Snail mucin extract for skin? How is snail mucin harvested? If you have lately been researching Korean skincare, this skincare ingredient may have come up every now and then. Otherwise known as snail slime, it is one of the buzziest ingredients in the world of Korean beauty. While nobody can deny the ick factor involved, it is known for its skin-enriching effect.
Approved by dermatologists and skincare experts, Korean snail mucin extract is essential for healthy skin. There are multiple snail mucin benefits besides giving you a dewy look. Let’s dig into the skincare benefits of snail mucin and if it is a powerful ingredient or an overhyped Korean beauty trend. Plus, learn how snail mucin is collected.
Snail Mucin Extract For Skin
Most people are searching for snail mucin benefits for the skin, interestingly, it is effective in fixing a number of skin concerns. Also, many experts consider adding this skincare ingredient to the skincare regimen. For some people, it is almost magical how snail mucin extract for skin is a total game-changer.
Let’s delve deep and learn what is snail mucin and the benefits of snail mucin extract.
What is Snail Mucin?
Secreted by snails, snail slime is revered for its skin healing and rejuvenating properties. This slimy and viscous liquid is produced by little critters when they are under stress. The process involves making the snails walk on a mesh net in a darker place for approximately 30 minutes. After that, the mucin is collected to be used in cosmetics or other products.
On skincare products, you will see it labeled as ‘snail secretion filtrate’. It does not mean the aforesaid ingredient is less pure or ineffective. Instead, it is a more sanitized version of snail slime, perfect for beauty products.
Interestingly enough, people have been using snail slime since ancient times to reverse aging and reduce inflammation. It has grown in popularity due to its extensive use in Korean beauty products.
Are Snails Killed for Snail Mucin?
Want to know how snail mucin is harvested? Well, no, snails are not harmed or killed in the process of collecting the extract. Snail slime is harvested without any harm to the little critters. There are multiple cruelty-free methods to collect secretions.
Some snail breeders opt for a SPA treatment that increases mucus production without harming the snails. Alternatively, some allow snails to move on a bumpy surface to boost mucus production naturally.
Most people believe that snails are killed in the process, therefore, they are hesitant to use snail mucin products. Rest assured that the cruelty-free, ethical harvesting of snail mucus is not harmful to any snails involved.
What Does Snail Mucin Do to Skin?
In simple terms, it is called a highly effective moisturizer and a collagen stimulator. Snail mucin skincare benefits are moisturizing, reducing skin inflammation, and reversing skin barrier damage. It features many effective skincare ingredients including hyaluronic acid, allantoin, and glycolic acid.
As per clinical trials, it has limited anti-aging benefits. When used in a liquid serum, it reduces the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines within a few weeks. Many snail mucin before and after pictures posted by people prove that it is a miracle ingredient.
Benefits of Snail Mucin For Skin
The all-in-one snail mucus extract helps with a number of skin concerns. Since it has a rich composition, you can expect multiple skin-nourishing benefits.
Hydrates Skin
Snail mucin extract for skin deeply moisturizes thanks to its hydrating properties. Since K-beauty focuses on well-hydrated, glowy skin, no wonder it is commonly used in Korean cosmetics. Additionally, it suits almost every skin type, especially dry skin.
Due to the presence of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) in snail mucin, it draws in moisture and makes the skin look hydrated and plump. Moreover, it strengthens skin barriers which promote the healing and regeneration of skin barriers.
Collagen Stimulator
Many studies indicate that snail secretions improve the production of collagen. Collagen is critical to healing and maintaining skin elasticity. Therefore, snail mucin extract may delay the signs of aging to give a more youthful look.
One study shows that a liquid serum with 40% snail mucin minimizes the appearance of wrinkles when used for 12 weeks. As stated earlier, snail mucin has glycolic acid which is important for boosting collagen production and ensuring a youthful appearance.
Wound Healing
Skins scar when there is not enough collagen in the body to rebuild the injured area. Due to its regenerative properties, it accelerates the healing of the wound and reduces scarring. Moreover, it breaks free the skin from dead cells, allowing fresh skin to develop.
Reduce Pigmentation
Due to exposure to the sun’s harmful UV rays, the body may overproduce melanin which results in hyperpigmentation. Thankfully, snail secretions reduce pigmentation due to their anti-melanogenic properties.
The presence of peptides and antioxidants coupled with increased cell turnover, it is quite effective in reducing hyperpigmentation.
Cure Skin Diseases
While it needs more research and clinical trials, some preliminary studies suggest that it can aid in curing skin cancer. In addition, it can be used to fight melanoma cells and other skin diseases.
Side Effects of Snail Mucin
It is a gentle skincare ingredient and well-tolerated by most people. As per many dermatologists, there are not many notable well-documented side effects of snail mucin. While it suits most skin types, some people can be allergic to it. Hence, test it on a small patch of skin to see if you are allergic to it.
Besides that, there is no risk of using beauty products with snail mucin extract. If you are allergic to it, try testing clean cosmetic products with no additives.
What Skin Type is Good For Snail Mucin?
Snail mucin is safe and beneficial to anyone except you are allergic to it. It can be used by people with
- Dry skin
- Acne-prone skin
- Skin with dark spots
- Aging skin
How to Use Snail Mucin?
Not sure how to include snail mucin in your skincare routine? Well, snail mucus for skincare is available in different beauty products with varying percentages. Since it has no side effects it can be used once or twice or as directed on the label.
If you are not in favor of using it daily, use it at least 3-4 times a week and see real improvement in no time. Use it as an essence or a moisturizer, importantly, moisturizers with snail mucin extract do not need heavy layering.
It can be paired with vitamin C, retinol, acid-based toners, and niacinamide to improve overall skin health and texture. Snail slime should be applied after cleansing and toning and then finish it off with a moisturizer and sunscreen.
Key Takeaway
Applying snail slime extract may appear gross, it is one of the popular skincare ingredients for a reason. This multi-purpose anti-ager is admired for its hydrating, healing, and regenerative properties. Lastly, it deserves a place in your skincare vanity.
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