Giant snails are popular due to their unique secret. Among domestic animal lovers, a fashion has begun for land mollusks - the giant Achatina. Have you ever seen a snail that doesn't hide its horns when its neck is scratched? These sociable giant snails come from Africa, but are now raised by breeders throughout the post-Soviet space, including in our city. But these are not only unpretentious pets, but also excellent home cosmetologists! Reviews of the giant African snail Achatina never cease to amaze and delight. This mollusk is an effective remedy for preserving beauty and youth, solving many skin problems. Achatina has gained particular popularity among the fair sex; women of all ages use snails to solve various skin problems - from acne and scars to wrinkles. The fact is that the secretion secreted by snails is a unique natural antioxidant, an anti-aging agent with a number of antibacterial and regenerating properties. This fashionable cosmetic procedure in a beauty salon will cost a tidy sum, but if you have the “equipment” at home, you won’t need the help of a cosmetologist, since the snails are simply left to crawl over the face or another area (for example, at the site of stretch marks and scars), periodically guiding them to areas requiring special attention. The mucus secreted by snails relieves patients from traces of acne, small scars, cuts and stretch marks. The magical effect lies in natural collagen, which maintains the youth and beauty of the skin. Considering their properties to regenerate cells, as well as the positive effect of their impulses, Achatina is also used as a natural massager. It is useful to know that a rejuvenating cream made from snails was invented in Chile. The harmless Achatina snails were sacrificed for beauty and youth, extracts from which are used as the main component of the miracle balm. According to the Chilean doctor Fernardo Bacunan, the cream he obtained based on snail extracts has a regenerative effect and works real miracles on the skin. The breeders of these mollusks were the first to discover the amazing property of snails. They noticed that any scratches and abrasions on their hands healed very quickly. It turned out that snail mucus contains a natural component that regenerates cells. So far, only his compatriots and residents of the United States, where 20 thousand vials are sent daily, can rejuvenate with the help of Dr. Bakunan’s miracle cream. But the enterprising doctor is already negotiating the supply of his balm to South Africa, Spain, England and Brazil... Snail meat also has unique properties. It eliminates the side effects of antibiotics, cures rickets, and is useful for pregnancy, obesity, liver disease and other diseases. The latest medical discovery calls Achatina the brain donor, based on positive results from careful studies of the neurons of these snails. In France and Germany, snails are used to make cosmetics, and in Brazil, research is being conducted on the use of snail mucus to treat scars and ulcers.
Cosmetic snails
It is a land mollusk widely distributed in tropical climates. They have a length of 10 to 15 cm; in the wild, adult individuals reach 30 cm. The population spreads very quickly in suitable climatic conditions. Originally from East Africa, Achatina also quickly colonized the most remote islands of the Caribbean. They are classified as dangerous agricultural pests; they are a serious threat to the ecosystem; they actively invade coastal valleys, forests, thickets, fields, and farmlands.
Unlike other species - spixie, caracolus sagemon - Achatina are the only ones involved in beauty rituals. In Africa and the American continent there is a quarantine to prevent the spread of mollusks in nature. The appearance and breeding of snails in our latitudes requires special conditions. But care is not difficult, so anyone can keep a small aquarium with a clam at home.
Indications for use:
- acne;
- inflammation, irritation;
- loss of firmness, elasticity;
- wrinkles of different depths;
- dryness, flaking of the skin;
- wide pores;
- dark spots;
- stretch marks, stretch marks;
- cellulite.
In cosmetology, only African Achatina is used; the mucus of other types of mollusks does not have similar regenerating properties. It consists of water and mucin, a special protein to restore the integrity of the shell. This biologically active substance activates the synthesis of elastin, collagen, and hyaluronic acid. Mucin also removes toxins and free radicals from the skin.
Snail mucus affects both the epidermis and the deep layers of the dermis. It is possible to reduce the number and depth of wrinkles, restore the color and structure of the skin. It is also effective for treating acne, acne, and comedones. It is used for massage, as well as for rejuvenation, moisturizing with the help of various creams, masks with mucin. Body massage has a special effect. Relaxes muscle fibers, improves lymph flow, increases skin elasticity, and restores emotional balance.
