Brief intro
Skincare is not just about cleansing your face twice a day or applying a moisturizer. It involves trying out different approaches and ingredients to see what works best for you. Our skin has a direct impact on how we perceive ourselves and the world around us. If you’ve been keeping up with the latest skincare trends, you may have noticed the growing popularity of products containing snail mucin or slime. What is snail mucin? How does it work? Find answers to these and many other questions you might have in the post below.
What is Mucin Definition?
Snail mucin, or snail slime and snail secretion filtrate, is a viscous, gel-like substance or mucus that snails produce. A vast majority of snail slime is derived from Cryptomphalus aspersa or common garden snail. You can recognize mucin as the mucus trail left behind these snails as they crawl across the ground.
The role of mucin is to help the snail stick to the ground and move smoothly without slipping. It also provides hydration to protect the snail's body from infection. The slime can do the same for humans, which is why it has become an important ingredient in skincare.
Snail secretion filtrate is a complex mix of various compounds including glycoproteins, hyaluronic acid, enzymes, collagen, elastin, antioxidants, and allantoin anti-inflammatory substance.
Is Snail Mucin Good For Skin?
Snail slime has become a widely popular ingredient in skincare and it’s even gaining momentum in the U.S. In skin care, mucin from snails is used for its anti-aging, moisturizing, and skin-healing properties.
How Does Snail Much Work?
Snail slime works through a unique composition of bioactive compounds, which provide a wide spectrum of skincare benefits. For instance, snail slime contains substances[1] that may trigger the production of hyaluronic acid to reduce dryness and keep your skin hydrated. Moreover, snail secretion filtrate exhibits antibacterial effects and thereby promotes wound healing. Since snail slime contains glycolic acid, it acts as a gentle exfoliant. As a result, it makes your skin appear brighter and smoother.
Are There Snail Mucin Interactions?
At this point, there is no research on the potential interaction of snail slime with other ingredients. However, it may not be a good idea to combine it with retinol or certain acids. Retinol may irritate the skin, and certain acids, such as AHAs, could break down the proteins in snail slime, thereby decreasing its effectiveness. If you’re concerned about interactions with other skincare ingredients, you may want to do a patch test and monitor the skin’s reaction to snail slime.
Adding Snail Mucin to Skincare Routine
Adding snail slime to the skincare routine is simple and easy, just like any other product. How to use snail mucin? It depends on the specific formulation. If you’re using a serum with snail slime, you should apply it after a cleanser when your skin is free of impurities.
The process is the same when using the Stemnucell Dermal Regeneration Serum, which slows skin aging and reduces fine lines and wrinkles. Creams with snail slime are applied after a cleanser and serum (if you’re using one). Gently massage the product into your skin using circular motions.
When to use snail mucin? You may want to use snail slime to upgrade your skincare routine or to address specific issues such as lack of hydration or skin aging. Ideally, you should use snail slime twice a day, in the morning, and as part of your bedtime skincare routine.
Consistency is crucial in skincare. Use the product with snail slime consistently over time to experience its full benefits.
Benefits of Snail Mucin
Although research on snail slime’s benefits is ongoing, it is known for its beneficial effects on the integrity and appearance of the skin. The most significant benefits of snail slime are:
-
Moisturizes skin: Snail slime contains compounds such as hyaluronic acid, which are known for their hydrating effects. Studies confirm[2] that hyaluronic acid supports water retention and prevents water loss through the skin. As a result, it combats dryness and keeps your skin firm and plump. Snail slime delivers effects similar to those of Infusoderm – Deep Hydration Daily Moisturizer. This moisturizer revitalizes your complexion, brightens the skin, and provides antioxidant defense against free radicals.
-
Fights premature skin aging: Snail slime is abundant in antioxidants, peptides, and other compounds that help repair damaged skin and minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Additionally, snail slime can promote skin elasticity and promote youthful complexion. One study showed[3] that snail slime was effective at improving signs of skin aging in women 45 to 65 years old. Another way to reduce signs of skin aging is to use Stemuderm – Anti-Wrinkle Dermatological Treatment, which reduces fine lines and wrinkles and boosts collagen production.
-
Protects against skin cancer: Evidence confirms[4] that snail mucin can decrease the viability of melanoma cells and may reduce metastasis by inhibiting the expression and function of integrin, compounds that contribute to the progression of tumors. The use of products with snail slime may protect the skin from UV-induced damage and thereby lower the risk of skin cancer.
