It is truly on-trend at the moment and is sometimes hailed as a miracle cure: we are talking about snail mucin. The filtrate, which is obtained from these small creeping animals, is said to have an almost magical effect on our skin. We explain what is really behind it, when the secretion can be used effectively, and how to do it. Read on now!
Snail Mucin: What Is It?
Okay, we admit, the term snail mucin is actually self-explanatory: it is indeed the secretion that these small creatures produce. But here we want to take a closer look at the sticky substance. Because if you look closely at its originators, you will surely understand why the substance is also used in our modern cosmetics.
It is not uncommon for an animal to try to crack the snail's shell to eat its inhabitant. The shell itself is highly resistant and effectively protects the snail. However, scratches or even small cracks in the shell can still occur – but you will almost never see these.
Because snails are professionals at healing their shells. The miracle cure here? Their mucin. It is designed to protect the animal's own soft skin as it glides over sharp, uneven ground. In addition, it has repairing and healing properties that ensure scratches and cracks are effectively held together and heal. These are properties that are also attractive to us humans.
Snail filtrate for cosmetics – modern humbug?
Even if it is making a comeback today, the effect of snail mucin was discovered several thousand years ago. Already in antiquity, people used the filtrate to treat skin injuries and inflammations. But while this knowledge was forgotten in Europe, Asian countries held on to it. Thus, the active ingredients of the mucin are an integral part of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and, for several years now, of Korean cosmetics.
For Koreans, it was rather by chance, albeit a lucky one, that the effect of the substance was "rediscovered". It was local snail farmers who noticed that they were blessed with exceptionally soft and supple hands. The cosmetics industry wanted to investigate this news and conducted research.
And indeed, the secretion showed impressive results. Many skin problems could be significantly alleviated after use, including skin blemishes. But creams, gels, and serums with snail mucin also showed an impressive effect in the fight against wrinkles.
The only concerning aspect is how the substance is obtained: various manufacturers use different methods to extract the mucin. While organic farmers handle the animals carefully, there are also machine-based methods that can lead to injury or death of the snail. Is ethical cosmetics important to you? Then it's best to research which brands extract the ingredient cruelty-free before you buy.
What can snail mucin do for the skin?
As we just mentioned, snail mucin has been an integral part of Korean cosmetics for some time now. After roughly examining its effects, we want to go into a bit more detail. To do this, we will introduce the different ingredients of the secretion and explain what they can do for human skin.
Moisturizing and wrinkle-smoothing
Two of the most important components of snail mucin are collagen and hyaluronic acid. Both are also used independently in beauty products to provide the skin with sufficient moisture. This is not only beneficial for dry areas but also contributes to smoothing existing wrinkles.
Is dry skin in winter a big problem for you? Then read our article on the topic!
In addition, snail secretion promotes the formation of the body's own collagen and elastin. This tightens the skin, smooths wrinkles, and prevents new ones. As a result, you look younger and fresher. Do you want to learn more? Then read our article about anti-aging.
By the way: the snail itself uses collagen to repair its shell. Because the active ingredient stimulates cell proliferation and can therefore also help to reduce scratches and nicks in the shell.
Snail mucin against pimples and co.
However, snail mucin is not only used in facial care to halt the aging process. Young skin can also benefit from the active ingredients. Especially during puberty, many adolescents and young adults struggle with pimples, blackheads, and the like.
To get rid of these, copper peptides and zinc have proven to be two effective remedies. Combined, they offer both antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. These, for example, reduce the redness of pimple marks and can keep them clean. This promotes the healing process. But the wound-healing effect of the secretion, which we will discuss shortly, is also positive for combating skin impurities.
Are blackheads and the like one of your problem areas? Then we have summarized some tips in our article on getting rid of pimples on how to effectively fight those small, annoying impurities! You can find out more on the topic in our post on skin impurities. Do you want to work preventively? Then the effect of activated charcoal can help!
Wound healing with snail filtrate
In addition to the previously mentioned ingredients, snail mucin also brings other properties that are now even used in medicine. Above all, the processes of wound healing can be stimulated by the following active ingredients:
- Allantoin: stimulates cell regeneration and can thus support the reconstruction of damaged tissue (e.g. in case of burns)
- Glycolic acid: exfoliates dead skin cells and contributes to skin regeneration (e.g. for scars, stretch marks/pregnancy stretch marks, and cellulite)
- Plasmin: an enzyme that contributes to blood clotting and can thus repair damaged tissue (e.g. scars and burns)
But beware: the medical effect has not yet been extensively researched. While initial studies on its use for neurodermatitis, burns, and wound healing have begun, none have yet been completed. So, for such serious problems, do not simply experiment with the secretion and instead use the specific creams for their intended purposes.
Here are the benefits at a glance:
- moisturizing
- wrinkle-smoothing
- antibacterial
- anti-inflammatory
- supports wound healing
Are you looking for the right snail cosmetics? Then check out our online shop!
Why is snail gel considered a super ingredient?
In recent years, headlines in the beauty industry have increasingly proclaimed: snail mucin, super ingredient, all-rounder, and multi-talent. But what is really behind it? The fact is that, as shown above, the concentrate can indeed be used for many different skin problems.
In anti-aging, it can smooth existing wrinkles, stimulate skin cell renewal, and thus protect against new wrinkles. Even with pimples, a snail gel helps to combat impurities and keep new pimples at bay due to its antiseptic effect. Anyone who has or had acne knows another problem. What to do with acne scars? Here, the filtrate can also help to reduce their depth and slightly smooth the skin.
In general, the substance also reduces darker spots caused by excessive sun exposure. Thus, it prevents premature skin aging. The secretion can also provide relief for acute sunburn. No wonder it is considered a true all-rounder in the beauty world.
But beware: mucin is not all the same
Would you like to try snail mucin on your skin? Then please don't just grab a species from your garden and put it on your face. Instead, there are now special creams that use the valuable active ingredients of the secretion and gently care for your skin. You can find a large selection of such skin care products with snail filtrate in our online shop.
However, not just any snail is used for these purposes. Because the mucin of over 40,000 species contains varying amounts of the effective ingredients. The Roman snail has proven to be a particularly efficient producer. Its secretion is also often used in cosmetics.
Integrating snail mucin into your daily beauty routine
To purposefully integrate the secretion into your skincare routine, you first need to know where it can be found. Only then can you determine when to use it. While snail creams and gels are currently the most popular, there are also essences, masks, and toners that rely on these active ingredients.
Do you want to know exactly when each step takes place? Then take a look at our article on the 10 Steps Korean Skincare Routine. In general, we can already say that toner or exfoliant are used at the beginning for preparation and cleansing. Essences and serums follow. Then a mask is applied, and only then do you use the creams.
Order the Korean Beauty products that will make your skin glow now in our shop!
As you can see, the application of the snail mucin first depends on the product you have chosen. Once you have found it, the application is very simple and works just like any other product. Just try it yourself!
Further links
www.50percentgreen.de/.../wundermittel-schneckenschleim/
www.vogue.de/.../schneckenschleim-wirkung-wundermittel-serum-wirkstoff-beauty-geheimis-jugendliche-haut-faltenfrei
www.sueddeutsche.de/.../beautytrend-kosmetik-aus-schneckenschleim-1.4460494
www.instyle.de/.../schneckencreme