Advice. You can also use shellfish eggs after the snails hatch. The shell, crushed into powder, will help cleanse the skin of the face and body and has antioxidant properties.
In addition to cosmetology, it is widely used by dermatologists and. The secretion secreted by the mollusk promotes the healing of wounds and cracks and has an anti-inflammatory effect. Mucin is also used for pharmaceutical purposes. During research, it was discovered that the extract of these shellfish has bronchorelaxant properties.
Contraindications
The list of contraindications to the use of products with snail extract filtrate is short:
- open skin lesions - abrasions, inflamed elements, acne in the acute stage;
- second degree sunburn;
- excessive dry skin;
- individual intolerance.
The use of mucin or snail secretion in cosmetology is safe, environmentally friendly, and has low risks and side effects.
The positive aspects of regular use, on the contrary, are confirmed by several independent studies, noting a noticeable restorative and healing effect, as well as the ability to create a protective layer that retains moisture on the surface of the skin.
Snail slime
The secretion secreted by mollusks consists of water and mucin. This protein has unique properties and is involved in many biological processes.
Achatina produces 2 types of mucus, the first helps to move by moisturizing the surface. The second type is synthesized during a stressful situation, or when the integrity of the shell is damaged. This mucus is thicker and has a rich chemical composition.
Contains a complex of minerals, polysaccharides, allantoin, hyaluronic acid, vitamins, collagen, elastin. Effectively affects the deep layers of the dermis, restores and prevents photoaging and the formation of wrinkles. Also solves superficial problems - acne, blackheads, rosacea.
Benefits of snail secretion:
- nourishes, moisturizes;
- softens dead cells;
- has an anti-inflammatory effect;
- restores color, whitens pigmentation;
- heals wounds, burns, cracks;
- increases the immune properties of the epidermis;
- restores the elasticity of the integument;
- relieves puffiness, smoothes wrinkles.
For cosmetic purposes, they are grown on special farms, providing optimal conditions for mollusks. To obtain valuable snail secretion, individuals are shaken. Stress causes Achatina to intensively secrete mucin, which is successfully collected with the help of water. Afterwards, the resulting liquid is filtered to remove contaminants.
The finished raw material becomes the basis for a miraculous cream or mask. At the same time, no damage is caused to the health of the snail; mucin also does not lose its healing and rejuvenating properties.
The unique composition of snail secretion
Natural snail secretion is a viscous liquid of light yellow color, laboratory analysis of which showed the following composition:
- glyposaminoglycans are polysaccharides that can retain moisture;
- allantoin is a substance responsible for repairing damage in the body;
- collagen and elastane are proteins that are too large to penetrate the skin, but create a film on the surface that retains moisture;
- glycolic acid – a component with exfoliating and moisturizing effect;
- hyaluronic acid is a powerful moisturizer;
- antimicrobial peptides – impart antibacterial properties;
- glycoproteins, zinc, iron, copper, magnesium are contained in small quantities and have no cosmetic effect.
Use at home
You can have your own cosmetologist in a small aquarium at home. They are very unpretentious and do not require attention or special food. You can also use a plastic box with holes or a lid. It is imperative to provide oxygen access by leaving a small gap.
If left unclosed, the mollusks will quickly spread throughout the house. For one snail, the volume of the aquarium should be at least 10 liters. A special loose soil (coconut substrate or soil for transplanting flowers) is laid out at the bottom in a layer of 10 cm; it is necessary for laying eggs. Periodically, the soil will need to be moistened.
There is also a stable container of water that needs to be changed once a week. Monitor the water level, pour a little so that the clam does not drown. It is important to maintain the temperature; the African snail feels comfortable at 26°. You can plant ivy and ferns as an additional source of food.
Important point! You need to clean the aquarium and change the soil every 2-3 months. You should not bathe your pet under running water, as chlorine can damage the mollusk’s covering.
