Snail mucus, or the scientific term “snail mucin,” is produced by the epithelial cells of the body. It is part of the mucous glands of almost all living organisms. Shellfish produce mucin, which is involved in the processes of mineralization of the shell and protects the moving body from mechanical damage during movement.
The composition of snail mucin includes many components that play an important role for human health.
- Allatonin.
This substance is formed during the oxidation of uric acid. It is produced by many mammals, in the form of an anti-inflammatory component to heal wounds, and as an astringent related to anesthetics.
This component of snail mucus has a dual property: softening, removing keratinized layers of the skin and stimulator of tissue regeneration. Such properties of allantonin are used in medicine, cosmetology, where it is included it in the composition of drugs, creams and serums. In clinical cases, it is used in the treatment of sunburn and weathered skin. In cosmetology, it is consumed for narrowing pores, softening the skin and tissue regeneration
- Collagen.
This is a protein of a fibrillar nature that forms the connective tissue of the human body. Collagen helps tendons, cartilage, bones and dermis to be elastic and strong.
This protein is widely used in cosmetology. It is a main component of many drugs to help keep human skin supple, elastic, and slow down the appearance of wrinkles.
- Glycolic acid.
This acid has a vegetable origin. It is extracted from green grapes and sugar cane. The mollusk is believed to produce this substance by consuming products containing glycolates.
In a concentrated form, this is a fairly aggressive substance, causing exfoliation of the keratinized layers of the dermis. But since its concentration in the mucus of the mollusk is insignificant, it has no danger.
In cosmetology, this acid is included in peeling, anti-acne, and sebum cleansers.
- Elastin.
Like collagen, elastin is a protein that makes up connective tissue. It takes an active part in the mechanical strength of organs, allowing them to calmly contract (arteries, tendons, skin, lungs). Elastin is used in medicine to combat the loss of elasticity of vital organs. Cosmetologists include this substance in aging skin care products.
- Natural antibiotics.
The mollusk produces substances that help it fight against the pathogenic microorganisms. Therefore, when snails are exposed to human skin, no negative consequences are witnessed.
- Vitamins А, С, Е.
Shellfish produce these vitamins from the food they consume. These elements have a beneficial effect on the human body:
E — protects the dermis from the effects of harmful radicals, reduces inflammation, stimulates healing and moisturizes the skin;
A — moisturizes and normalizes complexion;
C — heal wounds, protecting against viruses and bacteria.
Snail mucus is in demand as a cosmetic product, on the basis of which Korean companies are developing biologically active cosmetics. Now it is in great demand among consumers of both ordinary and spa salons.
Based on the beneficial properties of mollusks, a new product for facial skin care and massage has been introduced into cosmetology. For this, live snails are used, which undergo a certain cleaning and are subsequently placed on problematic areas. In the process of movement, the mollusk produces mucin, which favorably affects the general condition of the skin.
Cosmetology is, probably, the most common industry where the secret of is used.