces the appearance of pores. This also softens the skin, enhancing its flexibility, which in turn improves the absorption of skincare products.
- Pore care and acne prevention
When dirt accumulates in the pores, it can lead to the formation of comedones (blackheads) or cause inflammation, such as acne.
Protease enzymes help break down and soften the old keratin and sebum that build up in the pores, helping to prevent pore congestion. Additionally, by smoothing the keratin around the pores, protease enzymes make it easier for pores to tighten, which can improve uneven, bumpy skin texture.
- Improvement of skin texture
By removing old keratin with protease enzymes, the texture of the skin can be improved. When the keratin is thick, the skin can feel rough and uneven. Protease enzymes help soften and remove the keratin, resulting in smoother, more velvety skin.
Additionally, with the removal of old keratin, the absorption of skincare products improves, helping the skin maintain moisture for a longer period. This also enhances the effectiveness of beauty treatments. With smoother skin, makeup will apply more evenly and beautifully.
- For various skin concerns
Skincare products containing protease enzymes offer a gentle exfoliation method through breakdown rather than friction, making them a great option for sensitive skin or those with conditions like atopic dermatitis, where traditional exfoliation methods like peels may not be suitable.
Additionally, protease enzymes are effective for mature skin concerned with disrupted turnover, as well as for men whose skin tends to accumulate oil and clogged pores, especially with shaving-induced irritation that can cause rough patches. These enzymes can help improve skin texture and maintain a smoother complexion.
Summary
This time, we focused on protease enzymes.
Protease enzymes are not only effective in skincare but also play a significant role in food. They are found in fruits like pineapples and kiwis, vegetables like ginger and radish, and even fermented foods like natto and miso — making them highly versatile!
Interestingly, protease enzymes are sensitive to heat, so it’s best to consume them raw when taking them as food. These enzymes work both from the inside and outside of the body, making them a powerful ingredient to pay attention to!
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