There are many controversial ingredients used in skincare, and snail slime has been one of them in recent years. It is one of the ingredients that many associate with something controversial and you usually have to gather some courage before you throw yourself into products with snail slime. That is why it also causes many to drop their jaws when they hear that the products can contain up to 96% pure snail slime and that it has been used in South Korea for many years.
However, the snail slime itself has not been discovered in South Korea. It happened in Chile in the 1980s, when workers on a snail farm discovered that their hands and skin were incredibly soft, which led to the development of the Chilean snail cream, Elicina. However, it would take many years before the slime from one of the forests less popular animals made its way into our skincare routines. But today there are several well-known brands that now carry products that include snail slime. Both Mizon, Cosrx and Benton sell products which have gradually become some of their bestsellers. So even if snail slime doesn’t sound inviting to begin with, it’s worth the plunge!
Why you should use snail slime
Snails produce their mucus to protect their exposed skin from scratches, wounds, and the sun’s rays. Clinical tests show that snail slime can improve skin texture and reduce fine lines, because it contains a lot of skin-friendly vitamins and minerals, but even more importantly snail slime contains hyaluronic acid, glycolic acid, and zinc. The first two you have most likely come across more than once, where the last one will typically be found in jars and buckets at the local pharmacy in the form of nutritional supplements. But these three ingredients simply make up the holy trinity that gives snail slime its powers.
- Hyaluronic acid has moisturizing properties and helps to support your skins own barrier so that it can retain moisture. This makes this ingredient ideal for all of us who live in a temperate climate.
- Glycolic acid helps to stimulate collagen production, which among other things helps keep wrinkles and fine lines at bay. At the same time, this helps to give you a youthful glow.
- Zinc has anti-inflammatory properties that can help with skin irritation.
With daily use of products containing snail slime, you can expect moisturized skin that has a youthful glow, high production of collagen and minimal irritation. In addition, snail slime has the ability to even out age spots, acne scars, and dark spots. Many costumers have also experienced the anti-inflammatory effects that snail slime has, which is especially good for soothing pimples and redness.
How to use snail Mucin?
Snail mucus for skincare usually comes in different products like a snail slime extract face cream or a snail mucus extract face serum. Aim for the snail mucin extract to be listed as an active ingredient and the percentage of snail mucus to be satisfactory. When it comes to how often to use snail mucus, you can use it once, twice, or even three times a day if there’s a need for it since snail mucin does not have any side effects itself.
But just remember that you should use the snail mucin extract for at least three to four weeks for optimal results. That’s when you should start seeing a real improvement.
I recommend
If you would like to try a product with snail slime, I recommend that you start with one of these best-selling products.
- Mizon – All In One Snail Repair Cream: Best for oily skin, combination skin, and pimples
- Mizon – Snail Repair Intensive Ampoule: Best for all skin types, especially fine lines, dehydrated skin, and acne scars
- Cosrx – Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence: Best for all skin types, especially uneven skin texture, and a lack of glow
- Cosrx – Advanced Snail 92 All In One Cream: Best for all skin types, especially mature skin, sensitive skin, and blemished skin
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