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What is snail mucin?
Snail mucin is a complex mixture containing polyphenols, polysaccharides, glycolic acid, allantoin, and glycosaminoglycans. The last component, glycosaminoglycans, plays a crucial role in hydrating and maintaining the skin's moisture. It's similar to hyaluronic acid and heparin sulfate, promoting skin hydration and overall skin health.
How is snail mucin extracted?
Historically, snail mucin extraction involved subjecting snails to stressors to induce mucin secretion. However, modern methods prioritize cruelty-free practices. Snails are kept in controlled environments, allowed to move around freely, and naturally excrete mucin, which is then collected.
The benefits of snail mucin:
| Anti-aging | In both subjective and objective studies, snail mucin has demonstrated an ability to reduce wrinkles |
| Hydration | Due to its glycosaminoglycan content, snail mucin helps maintain skin hydration by reducing transepidermal water loss. |
| Wound healing | Snail mucin has been found to accelerate wound healing and promote angiogenesis, the formation of new blood vessels, which aids in the recovery process. |
| Post-procedure | Some studies suggest that applying snail mucin after cosmetic procedures like laser treatments and microneedling can speed up wound healing and enhance results. |
What are the risks of snail mucin?
Some individuals claim to experience allergic reactions to snail mucin, possibly due to cross-reactivity between snail mucin and dust mites. However, clinical relevance and the prevalence of such reactions remain uncertain. If you have known allergies to dust mites, exercise caution when considering snail mucin products.
How to incorporate snail mucin into your skincare routine:
Using snail mucin in your skincare routine is straightforward. You can apply it like a hyaluronic acid serum, either once or twice a day, depending on your preference. Snail mucin products come in various forms, such as essences, creams, and serums, allowing you to choose the one that suits your skin type and routine best.
| 1. Cleanse | Use a gentle cleanser. |
| 2. Treat | Apply snail mucin. |
| 3. Protect | At night, moisturize. During the day, apply sunscreen. |
