The ancient Greeks first started using snail slime to heal wounds and skin inflammations. It was Hippocrates who first recommended crushed nails for wounds and inflammation.
However, Chilean farmers, who worked with snails for the French food market, were the first to notice the positive effects of snail slime to the skin. They noticed that their hands become smoother, wounds healed faster and with no visible scars.
Snail slime contains various proteins, elastin and glycolic acids and mainly acts as to protect the snail from injuries. It helps the snail’s skin heal faster and serves as UV protection as well. The technical term for snail slime is Helix Aspersa Müller Glycoconjugates.
These farmers then launched a beauty product containing snail slime, called Elicina. This snail cream has now been in the market for 18 years. Since this initial product came out, many manufacturers followed suit and launched their own snail slime products as well.
Here are some of the well-known beauty products containing snail slime in them:
Missha Super Aqua Cell Renew Snail Cream
Missha is a Korean brand selling beauty and skincare products. The company launched their Super Aqua Cell Renew Snail Cream in 2010. They claim that it contain 70 percent snail extract. Their snail cream helps regenerate aged skin, soother dryness and heals skin. It sells for $45.
ReVive Intensite Line Erasing Serum
The main ingredient of this luxury beauty product is cone snail venom from freshwater snails. This anti-aging product helps prevent the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles because it relaxes muscle fibers. The ReVive Intensite Line Erasing Serum sells for a hefty $600 per bottle.
It’s Skin PRESTIGE crème d’escargot
It’s Skin’s PRESTIGE d’escargot has been so successful, it is now a full line of skincare products. Apart from the classic snail cream, it now includes face mask, toner, lotion, and foam cleanser. It also has a line of skincare products for men. The products’ main ingredient is Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF) and 21 percent snail mucus. It hastens cell growth for faster tissue repair and cell renewal.
Un-Wrinkle Fast Acting Serum by Peter Thomas Roth
Peter Thomas Roth also came out with his own skincare product containing snail mucus. Just like ReVive’s serum, Un-Wrinkle Fast Acting Serum contains 5 percent cone snail venom that helps minimizes fine lines and prevents wrinkles. It also contains diamond dusts and various neuropeptides. A 30 ml bottle costs around $120.
Skin and beauty care can be quite expensive. Many people, especially women, are willing to go under the knife just to keep their face and body ageless. However, you do not have to undergo surgery and other invasive procedures. You can start hunting and experimenting for the right products that will eventually become your maintenance as you age. Try to consider beauty products with snail slime. It may sound unappealing but it does not really matter as long as it works.
Photo credit: Alibaba.com
