For which skin are creams with snail mucin useful and how to apply them correctly to achieve instant results?

1. What is mucin
2. How is mucin obtained?
3. Interesting facts about mucin
4. Composition of mucin
5. Properties of mucin
6. Is mucin dangerous for humans?
7. Top 5 Korean products with mucin
8. Rules for using products with mucin

Korean cosmetics are known for ingredients that seem strange to Europeans. One of them is snail mucin, a mucus secreted by mollusks under the slightest stress. Thanks to the discovered beneficial properties, the substance began to be widely used in cosmetology. What determines the effect of mucin on the epidermis and which Korean remedies have gained the most popularity? Let’s consider further

How is mucin obtained?

For the production of medicinal and cosmetic products, the mucus of edible gastropod species is used. More often, grape snails (Helix pomatia), giant Achatina (Achatina fulica), and a delicious Mediterranean mollusk (Helix aspersa) are grown for this purpose. To extract mucus on an industrial scale, snails are raised on farms and kept in very good conditions.

There are two ways to collect mucus, depending on the type of shellfish being grown and the organization of the technological process. Before collecting mucus and after snails are washed

1. The first is stressful - the snails are released to crawl on a vibrating grid, which irritates the sole of the foot and stimulates increased production and secretion of secretions.
2. The second, according to the manufacturer, is gentle - the mollusks are placed in a kind of rotating drums and lightly shaken.

The isolated secretion is collected with water, filtered and thoroughly cleaned of impurities in a centrifuge.

Both processes do not harm the donor snails. They are then placed back in their habitat to rest. On average, snails live on farms for up to 10 years, which indicates good care.

Precautionary measures

If this is your first time trying snail cream, use it on a small area of ​​skin to check for allergic reactions. Remember that the cream contains mucus secreted by snails - something your body probably hasn't come into contact with. Most companies that make snail cream recommend using the cream for two weeks to experience the full benefits.

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.

Facial massage procedure with snails

Exotic procedures using mucin are usually carried out in beauty salons under the supervision of specialists. Achatina snails used for cosmetic purposes must be active, healthy and grown in special conditions. The most effective and expensive procedure is Cochlear massage.

The procedure is as follows: the patient’s facial skin is wiped with a cotton swab moistened with a large amount of milk. Several snails are placed, allowing them to move freely over the entire surface of the face and coat it with healing mucin. Then the snails are removed from the skin and you need to wait 15-20 minutes until the mucin is absorbed into the skin. After the substance has completely dried, the face should be washed with warm water. The sensations may not be the best, but incredible softness and tenderness of the skin are guaranteed.

There is another method of treating the face with black snail mucin. Mucin is prepared in advance and pure mucin is applied to the skin or added to cosmetic masks made mainly from natural ingredients (for example, Korean snail face mask and clay).

Composition of mucin

Considering mucin from the point of view of organic chemistry, we can say that it is a complex protein based on a glycoprotein. 90% of snail mucin consists of water, but the most valuable and useful is the remaining 10%.

Valuable ingredients that determine the use of mucin in cosmetology:

1. Copper peptides - reduce the severity of skin folds and accelerate regeneration. Allantoin is an enzyme thanks to which snail mucin has become widely used in cosmetology and medicine for healing wounds, eliminating scars. Slows down the aging process, actively eliminates acne and post-acne, removes free radicals.
2. Glycosaminoglycans are mucopolysaccharides that have a complex moisturizing, strengthening and stimulating effect on the production of elastin and collagen.
3. Hyaluronic acid is an actively moisturizing component. It is this that prevents the snail’s body from drying out when exposed to sunlight.
4. Glycolic acid is an alpha-hydroxy acid that penetrates deeply into the dermis and has a transporting property, delivering beneficial substances to the deep layers. Triggers the natural exfoliation process
5. Elastin and collagen are substances in snail mucus that are almost identical to those produced by the human body.
6. Antimicrobial peptides - suppress pathogenic microflora, prevent the occurrence of bacterial infections, stop the development and stop the existing inflammatory process.
7. Antioxidants - vitamins A, E, C. Tocopherol (E) - the vitamin of youth, retinol (A) - eliminates inflammation and hyperpigmentation, evens out the relief and complexion, ascorbic acid (C) - prevents photoaging, fights dullness and paleness of the skin.

Every year, the cosmetics market is replenished with new products based on a unique substance.

Hydrogel masks

Despite the effectiveness of fabric masks, they have one drawback - the inability to adhere tightly to the skin. Because of this, quite a lot of nutrients remain on the matter. Hydrogel masks do not have this drawback. Their jelly-like texture provides better adhesion to the skin and enhances the absorption of active substances.

