Snail slime: this is why you should integrate it into your skin-care routine
Some might cringe at the thought, but snail slime is a great ally for skin care all over the body. Thanks to the active ingredients contained within it and being rich in nutrients, this substance with a viscous consistency is increasingly in demand in the medical and cosmetic fields for the creation of creams, ointments, serums and gels.
Signs of acne, abrasions, wrinkles and scars, there is nothing that snail slime is unable to soothe thanks to its moisturizing and regenerating properties. But let's see in more detail the whole story behind this beauty ingredient, how it is extracted and what are the benefits it is able to bring to the skin, especially that of the face.
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What is snail slime?
The slime of snails is a secretion produced, in fact, by these molluscs and snails. It is a fluid with a thick, mucous and sticky consistency that comes out of some glands at the snail's feet during its movements. Today this substance is widely used in the cosmetics sector for the creation of creams and products for the hair and for the skin of the face and body. It was discovered, in fact, - and we will clarify how later - that the slime of a specific species of snails, better known as helix aspersa and widespread mainly in the Mediterranean areas, carries out a moisturizing and regenerating action once it comes into contact with the epidermis.
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Why do snails have drool?
Snails produce drool for several reasons. First of all, this body fluid has a lubricating effect on the surfaces and allows the animal to move more easily, even in a vertical direction. The secretion of slime, in fact, guarantees the snail maximum adherence, eliminating the risk of falling. But the functions of this liquid do not end there. This is also used as a means of defense against predators, acting as a protective shield. In addition, thanks to its moisturizing and restructuring action, it quickly repairs any injuries and injuries sustained by the animal, restoring damaged tissues.
Origins
The idea of creating cosmetic and pharmaceutical products based on snail slime has millenary origins. Already since ancient Greece, Hippocrates, who is still considered the father of medicine today, had analyzed snail secretions, finding anti-inflammatory properties to be exploited in the treatment of any irritation and wounds on the skin.
Its use in the medical field also continued during the Middle Ages, when snail slime was administered to those suffering from ailments such as gastritis and ulcer. Furthermore, according to medieval medicine, this product could also act as a natural healing and antimucolytic.
However, we have to wait until the 1980s for the regenerating properties of snail slime to be officially recognized on the skin. We are in Chile, more precisely within the plant, belonging to the Bascuna family, where snails (helix aspersa) are bred for food consumption. Over the years, it is realized that those who worked every day in close contact with these molluscs had extremely soft and silky skin on their hands. This has prompted a horde of researchers and scholars to investigate the issue and, from the studies carried out, it has emerged that snail slime is rich in nutrients and contains several active ingredients that are very important for the health and well-being of the skin.
How is the drool extracted?
The practice with which these molluscs are bred, both for food and cosmetic purposes, is known as heliculture. The breeding usually takes place inside outdoor structures where the snail is selected, cleaned and placed together with others in a basin where, with care and delicacy, it is made to move to stimulate the glands to secrete the drool . The liquid is then collected and filtered to be sold to cosmetic and pharmaceutical companies. The snail, after being subjected to this treatment, is washed again and returned to the farm. In respect of the animal, it should be specified that snails subjected to manual stimulation change from time to time, otherwise a state of excessive stress could result.
The active ingredients contained in snail slime
Inside the snail slime there are 5 active ingredients which are quite valuable in the preparation of creams, gels and serums for the face and body. Let's find out what they are and what benefits they can bring to our skin:
- Allantoin: This is a chemical compound capable of nourishing the skin and repairing the damage left by wounds or burns. It is also used in all those creams or lotions designed to remove or attenuate skin signs, for example due to acne or cellular aging.
- Collagen: this protein is responsible for plumping the tissues, keeping the skin toned and elastic. With the passing of the years, the production of collagen drops dramatically and it is necessary to resort to cosmetic products, such as anti-wrinkle creams, able to make up for this lack.
- Glycolic acid: in addition to stimulating the production of collagen and elastin, giving the skin a fresh and youthful appearance, glycolic acid removes dead cells, thus promoting cell renewal. In this way, the complexion will appear smooth and even.
- Elastin: elastin is a protein that, as the name might suggest, gives the skin elasticity.
- Mucopolysaccharides: when they come into contact with water, these substances swell and produce a gel that guarantees optimal hydration on the skin. An example of mucopolysaccharide is hyaluronic acid, the main ingredient of the vast majority of anti-wrinkle or anti-acne creams.
The properties of the burr for the skin
There are several properties that, in the course of various studies and experiments, have been attributed to snail slime by researchers and scientists with respect to its use on the skin. Here are the main ones:
- Moisturizing: the moisturizing action of snail slime is guaranteed by the presence of mucopolysaccharides which prevent the dispersion of water, keeping it to itself.
- Healing: the ability to heal the skin, healing any wounds, is due to the combination of collagen, vitamins and allantoin present within the slime.
- Soothing: this substance, when applied directly to inflamed skin, is able to soothe pain and redness.
- Anti-wrinkle: snail slime is an excellent natural anti-aging. As we have seen above, this fluid stimulates the production of collagen and elastin, counteracting the signs of aging on the skin.
- Exfoliating: the presence of mucopolysaccharides and glycemic acid helps the body get rid of toxins and dead cells, smoothing the skin and freeing it from impurities.
- Regenerating: promotes cell renewal, reducing imperfections and lightening skin spots, mainly left by acne.
- Firming: its cosmetic use increases the production of elastin throughout the body, giving tone to the tissues.
- Antioxidant: being rich in vitamin E, snail slime defeats free radicals, responsible for premature aging.
Cosmetic use
Snail slime is mainly used in gels, creams and sebum-regulating serums for the treatment of acne, anti-wrinkle, moisturizing (especially indicated for drier skin) and exfoliating (for those with impure skin). Furthermore, its cosmetic use does not end here, since the snail slime is also useful for the treatment of brittle hair, counteracting its fall and breaking.
Tips for shopping
Below is a list of excellent products for both skin and hair care, 100% organic and based on snail slime, which you can easily buy on Amazon. And what are you waiting for to put them in the cart?
> Bioluma anti-aging cream based on snail slime, hyaluronic acid and vitamin E: a cream with a silky consistency that you can apply on the face, neck and décolleté to counteract the signs of aging.
> Florence organic healing and anti-blemish cream: perfect for the skin of the face, neck and around the eyes. Thanks to this product the complexion will shine with its own light.
> Moisturizing serum for face, neck and décolleté based on pure Nuvò snail slime: thanks to the combination of allantoin, collagen, glycolic acid and elastin, the skin will appear toned and rejuvenated. Buy it now and receive it within a week!
> Idealine smoothing, firming, moisturizing and velvety body cream. A concentrate of ingredients of natural origin capable of preserving skin well-being. It deserves a spot in your Amazon cart even for the sweet and intoxicating scent alone! Save up to 5% by purchasing it today!
> Le chioccoline moisturizing body cream: the presence of glycolic acid, shea butter and snail slime makes this product the perfect remedy for pregnancy stretch marks. Receive it within 7 days and save up to 2 euros on your purchase!
> Beauxury Milano shampoo and mask kit: the most suitable regenerating treatment for hair damaged by years of dyeing and bleaching. Buy it now and receive it in a week!
Are you now ready to incorporate this natural product into your skin-care routine?
