snail slime facial anyone?
Yes, you read correctly.
Snail slime... on your face... in the name of beauty.
Truth be told, this is not new, snail slime has been used in skin treatments since the time of the Ancient Greeks, in fact, Hippocrates himself recommended the use of crushed snails to relieve inflamed skin.
Today it is a popular addition to many Asian skin care products and the fun doesn't stop there, it is not limited as just an ingredient, you can also enjoy a live snail slime facial, or if having live molluscs secreting their goods whilst sliding along your brow isn't really your thing, then perhaps a heavily laden mucus mask?
Given our use of maggots, leeches and other creatures from the animal world in skin therapy, and the well documented protective action of the substances other species (including humans) secrete, the idea that snail slime is beneficial is realistic.
Snail mucus consists of a complex mix of proteoglycans, glycosaminoglycans, glycoprotein enzymes, hyaluronic acid, copper peptides, antimicrobial peptides, and metal ions (all excellent additions to skincare formulation).
Limited research reports that the slime has been shown to possess antimicrobial activity, acting as a natural antibiotic, and also stimulating many elements of the immune system, including barrier repair and anti-inflammatory action. In addition, small studies have also reported the slime's antioxidant activity and ability to stimulate collagen and elastin production!
Essentially, a snail slime facial may,
replenish moisture
support cell regeneration
combat acne
fight free radical damage
support anti-aging
Not bad hey!
So why not go hang in your back yard after the rain and make friendly with the resident snails? As it turns out, these slippery little suckers have varying mucus from species to species and from snail to snail, chances are your backyard snails will give you nothing more than a reason to wash your face!
Whilst no snails are harmed during the mucus extraction process, I can't imagine they are happy about it. The research is promising, but chances of me having a snail slime facial are not.
For those who are interested in getting their slime on, details are below,
With love,
x L
click on the image to shop slime,
Tony Moly Age-Defying Snail Hydro-Gel Face Mask Sheet
