If you have spent some time at Skintok or K-Beautytok recently, we are sure you have heard of Snail Mucin. Yes you read right – Snail mucinAlso known as Snail Slime, gets a lot of buzz for its variety of skin care benefits, from hydration to increasing collagen production. But snail mucin is not a new Skin care somehow.
According to Board Certified Dermatologist Ava Shamban, MD, it became a commercial skin care trend as early as the 1980s, so that snailborns, working day in and day out for several years during secretion, had unusually hydrated, smooth and more youthful -seeking hands compared to their Dermala profile. Snail mucin is told to date back to ancient Greece, where they used the mucus for its ability to reduce inflammation and reduce aging.
In front, two board -certified dermatologists explain everything you need to know about snail mucin: what it is, how it works, its benefits for the skin and how you can integrate it into your skincare routine.
Experts displayed in this article
Ava ShambanMD, is a board -certified dermatologist and founder of AVA MD Cosmetic Dermatology Clinic in Los Angeles.
Jodi LogerfoDNP, APRN, FNP-C, is a board-certified dermatologist located in New York.
What is Snail Mucin, and where does it come from?
“Snail mucin is a natural and very potent super secretion or by -product from molluscs consisting of proteins, peptides and proteoglycans,” says Dr. Shamban. For those who want a visual, it is the clear, shiny, mucus -like tracks that leave behind, which are used to protect themselves. “Its enzymes can act as a natural exfoliant and lighter agent. It also triggers keratinocytes to protect the skin from UV damage, maintain sufficient skin hydration and increase our antimicrobial function,” adds Dr. Shamban.
Although there are different types of snail mucin, the most common variety is used for skin care from a specific species, cryptomphalus aspersa. This type has regenerative properties for wound healing and cell proliferation of fibroblasts for elasticity and antiaging, explains Dr. Shamban.
Snail mucin benefits the skin
There are a variety of advantages of snail mucin when applied topically to the skin. “It can be effective when used on wrinkles, burns, stretch marks and overall skin moisture,” said board-certified dermatologist Jodi Logerfo, DNP, APRN, FNP-C. “This is due to its ability to promote collagen production, as it is full of antioxidants.” In addition, she explains that snail mucin has been proclaimed to hydrate the skin and strengthen its moisture barrier. Snail mucin can also be effective as an antiaging treatment, which reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
And if it is not enough to convince you to add it to your routine, snail mucin has antibacterial, anti -tumor and wound healing properties. “Its antitumor properties can protect the skin from skin cancer, especially melanoma,” says Dr. Lodgerfo, with reference to a 2018 study published by Biomedicine and pharmacotherapyWhich found that the substance may have therapeutic potential for the time limit of skin cancer. Dr. Logerfo adds, “The wound healing properties are probably due to its antibacterial and anti -inflammatory attributes.” However, more research is needed to further support these claims, and its full potential remains to be seen.
How to use snail mucin
When you scan beauty labels, you can see the ingredient listed as “Snail secretion filtrate” or the initials “SSF” too short. “It can be very minimal in some products or in high concentrations in others,” says Dr. Shamban. Its non -comedogenAnd with its multifunctionality, it can be used in different ways, from a detergent to an essence or serum, in a liquid or ampoule format. One of the most popular Snail Mucin products is Cosrx advanced snail 96 mucin power essence. It can also be found as an ingredient in a liquid lotion or a heavier lipid cream or mask.
Since snail mucin is mild, it should easily record in your routine and connect with active ingredients such as retinoidsThe salicylic acidThe niacinamideThe Hyaluronic acidThe Snakeand BarsAccording to Dr. Shamban.
Both derms agree that snail mucin seems to be suitable for all skin types and should generally be tolerated without problems. Dr. However, Logerfo says it would probably benefit dry skin the most. If you are at AccutanYou should discuss it with your dermatology provider before trying, and in the same way, if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, you should check with your primary care doctor. “For all patients, patch testing is always recommended or seeing your board-certified dermatologist when trying a new ingredient, brand or product,” Dr. Shamban.
Faith’s balanity Is a freelance journalist and brand consultant who specializes in beauty, fashion and lifestyle content. Texa’s native works have appeared in various publications, including Vogue, Allure and Elle.
