EVERYONE wants clear and healthy skin, even if that means slathering snail slime all over it.
Yes, the latest in out-there skin-care ingredients is the mucus that is left behind when the slow little creature crawls by.
Technically called snail mucin, the ingredient has long been popular in South Korea, which some consider the most forward-thinking and innovative in the beauty world, and has made its way to other parts of the world
What is snail mucin?
Quite literally, snail mucin is a snail’s secretion.
You may also see it referred to as “snail secretion filtrate” (SSF) on the ingredient list of skin-care products.
Chemically speaking, snail mucin is a complex mix of proteins, enzymes, hyaluronic acid, copper peptides, antimicrobial peptides, iron, zinc, and proteoglycans. Some of those, such as hyaluronic acid, may sound familiar if you’re well versed in skin care.
Potential benefits of snail mucin
Snail mucin is a new ingredient and still niche, so it has not been studied widely when compared with many other popular skin-care ingredients.
But it may offer a few distinct benefits to the skin.
It is packed with good stuff that your skin will love.
Moisturises skin
Products containing snail mucin may be a good choice for people with dry skin.
It contains hydrating characteristics that serve to strengthen the skin barrier and keep moisture in.
Fights premature skin aging
Snail mucin promotes collagen, and others report anecdotally that snail mucin may help offset some of the signs of skin aging, which may be good news for your skin health and for anyone seeking a more youthful look.
Previous research found that using a serum with 40 percent snail mucin for 12 weeks minimised the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Helps wounds heal
Snail mucin may come in handy if you are dealing with a scrape or cut.
Snail mucin is also known for its healing benefits as it has been shown to enhance wound healing, and it can improve the appearance of scarring.
Snail mucin serum
For the biggest dose of snail mucin, go for a serum.
If you want to utilise snail mucin as a multi-purpose anti-ager, search for it in a serum, since it will have a larger concentration of the component.
Snail mucin essence
An essence is a thin, water-based product.
Smith says it is a great starting point if you are new to skin care or want to dip your toe into the snail mucin trend.
Snail mucin cream
You will also find the ingredient added to moisturisers or creams.
If wrinkles are a concern, the thicker the cream, the better.
A thick cream will ensure your skin is reaping the benefits of snail mucin while nourishing your skin at the same time with added lipid input.
Potential side effects of snail mucin
Snail mucin is well tolerated and there are no negative side effects to note.
However, it is always a good idea if you have sensitive skin to test the product on a small area of your skin to make sure you don’t have a reaction.
Does snail mucin react with other ingredients?
Since snail mucin has not been mainstream for long, there is not much research on it yet.
So it is too soon to say definitively if snail mucin reacts with other ingredients, but there is no current research to suggest it does.
One thing to note is that snail mucin is not vegan friendly it comes from a snail after all.
Where snail mucin should fall in your routine
Because snail mucin offers moisturising benefits, it is great to use at night, Chacon says.
That way, your skin has the entire night to soak it in.
When to incorporate it in your routine depends on the product you are using.
Serums should be used before creams, essences should be used next, and creams should be the last step.
How often should you use snail mucin?
There is no guide to how often you should use snail mucin, and there is no need to worry about going overboard.
However, depending on your skin type, you may need to adjust the frequency with which you use them.
For example, those with dry skin may need to use snail mucin products more often than those with oily skin. – Online.
