Have you heard what snail slime does for skin? We’re going to break it down for you so you can decide if it’s right for you.
First of all, what is snail mucin? Mucin is a gel-like protein that gives mucus its texture. Snail slime (mucus) is rich in mucin, hyaluronic acid, glycolic acid, and antioxidants. For humans, mucins defend against infection by helping to trap and remove bacteria and fungus. Mucins are a type of glyco-protein. This means that they are attached to carbohydrate (sugar) molecules. The carbohydrate attachments allow mucins to hold onto large amounts of water which is why we, as humans, don’t constantly have a drippy nose.
What Snail Slime Does for Skin
Surprise! People want to look younger and they’re willing to use snail slime serum 1-2 times per day to make it happen. At the time of this post, one study showed that a bottle of snail mucin serum is sold every 20 seconds.
Is There An Alternative to Snail Mucin
Snail slime is claimed to be helpful for reducing signs of aging and minimizing damage from free radicals. All things considered, this is probably true. The hydration properties and antioxidants are good for preventing wrinkles and healing skin damage. However, there are many serums available that can do a better job without involving these animals. A hyaluronic acid + vitamin C serum can provide the same antioxidant and hydration benefits. For added exfoliation, there are many serums that include glycolic acid or proteolytic peptides.
Hyaluronic Acid
Hyaluronic acid, or HA, is a naturally-occurring carbohydrate substance that plays a major role in lubricating joints and connective tissue. It is also involved in the normal skin repair process. Similar to mucin, its structure also allows it to hold onto large amounts of water. All of these benefits make it a popular choice for reducing the effects of aging.
How is Snail Mucin Harvested
There are several ways to collect the slimy substance. One Italian company shows in their video how they harvest mucin using steam and a special aroma to relax the snails. After spending 9 years perfecting the equipment to avoid killing the snails the process now seems more like a spa day. My snarky side wants to go back in time and hear what the poor little creatures had to say about the previous failed experiments.
Moving along, other companies use a mat made of a mesh material that allows for the slime to attach while the snail makes its way around the mat. After which they strain the mesh and gather the mucin. Some reader comments have suggested that certain companies use large buckets filled with snails and have technicians scrape the underside of each shelled creature one-by-one (cringe).
Is Snail Mucin Right For You
This is one question I cannot answer for you. It’s a personal choice, but what I can say is there are plenty of other wonderful products that do the exact same thing without having to use a live being. Personally speaking, I see no reason to use snail mucin when hyaluronic acid, along with beautifully blended preparations, is so easy to find. Take my Hi Serum, for instance, it’s filled with plant-based HA and CBD oil, plus many other wrinkle-fighting ingredients. Hopefully this post helps you understand what snail slime does for skin so you can make the best decision for yourself.
Thank you for reading The Freckle blog! Please subscribe to stay informed of all things relating to skin care. Also, check out my website and YouTube channel for product news and recommendations.
Photo by Tamara Schipchinskaya on Unsplash
