The world of beauty is brimming with weird and exciting treatments and procedures that can make you go "huh?"! From vampire facials to using expensive caviar as a detox mask, there is no limit to the creativity of innovators who are in pursuit of beauty. One of these mind-bending procedures is a snail facial, that either gets people intrigued or absolutely grossed out. Yes, it might sound "yucky" at first but this procedure has gained a lot of momentum with Korean beauty gurus swearing by it and we are here to tell you why!
01What is a snail facial?
As the name suggests, snail facials are a procedure where live snails are left to slither around on your face. This is done by first cleansing the face, followed by a toner and a quick massage with snail mucin products. Traditional snail facials use garden snails during the facial and let them slither on your face for a couple of minutes. But more commercial snail facials stick to snail mucin infused products and the regular facial steps. Bear in mind, no snails are hurt in the process of extracting their slime, and the facial also is a very humane process.
02Fascinating facts about snail mucin
- It is packed with nutrients - Snail mucin is packed with** essential nutrients **that can do wonders for your skin - hyaluronic acid, glycoprotein, proteoglycans, and microbial and copper peptides. These essential nutrients are quite difficult to find in nature elsewhere and fetch big bucks when added in** skincare staples**.
- It is 91-98% water - Snail mucin, when used in cosmetics, is filtered multiple times to increase its purity. As such, it has a very high water content, which in turn makes it an excellent hydrating agent for the skin. Regular use of the ingredient can give you soft, supple and glowing skin!
- It has anti-ageing properties - Snail mucin is known for its many anti-ageing benefits -** **boosting collagen and elastin production, minimising free radical damage, repairing damaged tissues and maintaining hydration levels. The age-defying benefits of this ingredient is what makes it popular among beauty enthusiasts.
- **It treats multiple skin issues **- Snail mucin is known to treat a variety of skin issues like** dry skin**, wrinkles and stretch marks, acne, rosacea, age spots, burn marks, scars, razor bumps and warts.
- It can soothe irritated skin - A key component found in snail mucin is allantoin. This compound is known for its ability to soothe irritated skin and boost the healing of damaged skin.
03Snail mucin interaction with other products
Snail mucin can also be used with certain other products with active ingredients to maximise its benefits. For best results, use it with antioxidants and retinol. Also, when combined with skincare essentials like vitamin C and glycolic acid, it can** **transform your skin!
04Are there any side effects of using snail mucin?
Snail mucin is extremely beneficial for the skin in terms of boosting youthfulness and moisturising it from deep within. And while there are no documented side effects of using this ingredient, it may cause allergic reactions in some people. Do a patch test of the product on your forearm before using it on your face. If there is any irritation or redness, you are probably allergic to the ingredient. Consult your dermatologist if you want to use prescription-strength snail mucin, as it is potent and can be too heavy for your** skin type**.
05How to use snail mucin for your face
- Moisturising creams - If you suffer from dry skin complications, snail mucin moisturising creams and night treatments can be used to increase the hydration levels of your skin.
- Potent serums - Given that the ingredient is packed with anti-ageing properties, the best delivery system will be in the form of** overnight serums**. Start slowly to test your skin's response to the product and gradually increase the frequency of use until you can use it daily.
- Face masks - The best part about snail mucin sheet (or face) masks is that they are easier to use, do not have the slimy, mucin texture, which makes them more approachable. So if you are looking for some quick TLC without long term commitment to the ingredient, a** sheet mask **is your best bet!
06Did you know?
Usually, with offbeat skin treatments like these, you are left to wonder who was the first person who thought of slathering their face with snail mucin! Interestingly, the use of slime for beauty rituals goes as far back as ancient Greece, where the famous physician Hippocrates advised his patients to take crushed snails and sour milk to relieve inflammation. Topically, the use of snail slime was introduced by Chilean farmers who worked with snails for the French market and noticed visibly smooth skin after long term exposure to snail mucin.
07FAQs about snail facials:
1) Is snail slime dangerous when applied topically?
**A. **The only cause for concern with snail slime is when it is consumed raw or in the form of undercooked dishes. Simple contact with snail slime is not dangerous for human skin.
2) Are garden snails good for your skin?
**A. **Garden snails are given the scientific name of Cryptomphalus Aspersa and are in fact, preferred for facials. So yes, their mucin can be used for the skin. However, it is recommended to only do that with the help of a professional... don't go looking for innocent snails in damp spaces!
3) Does snail mucin clog pores?
**A. **Given the thick texture, snail mucin might seem like it will clog your pores. But in reality, it is super lightweight and non-comedogenic in nature - meaning it won't clog pores!