Effective hydrogel face masks with snail extract:

• Tony Moly Intense Care Snail Hydro-gel Mask. The product consists almost entirely of mucus. This mask evens out the microrelief and moisturizes the skin, and also eliminates age spots. Price - 500 rubles.

• Holika Holika Prime Youth Black Snail Repair Hydro-gel. This anti-aging mask contains black snail secretion, ginseng stem cells, hyaluronate and hydrolyzed collagen. The use of this product allows you to moisturize the skin, smooth out wrinkles and tighten the oval. Price - 350 rubles.
• Esfolio Hydrogel Snail Mask. The mask reduces pigmentation, helps eliminate scars and cell regeneration. Regular use of this product gives the epidermis radiance and elasticity. Price - 320 rubles.

Properties of mucin

The main actions that snail mucin has on the skin, and thanks to which it is widely used in cosmetology.

1. Regenerating - thanks to its unique properties, it triggers reparative processes in the epidermis. Accelerates the healing of burns, wounds, microcracks, scratches. Effectively eliminates scars, spots and marks from acne, keloids. Prevents the appearance of stretch marks.
2. Anti-inflammatory - relieves inflammation and prevents the proliferation of pathogens during rashes, acne, skin infections, narrows enlarged pores. Relieves irritation, redness and itching due to dermatitis
3. Moisturizing - saturates the deep layers of the dermis with moisture, thereby evening out the microrelief, increasing skin turgor and elasticity.
4. Anti-aging - has an antioxidant and exfoliating effect, stimulates the production of your own collagen and elastin, evens out existing skin and prevents the appearance of new skin wrinkles and wrinkles, and prevents photoaging.
5. Protective - protects against UV exposure, neutralizes the effects of low and high temperatures, and prevents weathering.

Thanks to its complex effects, it improves the overall condition of the skin, evens out the tone and complexion. Products with snail mucin, when used regularly, help solve skin problems.

What's happened

The snail's mucus serves to protect its vulnerable body, the shell, from external influences. Helps prevent abrasions, destroys bacteria, accelerates wound healing. Reliably protects against ultraviolet radiation.

Multiple beneficial features of snail mucus give reason to consider its effect beneficial for the human epidermis.

The main component of snail mucus is mucin. A viscous substance added to cosmetic products gives them stickiness and viscousness.

Mucin contains the following components: hyaluronic acid, copper peptides, elastin. They are often added to cosmetics as independent ingredients.

The gastropod has two types of mucus. One stands out on the surface of her path. A shiny stripe can be traced behind it, along which the trajectory of movement is visible. The second, serving as protection, covers the entire body.

Snail mucus performs certain functions. With its help, the snail crawls along a rough surface without damage. Distracts the attention of enemies who want to dine. Helps to find a representative of its individual for reproduction. Makes it easy to return home.

A thick mucous layer allows the snail to hold tightly to a variety of surfaces, sticking. We often see “climbers” crawling on walls and plants.

Of greater interest in cosmetology is the second mucus that covers the snail's body - protective.

Its quantity increases when the mollusk is in a stressful situation or danger.

In cosmetology, snail mucus is super popular.

Is mucin dangerous for humans?

Snail mucin is more than in demand in cosmetology. But, like any component, it has contraindications, including individual intolerance to snail protein, a tendency to allergic reactions

When choosing mucus-based cosmetics, cosmetologists recommend conducting an allergy test. To do this, a small amount of cream is applied to the back of the forearm and a possible reaction is observed.

The advantage of Korean cosmetics with mucin is that most manufacturers produce small-volume testers for their products at a nominal cost. If you have a tendency to allergic reactions, you can purchase a “sampler” for testing.

How and what kind of Achatina snails are used in cosmetology

All representatives of the Achatina family have healing and rejuvenating properties, but for cosmetic procedures they use those grown in captivity. Collecting snails from nature and using them as cosmetologists is prohibited.

Most often, Achatina fulica or Achatina reticulata are used in cosmetology; these mollusks do not require special care, are omnivorous and sociable.

Achatina snails were first used in cosmetology in Japan. This is how a new cosmetic procedure appeared - snail therapy. Cosmetologists use Achatina snail mucus as the main ingredient for skin care. Using it for masks and creams. Recipes for masks made from Achatina mucus.

The mucus is absorbed quickly by the skin and does not leave a greasy residue.

The second direction in snail therapy was Achatina massage. The snail not only massages the skin, but also cleanses it of dead cells; snail mucus promotes healing, regeneration and rejuvenation.

Top 5 Korean products with mucin

Consly Snail Regenerating & Moisturizing Cleansing Foam - effective cleansing and restoration

Cost from 222 rubles.