Young Achatina snails need to be fed every day, adults 3-4 times a week. They eat mainly plant foods, fruits, and vegetables. Be sure to add eggshells or limestone to replenish calcium reserves. In summer and spring, enrich the menu with fresh grass; in autumn and winter, introduce dry cookies and oat bran for variety. Be sure to periodically provide protein supplements and meat. Achatina only dislikes carrots and potatoes. Life expectancy depends on the habitat, the average is from 5 to 6 years, sometimes up to 10 years.
At home, the cosmetic procedure is no different from salon care. Achatina is laid out on cleansed skin; mucus is synthesized during the movement of the mollusk. You need to constantly push the snail so that it does not stay in one place. The biologically active substance produced in large quantities can cause a burn. The secretion is distributed evenly for 10–15 minutes, after which it is washed off. It is not recommended to collect and store at home; preservatives are required to preserve mucin.
general characteristics
Snails can be found, perhaps, in any corner of the planet, and in terms of the number of species they are second only to insects. They belong to the class Gastropods, which includes land snails, freshwater snails, sea snails and slugs. Their ancestors are among the most ancient species of the animal world. Archaeologists say that the first gastropods lived on our planet 500 million years ago.
Representatives of gastropods are able to adapt to a wide variety of living conditions. They don't require much food. Slugs differ from snails only in that they lack an exoskeleton (“house”). Representatives of different species of land snails can differ significantly from each other, in particular in size. Some representatives of the species do not even reach 10 mm, while giant individuals live on the African continent - more than 30 cm.
Most snails move very slowly - about 1 mm per second, leaving behind a trail of mucus. It is thanks to mucus that gastropods are able to move on almost any surface without damaging themselves. They are completely deprived of hearing, but their vision and acute sense of smell, which is the main thing for these animals, allow them to navigate the terrain. The snail’s “house” “grows” with it and finally hardens when the gastropod reaches adulthood.
Another unique thing about these animals is that they are hermaphrodites. That is, each snail combines male and female genital organs, and after mating, both partners lay eggs.
The average lifespan of gastropods varies from 2 to 7 years. But in captivity they can reach 15 years of age (some can live for almost a quarter of a century).
Preparatory stage
Any cosmetic procedure requires skin preparation. It is important to carry out makeup removal correctly, completely wash off decorative cosmetics before using the secretion of the mollusk.
Preparation stages:
- wash off cosmetics using soft foams without fragrances and aggressive substances;
- wipe the skin with green tea or thermal water;
- prepare warm milk, thanks to the application of your favorite treat, the snail will move;
- rinse Achatina to remove soil particles, it is better to use purified or boiled water;
- the massage is performed in a horizontal position so that the muscles are as relaxed as possible;
- at home you will need an assistant to monitor the movement of the snails.
Species of gastropods
There are about 90,000 species of snails, but only 3 species have gained worldwide fame: the giant African snail, the grape snail and Helix Aspersa.
African giant
Achatina, or the giant African snail, is one of the largest representatives of land mollusks. Adult representatives of this species can exceed 30 cm in length. If the external temperature drops below 2 degrees Celsius, Achatina hides in its conical-shaped house and hibernates. But on particularly hot summer days, the animal can also fall asleep, escaping from excessively high temperatures. Interestingly, in case of severe drought, African giants can sleep in the “house” for up to 3 years.
The homeland of Achatina is Africa. But biologists have noticed that these creatures feel quite well on the islands of the Caribbean and the Pacific Ocean. Meanwhile, in foreign territory, these herbivorous migrants cause a lot of trouble for agriculture. What frightens farmers even more is the fact that Achatina reproduces very quickly: one snail lays about 200 eggs each time, almost 1200 a year.
In world cuisine, Achatina meat is not considered edible. First of all, due to the high risk of becoming infected with parasites. Meanwhile, this danger does not stop the inhabitants of Africa. They eat Achatina themselves and sell the meat of giant mollusks to tourists.
French delicacy
But one that does not require any special introduction is the grape or garden snail (Helix Pomatia). It is this species that is most often found in our gardens, orchards, and parks. And it is these gastropods that are the hallmark of French cuisine. It is Helix Pomatia that gourmets eat with gusto in the best restaurants in Europe, calling them Roman or Burgundy snails.
