Everything you need to know about the use and functions of the snail mucine
Are you wondering what snail slime is used for and why it is such an active ingredient used in cosmetics?
In fact, although it may seem like an unusual ingredient, snail slime has gained considerable attention in the skincare world.
Throughout this article we will answer this question and explore the fundamental functions of snail slime , which explain why this substance has become a precious resource in the field of beauty and well-being.
Get ready to immerse yourself in a world where nature, with its simplicity, offers incredible solutions for our personal care!
1) Moisturize your skin
When we talk about snail slime creams with a hydrating function, we must first analyze the substances in which the snail secretion is rich, in particular allantoin and glycolic acid.
Allantoin is a ureide that finds vast applications not only in cosmetics but even in the medical field.
In cosmetics, allantoin is widely recognized as a keratolytic substance, i.e. capable of dissolving the stratum corneum of the epidermis, and re-epithelizing , i.e. capable of promoting the formation of new epithelial tissue, such as the epidermis.
Glycolic acid is a carboxylic acid considered as an exfoliating agent . In fact, it interacts with the first layer of the skin, i.e. the outermost layer of the epidermis, causing the disintegration of dead epithelial cells and, consequently, their removal.
These particular functions make allantoin and glycolic acid substances capable of promoting cellular turnover , i.e. the renewal of skin cells. The old ones die and, when they are removed, make room for new cells: the new layers of skin are healthier and have a more uniform appearance.
Studies on snail slime face creams hypothesize that the combined action of glycolic acid and allantoin helps both to exfoliate the skin and to limit transepidermal water loss (TEWL).
In fact, constantly renewed skin is more likely to maintain a healthy hydrolipidic film , which effectively regulates the evaporation of water from the skin surface.
Thanks to the actions of allantoin and glycolic acid, the skin is softer, hydrated and luminous.
Read also: Best snail slime cream
2) Strengthen anti-aging treatments
Snail slime is rich in collagen, elastin, vitamins A, C, E, allantoin, glycolic acid and mucoproteins.
These substances perform numerous beneficial actions on the skin. Here are the most important ones:
- antioxidant
- exfoliating
- elasticising
- regenerating
- antimicrobial
- lubricant
- repairing
Additionally, vitamin A and vitamin C can stimulate collagen production , for firmer, more elastic skin.
The action of the active ingredients of snail slime, combined with that of other anti-aging cosmetic ingredients (for example hyaluronic acid with different molecular weights, collagen, argan oil...), helps to enhance anti-aging and anti-wrinkle treatments , promoting firmer skin. young, toned and elastic.
3) Exfoliate your skin
As previously mentioned, the glycolic acid and allantoin contained in snail slime have the ability to eliminate dead cells from the superficial layer of the skin, bringing new skin cells to the surface.
The exfoliating action of these substances is found above all with the daily use of pure snail slime .
It is very important to know that skin exfoliation, also called peeling , can take place mechanically (for example with the use of facial scrubs or aesthetic instruments) or chemically (through the use of acids such as, for 'precisely, glycolic acid).
Using snail slime every day allows you to carry out a light daily chemical peel , keeping your skin bright and smooth and helping to reduce imperfections and skin blemishes.
This is not an aggressive procedure for the skin precisely because the secretion of the snails does not contain pure glycolic acid, but rather combined with other hydrating, regenerating and antioxidant substances.
4) Promote skin regeneration
Our skin is not always perfectly intact. Acne, pimples, cracks and sunburns can undermine its integrity and heal with scars or blemishes that can embarrass even people with the most self-esteem.
Snail slime comes to our aid in this case too. The allantoin contained in it, recognized in the medical field as a dermatological agent, has a vulnerary (i.e. healing ) effect demonstrated by numerous studies .
The results of this research, conducted through histological examinations, suggest that the wound healing process induced by allantoin occurs through:
- the regulation of the inflammatory response, which initiates a series of mechanisms that lead to the repair of damaged tissues;
- the stimulation of the proliferation of fibroblasts, connective tissue cells which, among other functions, contribute to the formation of scars;
- the stimulus of the synthesis of the extracellular matrix , a substance in which tissue cells are immersed, made up of glycoproteins (especially collagen), proteoglycans and hyaluronic acid. It also plays a fundamental role in the process of tissue repair and scar formation.
(Source: Araújo LU, Grabe-Guimarães A, Mosqueira VC, Carneiro CM, Silva-Barcellos NM. Profile of wound healing process induced by allantoin. Acta Cir Bras. 2010 Oct;25(5):460-6. doi: 10.1590 /s0102-86502010000500014. PMID: 20877959.)
The use of snail slime, rich in allantoin, can therefore contribute to the repair of damaged skin, accelerating the regeneration process.
Read also: Snail slime cream: effects and benefits
In conclusion
For centuries, mucus from the Helix Aspersa Muller snail variety has been known for its beneficial biological properties in the treatment of skin problems.
In recent times, its use has become of considerable interest in the cosmetic and even parapharmaceutical fields.
So what is snail slime used for? Moisturizing the skin, enhancing anti-aging treatments, exfoliating the skin and promoting skin regeneration (even in the case of scars and blemishes) are the main functions of this surprising cosmetic ingredient.
Studies on snail slime are still ongoing, so we can expect further properties to be confirmed, such as antioxidant properties.
Featured image: Wirestock image on Freepik