Types of Snail Mucin
Snail slime is found in various skincare products. It is available in different forms, such as:
-
Snail mucin serum: contains a higher concentration of snail secretion. Serums are lightweight and easily absorbed into the skin. Snail slime in this form is applied onto the skin right after cleansing, but before moisturizing. Some serums contain snail mucin only, whereas others may contain several potent ingredients. Serums are ideal for addressing specific skin concerns such as anti-aging or brightening effects.
-
Snail mucin essence: lightweight, water-based product with quick absorption. The role of essence is to prepare skin for other products in your skincare routine. It is applied onto the clean face, before serum and moisturizer.
-
Snail mucin cream: indicated by thicker consistency compared to serum and essence. Creams moisturize and hydrate your skin for a smooth tone and a youthful look.
Snail Mucin FAQs
Can I use snail mucin if I’m managing a skin condition?
Yes, you can use snail slime when you’re managing a skin condition, unless you’re allergic to it. However, make sure to consult your dermatologist beforehand. Your dermatologist will explain whether it’s a good idea to use this compound or not. For most people, snail slime is beneficial in the management of various skin conditions due to its hydrating and soothing properties.
What are the cons of snail mucin?
Snail slime has become popular in skin care, but a lot more research is necessary, especially with a focus on its safety profile. Evidence shows[5] that snails are among the biggest allergens. For that reason, snail mucin isn’t suitable for people who are allergic to snails. When in doubt, it’s always a good idea to see a dermatologist or do an allergy test. Common signs of allergies include rash, redness, swelling, itching, raised bumps, cracked skin, flaking, and scaling of the skin.
Sometimes, sensitive skin can exhibit negative reactions to proteins and enzymes in snail slime, which may lead to irritation and inflammation. This may worsen acne breakouts. However, snail slime is generally safe and well-tolerated.
Is snail mucin really worth the hype?
Many people, especially women, swear by snail mucin benefits. Benefits they report[6] include clearer skin, a dewy and smooth look, and it works well under makeup. Whether it’s worth the hype or not depends on your expectations and preferences. If you’re into trying out new things in skin care and want to improve the health, appearance, and integrity of your skin naturally, snail slime is worth it.
Do dermatologists recommend snail mucin?
Dermatologists usually recommend snail mucin for skin because it’s a natural compound and a trusted ingredient in Korean skincare products. What dermatologists appreciate about snail slime is its versatility. Snail slime is suitable for various skin types thanks to its hydrating properties. Plus, it’s lightweight and doesn’t cause heaviness on your skin.
Are snails killed for snail mucin?
No, snails are not killed for snail slime in most cases. Most brands have established practices to obtain slime without harming the snails. How is snail mucin collected? It is collected in different ways and some are easier than others. In order to produce mucin, snail needs to be under stress. This is sometimes achieved by allowing snails to glide over mesh in a darkened room or poking the snails with a stick. Sometimes snails are sprayed with a low amount of sodium chloride to induce a stress response. During that time, snails are in a machine that collects the slime they produce.
It’s useful to mention that snails are kept in a safe place while they recover. After that, snails are released back to their homes. While this process is quite simple, there are other more complex approaches. Another approach involves cracking snail shells to remove their bodies and washing them in cold water to separate the slim.
Takeaway
The use of snail slime in the skincare industry is nothing new, but the ingredient is becoming increasingly popular thanks to social media and “skinfluencers”. Snail slime is abundant in compounds that are good for your skin. Available in several forms, snail slime offers numerous benefits ranging from moisturizing effects to a potential reduction in the risk of skin cancer. However, it’s important to keep in mind that snail slime isn’t vegan, since it’s of animal origin. If you’re prioritizing vegan skincare products only, snail slime isn’t a good choice. Other than that, it’s safe to use and easy to add to your skincare regimen.
References
1] ↑ https://www.forbes.com/health/wellness/snail-mucin/
2] ↑ https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s13555-021-00566-0
3] ↑ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32308795/
4] ↑ https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fbioe.2021.734023/full
5] ↑ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27921412/
6] ↑ https://www.glamour.com/story/snail-mucin-skin-care
Dr. Ahmed Zayad
Dr. Zayed, has years of experience in the field and has been contributing to public health awareness. Dr. Ahmed Zayed holds a baccalaureate of Medicine and Surgery. Egypt. Dr. Zayed believes in providing knowledgeable information to readers. His articles were featured on many websites like HuffingtonPost, Chicagotribune . Other than his passion for writing, Dr. Zayed spends his time outside the hospital, either reading or at the gym.
