Bromelain is an enzyme that is extracted from the stem of the pineapple. It was first found when Venezuelan chemist Vicente Marcano isolated bromelain from the spiky fruit in 1891, but it wasn’t introduced as a therapeutic supplement until 1957 – much later.

Taken orally, bromelain can aid with removing dead proteins in skin cells, but the effects are slow and very gradual. Whyen used as a supplement, it can also help with the pain and inflammation of varicose veins, providing some relief for sufferers.

Used topically, bromelain speeds healing and dissolves cross-linked dead collagen cells, reducing the appearance of wrinkles and any uneven pigmentation. Bromelain also has been shown to reduce inflammation, which is believed to be a factor in the aging of skin. It can be found in a variety of beauty products, including the wonderful exfoliator Silhouette International Enzymatic Peeling Mask, available at Only Nature.