Snail mucin is the mucus trail left behind by snails as they crawl across the ground.
Its functions include adhesion, hydration, and lubrication.
The use of snail mucin to reduce inflammation and signs of aging in humans dates back to ancient Greece.
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Today, this substance has become well known due to its use in South Korean skin care.
Research has backed the benefits of snail mucin use in cosmetics.
It has also confirmed the value of snail mucin in wound healing, surgical glue, and treatinggastric ulcers.
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What Is Snail Mucin?
Snail mucin is the lubricating substance secreted by snails.
Research indicates that snail mucin can also provide many of these same benefits to humans.
Snail mucin is rich inantioxidantsthat treat signs of aging.
It can also help with skin regeneration and protection againstfree radicals, unstable molecules that can damage your skin.
A common mucin collection technique involves allowing snails to glide over mesh in a darkened room.
The mucin is collected from the mesh when the snails are returned to their homes.
Its hydration benefits may be linked to the amount of naturally occurringhyaluronic acidit contains.
Hyaluronic acid promotes water retention and prevents transepidermal (through the skin) water loss.
These properties can help dry skin appear firmer and plumper.
Fights Signs of Premature Aging
Snail mucin may be effective in fighting premature aging.
(The terms for sex or gender from the cited research are used in the article.)
Researchers reported that women who used the snail mucin products achieved overall improvement in several skin-aging parameters.
This included improved skin elasticity, wrinkles, skin roughness, and transepidermal water loss.
Helps Wounds Heal
Research shows that snail mucin may contain antibacterial agents with wound-healing properties.
Garden snail mucus has helped with skin regeneration after acute radiodermatitis, a common side effect ofradiation therapy.
In addition to healing external wounds, snail mucin has demonstrated effectiveness on internal wounds.
It has proven useful in reducing peptic ulcers, a common side effect ofnonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
Snail mucin serum is applied to your skin after cleansing but before moisturizing.
Some snail mucin serums just contain snail mucin, while others contain a combination of ingredients.
Snail Mucin Essence
An essence is typically a lightweight, thin, water-based skin care product.
It is designed to be absorbed quickly.
A snail mucin essence, like the popular COSRX Snail Mucin Essence, is applied to a clean face.
It prepares your skin to effectively absorb products like a serum or snail mucin moisturizer applied after it.
Snail Mucin Cream
Creams are typically moisturizing products.
They often serve as a topcoat for hydration.
It is generally well-tolerated by mostskin types.
Shellfish and snail allergies are relatively common and can cause dangerous results.
Consult your healthcare provider before using snail mucin if you are allergic to snails, shellfish, and/or mollusks.
The following symptoms can occur suddenly:
Does Snail Mucin React With Other Ingredients?
Research is lacking on whether snail mucin reacts poorly with certain ingredients.
The use of snail mucin in a wide range of formulations.
Is Snail Mucin Safe to Use During Pregnancy?
Snail mucin products are not approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Research has not specifically addressed whether topical snail mucin is safe to use during pregnancy.
Product inserts available for topical products do not list any warnings for use during pregnancy.
Can I Use Snail Mucin If Im Managing a Skin Condition?
Some product inserts for snail mucin note not to use it if you have eczema or scalp wounds.
This is especially important if you are using a prescription treatment that may contain a stronger formulation of medicine.
Summary
Snail mucin has been hyped for its use in natural skin care products.
Product claims often say snail mucin can reduce wrinkles and hydrate the skin.
Research confirms that there is a basis for many of these promises.
Further research is needed to fully understand the power of snail mucin.
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