The largest populations of grape clams have been seen in Austria, Belgium, Germany, Romania, Spain, Ukraine, Great Britain, Luxembourg and several other countries on the continent. Meanwhile, these edible snails, being very unpretentious, are already successfully colonizing the countries of Asia, Africa, Oceania and America. For a comfortable life, they need moderate sun and high humidity.
Helix Aspersa
This type of snail is one of the most famous in Europe. On the one hand, Helix Aspersa has earned the reputation of a garden pest, and on the other hand, it is revered as a mollusk with important healing properties. Their yellow or cream shells rarely exceed 3-4 cm. Previously, Helix Aspersa was difficult to find outside their natural range (Western Europe, North Africa, Middle East). But recently, these gastropods have been actively exploring the territories of the USA, Canada, Mexico, Argentina, Chile, South Africa, and New Zealand, where they are believed to have arrived along with cargo transportation. One Helix Aspersa lays about 500 eggs per year.
This type of snail is also considered edible. However, Helix Aspersa gained its main popularity and application in the field of cosmetology.
Instructions for implementation
To perform this, large, adult individuals are used; it can be performed on the face, décolleté, hands, and problem areas. The massage is carried out thanks to the wave-like movements of the Achatina body, which improve blood flow and lymphatic drainage. The procedure is hypoallergenic, so it can be used for sensitive skin.
Massage:
- after cleansing the skin and snail, milk or water is applied to the integument;
- Achatina is laid out, the cosmetologist directs the path of its movement along the massage lines;
- sometimes mollusks fall asleep to wake them up; the skin needs to be moistened with water to continue the process;
- The massage lasts from 10 minutes to half an hour;
- leave the secretion to soak in for another 10 minutes;
- then it is washed off and a cream or fluid with mucin is applied, which continues the rejuvenating, moisturizing effect of the procedure.
Interesting facts about mucin
The fact of the accidental discovery of the beneficial properties of mucin is in itself interesting. In the 20s of the last century, at one of the Chilean farms for growing delicious snails, the owner noticed that despite the difficult working conditions, the hands of the snail pickers looked very young. The assumption that this occurs due to the action of mucus found a response in scientific circles, and this began the study of the properties of snail mucus.
The discovery of the reparative property belongs to the Spanish oncologist Rafael Abad Iglesias, who in the 60s of the 19th century was looking for a remedy against cancer and skin ulcers resulting from radiation. When testing radiation on mollusks, I noticed that the resulting burns to the snails’ bodies quickly healed under the influence of the secreted mucus and tested the secretion on human skin. It turned out that exposure to a small amount of mucin triggers the process of regeneration of damaged tissues on the first day.
Despite its long history, the first use of mucin in cosmetics began in the 90s of the 20th century. The first cream with snail secretion was released, eliminating scars, acne scars
The first historical mention of the use of snail mucus belongs to the ancient Romans. The secret was used to dye fabric and clothing purple, which was worn only by noble citizens.
The first healer, Hippocrates, began to use mucin for medical purposes, who developed an ointment for treating wounds and burns based on snail mucus. It was also claimed that meat was useful for diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, and broth for throat diseases. The first use for cosmetic procedures occurred in Ancient Greece. Women applied mucus to their faces to moisturize and smooth the skin.
How many sessions will it take
Depending on the desired result, the specialist prescribes the number of sessions. To treat problem skin and remove acne marks, 10–15 procedures are performed at intervals every other day.
How much will it take for rejuvenation? After the course, you can repeat the snail massage 2–4 times a month to maintain the effect. At home, to prevent the aging process, carry out moisturizing procedures 1-3 times a week. The results will be noticeable after the first session. To maintain it, you should use cosmetics with snail mucin.
Treatment of psoriasis with Achatina
Snail mucus has a beneficial effect on skin damaged by psoriasis. If you suffer from this disease, get some Achatina. Watching snails helps to relax the nervous system and relieve stress after a hard day. Cosmetologists recommend applying Achatina daily to skin with psoriasis rashes.
