Snail serum, also known as snail mucin or snail secretion filtrate (SFF), is a cosmetic ingredient derived from the slime that snails produce when they move. This slime is a complex mix of antimicrobial peptides, hyaluronic acid, glycolic acid, proteoglycans, vitamins, proteins, enzymes, iron, and zinc, which increase hydration, improve skin texture, and keep the skin rejuvenated.
This article explores the benefits of adding snail serum to your beauty routine and highlights the changes your skin might experience when you use this serum.
Reasons to Add Snail Serum to Your Beauty Routine
1: It’s Effective in Treating Acne
Snail serum can treat existing acne. It contains antimicrobial properties, which help treat acne breakouts by keeping acne-causing bacteria at bay. It also contains glycolic acid, which prevents acne breakouts by unclogging pores and removing dead skin.
2: It Hydrates the Skin
Snail serum contains hyaluronic acid, which attracts large amounts of water molecules to the outer layer of the skin, keeping it hydrated.
Hyaluronic acid can hold up to fifty times its weight in water, so when applied on dry skin, it absorbs moisture like a sponge, leaving the skin feeling hydrated.
3: Lightens Acne Scars
The epidermis suffers a huge blow during acne breakouts. Clogged pores produce blackheads, whiteheads, or pimples, which leave behind light red, brown, or black spots after healing.
It is here that snail serum comes to the rescue. Snail serum contains allantoin, an active ingredient that repairs the damage caused by acne and lightens acne scars by shading dead skin cells and stimulating the regeneration of new cells.
4: Fades Hyperpigmentation
Hyperpigmentation occurs when excess melanin develops in some areas of the skin. Excess melanin creates patches or spots that look gray, brown, or black. These areas can be itchy or painful and can make your skin look dull.
Snail serum has anti melanogenic properties that inhibit melanin production, thereby fading hyperpigmentation. This, combined with the glycolic acid in the serum, exfoliates and removes dark skin cells, revealing an even-skin tone underneath.
5: Helps Get Rid of Stretch Marks
Snail serum is a miracle product for removing stretch marks. Snail slime contains collagen, which increases skin elasticity. Apart from increasing skin elasticity, collagen penetrates deep into the dermis to treat existing stretch marks and prevents the formation of new stretch marks.
6: Has Anti-Aging Properties
Snail serum has anti-aging properties. As you age, your skin produces less elastin and collagen, two proteins that provide strength, structure, and elasticity.
Snail serum is rich in proteins that can help stimulate elastin and collagen production, which help the skin regain its resilience and give it a plump look. Moreover, the antioxidants in snail serum prevent free radicals from overpowering your skin and triggering oxidative stress, leaving you with younger-looking skin.
7: Delivers Important Minerals and Vitamins
Snail serum is packed with good-for-your-skin nutrients, such as antimicrobial peptides, copper peptides, hyaluronic acid, glycolic acid, vitamins A and E, proteins (elastin and collagen), antioxidants, enzymes, zinc, and iron.
These nutrients work together to repair the skin barrier, remove dead cells from the face, fade dark spots and hyperpigmentation, hydrate the skin, and give your skin a young shine.
8: Suitable for All Skin Types
Snail serum is suitable for all skin types. It is also safe for sensitive or acne-prone skin, as well as pregnant or nursing mothers.
9: It Does Wonders for Your Skin
According to a study by the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), participants reported that after applying snail serum on the face twice a day for four weeks, they experienced drastic improvements in skin elasticity, wrinkles and fine lines, dermal density, skin tightening, and skin tone.
Side Effects of Using Snail Serum
There is no known evidence that snail serum may negatively interact with the skin. Before you add snail serum to your beauty routine, test a small amount of the product on the inside of your forearm before applying the product on your entire face.
If you are on a prescription-strength treatment, ensure that you speak to your dermatologist before adding snail serum to your skincare routine.
How to Use Snail Serum in Skincare
You can use snail serum once (morning or night) or twice (morning and night) a day. Apply a thin, light layer of the serum to the full face right after cleansing and toning. Then, top it off with moisturizer and sunscreen.
Snail Serum: A Literal Game Changer
Snail serum is a game-changer for your skin. This one product treats acne, hydrates the skin, lightens acne scars, fades hyperpigmentation, and helps remove stretch marks. It also has anti-aging properties, delivers important minerals and vitamins, and is suitable for all skin types.
If you are looking for a natural ingredient to help treat any of the above conditions, you cannot go wrong with snail serum. Add it to your beauty routine and enjoy the many benefits it has to offer.