We know what you’re thinking – snail mucus in your skincare?! Not the most appealing ingredient to welcome into your beauty routine, but it has many benefits that you may be unaware of. Here are some of those benefits which may persuade you to introduce this weird and wonderful ingredient into your current skincare routine.
If you’re planning on trying products with snail slime, begin with a product that contains a small amount of snail mucus so you can test for any allergies. It is also advised that you continue to use the product for at least two weeks to see benefits. Be sure to do your research – some snail slime is harvested humanely (letting them roam freely over a net an hour a day to collect the mucus), and some who use chemicals or harsh ingredients to produce and harvest the slime.
Here are some slime-tastic benefits.
It’s Packed with Nutrients
Hard to believe, but snail ‘slime’ is filled with nutritional ingredients such as glycoprotein, antimicrobial, proteoglycans, and even hyaluronic acid! These are proven to be beneficial when used on the skin and can help to nourish and moisturize while also protecting against dryness, potential infections, damage, and UV rays.
It’s Ultra-Hydrating
As snail mucus is 91-98% water, it provides optimal moisture levels when used in skincare products. Different products do, however, contain different concentrations of the snail mucus, with some containing as much as 97% and some with much lower levels. Always be sure to check the strength and consistency of the skincare product to determine whether the mucus is of good quality.
It’s Anti-Aging
One of the main benefits of snail mucus is that it is full of anti-aging properties. It helps promote the production of elastin and collagen, protects the skin against free radicals, can restore hydration, repair damaged tissues, and soothe the skin. It is also effective when used to treat dry skin, and rosacea, age spots, wrinkles, stretch marks, burns, and scars.