Massage with snails helps to make it less dry and flaky. Achatina mucus promotes skin regeneration. If you find it unpleasant to feel the snail on your skin, then collect its mucin and rub it into the damaged skin. Of course, treatment of psoriasis with Achatina snails is long-term and not always effective.
Precautionary measures
The secretion secreted by mollusks is a natural substance, so it is quickly absorbed and penetrates into the deep layers of the dermis. To achieve the desired effect, certain rules should be followed.
Security measures:
- the snail should not remain in one place for a long time, this can cause burns;
- it is important to use natural cosmetics so that aggressive elements do not harm the mollusk;
- mucus must be washed off after the procedure.
Important! Contraindications for snail therapy include general deterioration of health, viral and infectious diseases.
Cosmetical tools
Esfolio snail lifting mask with shape memory belongs to a series of natural cosmetics. The Korean brand offers a product with snail filtrate for gentle peeling and accelerating skin regeneration. Effectively fights comedones and hyperpigmentation, allowing you to achieve an even, flawless color. Aloe extract relieves inflammation, vitamin E protects against ultraviolet radiation. The night mask refreshes the tone and increases elasticity. Price 100 gr. 525 rubles, can be purchased online or at your nearest cosmetics store.
Korean dewytree face mask with peptide allows you to deeply cleanse the skin and restore the moisture barrier. The three-step procedure consists of cleansing with foam, applying serum with hyaluronic acid and propolis extract. After 2 stages, a fabric mask with snail extract and royal jelly is distributed on the face. As a result, the face looks fresh, rested, and small and deep wrinkles are smoothed out. Cost 1500 rub.
dewytree hydrogel patches with snail secretion are designed to care for the delicate skin of the eyelids. The gel with which the patches are soaked saturates the epidermis with moisture, relieves puffiness, and removes bags. Provides deep hydration, smoothes wrinkles, improves elasticity. Contains a complex of antioxidants, protects against ultraviolet exposure. Buy 60 pcs. possible for 1250 rubles.
Escargot Noblesse Intensive Cream is a restorative product for aging skin. Activates intracellular metabolism, stimulates regeneration processes. Contains chitosan, collagen, hyaluronic acid, helps smooth out wrinkles. After use, it is possible to remove scars and get rid of acne marks. Price 50 ml 1450 rubles, can be purchased online.
Markell Cosmetics Mattifying Face Primer contains snail secretion filtrate. Thanks to the presence of natural extracts, the makeup base allows you to achieve a perfectly even tone. The cosmetic product allows you to protect the skin from the action of free radicals and ultraviolet radiation. Promotes collagen synthesis. You can buy it at a cosmetic store, the cost of 10 ml is 215 rubles.
Cream with black snail Mizon is recommended for the first signs of aging. Black snail mucin stimulates tissue regeneration and has a rejuvenating effect. Also used in complex therapy for acne. It is possible to cope with skin imperfections and restore a healthy, blooming appearance.
Thai 3D snail mask contains a concentrated extract of mucin. Also included are vitamins A and C, which improve renewal processes. A fabric mask from Thailand reduces the number of wrinkles and improves lymphatic drainage. Recommended for the care of oily, problematic and normal skin. Buy a mask from Thailand 38 gr. possible for 40 rubles.
Chinese cream “Golden Snail” helps to moisturize and refresh the skin. Regular use helps protect the skin from adverse environmental conditions. After the first use, the color, structure improves, and pigmentation lightens. You can buy it on Aliexpress, 30 gr. costs 102 rubles.
The magical effect of snail therapy will preserve youthful, fresh skin. You can use ready-made cosmetics or purchase Achatina for home use. Deep hydration and velvety skin will be ensured.
Beneficial properties for the skin
All the beneficial properties of snail secretion are a consequence of the unique ability to restore damaged skin cells:
- reducing the relief of scars, colloidal scars;
- smoothing out acne spots;
- accelerated regeneration of damaged areas: inflammation, acne, cuts;
- exfoliation of cells in areas with increased dryness or dermatitis;
- smoothing out wrinkles caused by insufficient hydration (does not affect age wrinkles!);
- recovery from sunburn;
- superficial hydration and maintaining skin water balance.