Advantages:

• foams well;
• effectively removes sebum and cosmetics;
• feeling of moisturized skin;
• pleasant aroma;
• economical consumption.

Flaws:

• not detected.

The revitalizing foam for washing from the budget series has won a lot of positive reviews. The product with a thick creamy consistency creates a lush, rich foam, deeply cleanses pores, carefully removes makeup residues, sebum and impurities without drying out the skin. Thanks to snail mucin, it restores, evens out tone, moisturizes and minimizes post-acne marks. Suitable for all skin types.

Esthetic House Gold and Snail Hydrogel Eye Patch - neutralizes signs of fatigue

Cost from 1100 rubles.

Advantages:

• quick effect;
• excellent quality and composition;
• anatomically convenient shape;
• reliable packaging.

Flaws:

• not found

Hydrogel patches with snail mucus extract and colloidal gold quickly eliminate symptoms of stress, sleepless nights, and fatigue. Relieves puffiness, dark circles, smoothes and nourishes the skin around the eyes, effectively moisturizes, fills cells with oxygen and has a rejuvenating effect. Suitable for all skin types after 25 years. The set includes a convenient spatula for carefully removing patches from the container.

Farm Stay Escargot Noblesse Intensive Ampoule – moisturizing, smoothing, tightening pores

Cost from 1250 rubles.

Advantages:

• noticeable result;
• natural composition;
• large volume;
• price for 250 ml.

Flaws:

• none.

Ampoule serum with a high concentration of useful components, combining three products - serum, tonic and emulsion in one bottle. In addition to mucin, it contains eight plant extracts, galactomyces, adenosine and hyaluronic acid. In the shortest possible time, it restores and regenerates epidermal cells, nourishes and saturates with moisture, vitamins and nutrients, rejuvenates and smoothes the microrelief. Increases elasticity and firmness, visibly tightens the skin and lightens pigmentation.

Snail Soothing Gel The Saem - a combination of mucin and aloe vera for the most sensitive skin

Cost from 599 rubles.

Advantages:

• universal for face and body;
• light texture;
• excellent moisturizing and skin tightening effect;
• large volume;
• economical.

Flaws:

• no dosing blade included.

Soothing gel for all skin types, suitable for use on the face and body. It copes well with its stated objectives - soothes irritated skin, relieves inflammation, starts the regeneration process, tightens and rejuvenates the skin. Users noted a very light texture that is easy to apply and spread over the skin, a pleasant aroma and economical consumption. The product has been included in many ratings for its optimal combination of quality, effectiveness, volume and cost.

SCINIC Snail Matrix Cream - no chance for wrinkles

Cost from 1050 rubles.

Advantages:

• light texture;
• no sticky film after application;
• without smell;
• perfectly moisturizes and tightens the oval of the face

Flaws:

• No.

Cream with a lifting effect, 23% snail mucin content, hyaluronic acid, shea butter, macadmia and almond oils, aloe extract. In addition to plant extracts, it contains epidermal growth factor (EGF), peptides, adenosine - the product perfectly moisturizes, tightens pores, tightens the oval of the face, evens out the tone and makes the skin radiant.

Rules for using products with mucin

How to properly use mucin-based cosmetics, and who needs it. Cosmetologists recommend products for any skin type with existing problems such as dryness, aging, rashes and acne, which is prone to irritation and inflammation. But each skin type requires a different consistency and percentage of the active substance: oily and combination in the form of a gel, age-related, normal and sensitive - creamy texture. The highest percentage is used in anti-aging creams.

A few recommendations to follow.

1. The cream is applied in a thin layer, since snail secretions in large quantities stimulate the production of sebum and the appearance of an oily sheen.
2. Products with mucin are not used as a base for makeup for oily skin types.
3. Well, the main thing is that snail mucin has a cumulative effect. If it is necessary to achieve a lasting effect, the gel or cream is used on a regular basis for at least two months.

Snail mucin extract copes well with its tasks. Korean manufacturers produce a lot of products for various skin types against existing problems. The effect of cosmetic products varies due to additional components of the composition and the percentage of active substance. Thanks to this, you can choose cosmetics with guaranteed effectiveness even for the most demanding skin type.

Indications and contraindications

Snail compositions are recommended to be used to improve the structure and external condition of problem skin, to slow down the processes of skin aging.

Indications for use:

• drying and peeling of the skin;
• excessive pigmentation, but not very intense;
• irritation;
• the appearance of signs of fatigue, painful skin appearance;
• cutaneous hypovitaminosis, accompanied by lethargy and flabbiness of the integument.

Snail compositions are hypoallergenic, there are almost no contraindications.

You should not use snail masks only in the following cases:

• with rosacea;
• if you have eczema and open wounds on your face;
• during the rehabilitation period after a surgical procedure.