Legit, This Deeply Satisfying Skincare Product Delivers Results in Minutes
Amy Clark is Adore Beauty's former Senior Editor and co-host of Skincare School the podcast (and self-appointed beauty road-tester!). Amy's worked as a journalist, beauty editor and podcaster for several years, previously writing and talking about all things beauty at Mamamia and You Beauty. When she's not writing honest, no BS product reviews and taking selfies 'for work', you'll find Amy eating halloumi in a hair towel turban and... taking more selfies.
Some people like winding down at the end of a long day by meditating or reading a good book.
I like watching videos of gross beauty things on YouTube and TikTok. Things like clumps of ear wax being removed, Dr Pimple Popper and back-ne blackhead extractions. Just the usual stuff.
So really, it's no surprise I'm very much into a new(ish) enzyme exfoliating peel that literally lifts tiny balls of dead skin off your face in minutes. Allow me to explain...
How Does an Enzyme Mask Work?
Quick recap: Exfoliation is a process that gets rid of dead skin cells, debris and gunk from your face to reveal shiny new skin underneath.
There are three main types of exfoliation. Physical exfoliation, which uses some form of physical scrub to manually exfoliate the surface layer of the skin. Chemical exfoliation, which involves acids like glycolic acid, lactic acid and salicylic acid dissolving build up on the skin's surface and within the pores. And then, there's enzyme exfoliation.
Enzyme masks and peels exfoliate the skin by eating up dead skin cells just like acids do, but in a gentler way that's more suitable for sensitive and reactive skin types, and skincare beginners.
Basically, you get all the fun and satisfaction of chemical exfoliation, only without the irritation.
You can learn more about the different types of exfoliation in our Skincare Nerds YouTube video below!
What is the AestheticsRx Fruit Enzyme Mask?
Now, back to the enzyme mask I keep banging on about.
I was first introduced to the Aesthetics Rx Fruit Enzyme Mask 75ml when I had a skin treatment with the brand's General Manager Nicola Kropach.
After a double cleanse to remove my makeup and sunscreen, Nicola applied a generous layer of the clear mask to dry skin over my entire face (avoiding the sensitive eye area). The gel texture felt light and cool on the skin - with just the tiniest amount of 'this product is doing something' tingle - and it smelt like a delicious tropical, coconutty cocktail.
She then proceeded to massage the product into the skin for a couple of minutes, and as the gel began liquifying to a thinner, tackier texture, small balls of goop sprouted up on my face out of nowhere. Especially around my chin and jawline where I experience a lot of congestion.
If you're into gross stuff, you can watch it happen in real time in the video below...
Yes, some skincare products are formulated to ball or pill into little bits when the product heats up on the skin. But what came off when Nicola removed the Aesthetics Rx Fruit Enzyme Mask 75ml 15 minutes later with a warm towel was an accumulation of dead skin cells, makeup, sunscreen and general debris.
Afterwards, my skin looked and felt plump and glowy, and although the facial massage and exfoliation gave my skin a pink flush, it was completely gone by the next morning.
Here's a look at the little balls of dead skin, and my smug post-facial mug.
The magic of this gentle enzyme peel is in the formulation. The reason this vegan, cruelty-free cosmeceutical skincare product can effectively promote cell turnover, without causing any irritation, is the unique blend of exfoliating and hydrating ingredients, including:
- Papain: A fruit enzyme derived from papaya that exfoliates the skin for a blinding glow, while also promoting the healing process.
- Bromelain: Protein-digesting enzymes (yum!) found in pineapple that are rich in vitamins and minerals, and can help boost radiance and skin texture.
- Super Berries Complex: A mixture of pomegranate, cranberry, raspberry, elderberry, strawberry, goji and blueberry extracts rich in brightening antioxidants, with anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory properties.
- Retinyl Palmitate: The least irritating (and least efficient) form of vitamin A to assist with skin cell turnover, which helps improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
- Pro-Vitamin B5 (Panthenol): A hydrating and moisturising ingredient highly effective in soothing irritation and calming sensitised skin.
This mix of gentle active ingredients makes the AestheticsRx Fruit Enzyme Mask suitable for pretty much every skin type. Use it one to three nights a week to get that glow.
Plus, it's just really, really satisfying watching all the gunk come off your face.
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