Is Snail Mucin Good For Dehydrated Skin? Top 4 Benefits You Should Know

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When I first heard of snail mucin my reaction was, “Huh! I’d never put that on my face!” But not long after, I discovered that snail mucin is a celebrity in the K-beauty industry. The ingredient is used in a variety of ways, from creams to serums and moisturizers.

But is snail mucin good for dehydrated skin?

Yes, snail mucin is an excellent ingredient for dehydrated skin. As you age, your skin might lose its ability to retain moisture. Snail mucin combats this by attracting water and hydrating the skin. It contains hyaluronic acid, polyphenols, and GAGs which strengthen the moisture barrier of the skin.

If you’re still wondering whether snail mucin is worth the hype, let us clear your doubts. In this article, you will discover the benefits of snail mucin, how 

What Is Snail Mucin? An Overview 

Let’s start with the basics first: what is snail mucin? It’s a popular skincare ingredient that was first used in K-beauty products but has now made its way to skincare stores across the US. 

Basically, snail mucin is the secretion from snails. The slimy substance is released when snails are disturbed. Snails secrete the thick fluid to protect themselves. This means snail mucin is a non-vegan substance. 

But what does it have to do with skincare? Snail mucin is said to contain ingredients that are beneficial for the skin. It’s made of elements such as allantoin, antioxidants, hyaluronic acid, glycosaminoglycans, zinc, and manganese. 

How is Snail Mucin Extracted? Let’s Know The Process

Large batches of snails are bred commercially by skincare brands. Several methods are used to stimulate mucin production by agitating snails. Snail secretions are harvested and filtered to get rid of any impurities. The refining process results in a purified form of snail mucin which is used in various formulations by skincare brands. 

Note: The procedure written above is a general production process. Not all brands use the same extraction process. 

Is Snail Mucin Safe for Dehydrated Skin? Skin Care Secrets 

Yes, snail mucin is perfectly safe to use on the skin. Although there isn’t enough scientific evidence to prove whether the substance is safe for the skin, there have barely been any cases of adverse reactions to the product. 

So, it’s safe to use on dehydrated skin. However, you must also consider the type of snail that brands are using to extract snail mucin. Most skincare brands use garden snails which are safe for the skin. 

What Are the Benefits of Snail Mucin for Skin? 

The idea of smearing a slimy substance from a snail on my face seemed absurd to me until I discovered the benefits of snail mucin. From hydrating the skin to boosting collagen production, snail mucin is packed with elements that improve overall skin health. 

Snail mucin has won the hearts of many, first in Korea and now all over the world, because of its visible benefits. ~Desai Solomon, MD (Board-certified dermatologist in Raleigh-Durham)

What are the benefits of snail mucin for the skin? Let’s discover: 

Top 4 benefits Of Snail Mucin for Skin:

1. Improves Moisture Retention

The skin loses its ability to retain water due to several factors such as age, hormonal imbalance, or over-exfoliation. Dehydrated skin loses water more quickly than healthy skin. This trans-epidermal water loss makes the skin appear dull and saggy. 

Snail mucin contains countless elements that improve the moisture retention capabilities of dehydrated skin. Glycosaminoglycans found in snail mucin, attract moisture, keeping the skin hydrated, supple, and fresh. 

2. Boosts Collagen Production

Snail mucin is a popular ingredient in anti-aging creams and serums because of the large amounts of collagen present in the secretions. Plus, studies have shown that snail mucin boosts collagen production. 

Collagen is a protein that maintains the skin’s elasticity, preventing it from sagging, and giving it a young and fresh look. ~ Dr. Ohara Aivaz (Board-Certified Cosmetic & Medical Dermatologist)

3. Soothes Irritated Skin

Redness, pimples, itching, and scars are all signs of irritated skin. Finding all-in-one skin care products that soothe inflamed skin, moisturize dehydrated skin, and boast anti-aging properties is very rare. But snail mucin is one of a kind! 

Snail secretions are rich in allantoin, a chemical compound that is known for its skin-soothing properties. It heals inflamed skin and reduces redness. 

Allantoin is recommended for patients who suffer from dry, inflamed, or irritated skin. ~ Dr. Jarrod Frank (Celebrity dermatologist in NYC) 

4. Reduces Scarring 

Snail mucin contains both collagen and allantoin, ingredients that heal and hydrate the skin. collagen heals inflamed skin while allantoin supports the cell regeneration process, helping your acne-prone skin heal. A study conducted on rats found that snail mucin speeds up the healing process. Therefore, the slimy substance can heal wounded skin. 

How to Use Snail Mucin for Dehydrated Skin?

Yow won’t find snail mucin independently at your local drugstore. Instead, you will have to search for serums and creams that are formulated with the fluid. 

Serums and creams usually contain other ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, ginseng, etc. alongside snail mucin. 

You will have to incorporate snail mucin-based products into your skincare routine depending on the product type. 

For instance, you could use a snail mucin serum following your toner or before you apply moisturizer. If you’re using a snail mucin moisturizer, you must apply it after using a serum. 

Tip: A general skincare rule is to apply the lightest products before using moisturizers. 

FAQs:

1. Is it okay to use snail mucin if I have acne?

Yes, snail mucin is okay to use on acne-prone skin. The substance is lightweight and boasts antimicrobial properties which means snail mucin doesn’t clog pores and speeds up the acne healing process because of its anti-inflammatory properties.

2. How often should I use snail mucin?

Snail mucin can be used once or twice a day. You could combine the fluid with vitamin C, glycolic acid, and retinol to maximize benefits for your dehydrated skin. 

3. Can I use snail mucin on oily skin?

Snail mucin is an ideal ingredient for oily skin because the substance is water-based, meaning it will moisturize your skin without congesting your pores. It improves the moisture-retention capabilities of the skin while protecting it. 

4. Can I mix snail mucin and hyaluronic acid? 

Yes, you can mix snail mucin and hyaluronic acid. In fact, combining the two ingredients soothes the skin and improves moisture retention of the skin. 

Final Verdict

If it were to improve my skin health, I would be willing to try anything, even slimy excretions from snails! Snail mucin provides several benefits such as improving the skin’s texture, hydrating abilities, skin elasticity, and much more!

I hope I have solved your queries related to snail mucin and convinced you to try out the magical substance for yourself!