There's nothing very glamorous about it, and we certainly wouldn't consider using it to take care of our beauty... And yet, snail slime does wonders for our skin! Let's take a closer look at this underestimated gift from Mother Nature.

It may no longer be a secret to you: you've probably already heard about the incredible benefits of snail slime, both for the little gastropod and for us humans.

Snail slime, a major beauty ally

A few decades ago, snail slime was subtly introduced into our beauty routines, and has become a must-have for treating skin problems, as well as reducing stretch marks and scars. In fact, the viscous trail secreted by the little shellfish is said to have powerful virtues for regenerating problem skin and providing beautiful skin!

This is hardly surprising when you consider that the snail uses its own slime to repair minor injuries (including potential cracks in its shell).

But why? Snail slime contains a host of regenerating active ingredients, including glycolic acid, which boosts cell renewal, and vitamins E, A and C, which have a powerful antioxidant effect. Collagen softens the skin, but above all, elastin and allantoin in profusion for supple, reinforced skin.

What are the well-known benefits of snail slime?

To make things clearer, it's a good idea to list all the benefits that snail slime can bring to cosmetics. Among other things, snail slime helps to : 

• La cicatrisation (idéale pour les cicatrices d' acné) 
• Skin repair
• Regeneration
• Anti-wrinkle prevention
• boost radiance
• Reinforce the skin's protective barrier
• Skin hydration
• Improve skin's appearance regardless of skin type
• Soften skin 

The benefits are legion, and if you study the matter in depth, you'll discover even more! The benefits of this unappetizing substance have been exploited for centuries in Asian and South American countries. In Chilli, for example, women use snail slime directly from the source, placing the little one on their face and letting it do all the work... Obviously, this practice is regulated and no harm is done to the snails.

In France, snail farms dedicated exclusively to cosmetics production have sprung up. Snail slime is extracted in a healthy and respectful way, so it stays fresh and doesn't lose any of its active ingredients!

Snail slime, a valuable ingredient in the fight against acne

You've probably heard of snail slime as a treatment for acne. It was even all the rage a few years ago. Obviously, this natural method is not for the most severe cases, which require personalized medical follow-up. However, snail slime can be very useful when it comes to treating more or less superficial skin lesions.

Why is it so popular for treating skin problems such as acne?

Thanks to its reparative, healing and regenerative properties, snail mucus boosts cell renewal (and therefore the healing process), making it easier for skin lesions to heal. With its high allantoin content, snail slime purifies the skin, creating a less-than-friendly environment for the formation of pimples and other imperfections. It's this beneficial cocktail that makes it such a great ingredient for anti-imperfection cosmetics. Of course, snail slime won't totally eradicate acne; it's a supportive and preventive treatment that requires a certain amount of diligence. But I promise you, the results are very satisfying!

Focus on Allantoin, the key active ingredient in snail slime

Allantoin is an organic or plant-based chemical compound, generally found in the amniotic fluid of mammals, in the urine of certain animals, and of course, in snail slime. It has rich, softening, moisturizing and repairing properties, and helps maintain the hydrolipidic film for supple, soft skin. When highly concentrated, allantoin is used to treat aggravated skin problems such as eczema, psoriasis and even burns and wounds!

On the active side, it helps eliminate dead skin cells from the epidermis. It is this elimination action that helps skin regain its softness. The reason it's so popular is that it's suitable for all skin types (ideal for dry skin), acting as a kind of universal treatment. There are no real contraindications to its use. In addition to its presence in snail slime, it can also be found as a solitary active ingredient in the form of a powder to be added to cosmetic preparations.

How to choose your snail slime routine?

When it comes to including snail slime in your routine, the choice is wide. Beauty brands are increasingly using this ingredient in their cosmetics, and it's easy to see why.

Snail slime can be found in day and night creams, for deeply nourished and moisturized skin all day long. We also like it as a serum, where its action is more concentrated to penetrate deep into the epidermal layers and improve skin texture. Serums are ideal for those seeking a boosted anti-aging effect. Increasingly, snail slime is finding its way into everyday cosmetics such as micellar waters (for soft, cleansed skin), soaps and shampoos (for a healthy scalp).

In short, snail slime is an ingredient that takes care of us in general, a real must-have on your beauty shelf if you haven't already... And to take your routine a step further, you can combine these treatments with facial yoga exercises or kobido massages, and finish off with a dose of lip balm for a complete facial treatment.