When I'm at the skin care studio, I get asked a lot of advice on various topics from clients. Whether it's regarding skin care, hair removal, nutrition, or latest skin care trends, I'm asked about it.
Today I was doing a skin care treatment for one of my regular clients and we started talking about the latest skin care trends. She asked me if I had heard about people putting snails on their skin. I laughed and thought that she was joking, but she insisted that it was a real thing. I needed to learn more about this.
Google: "Snail Skin Care Treatments"
First thing that popped up was that Katie Holmes Uses Snail Slime To Keep Her Skin In Top Condition. Could this really be a new trend in skin care? I had to find out.
According to the Daily Mail, Holmes has been using products that contain snail slime, or mucin, to treat hyperpigmentation, fight acne, and beat wrinkles.
"Snail slime - or, technically, Helix Aspersa Müller Glycoconjugates - is a complex mix of proteins, glycolic acids and elastin that nature developed as a way to protect snail skin from damage of rocks, twigs, and other rough surfaces; infection, and UV rays."
Though I don't condone us harming snails for the purpose of beauty products, we could be on to something here. I remember when I was a kid and I'd play with snails (yes, I played with snails), the snail mucus that would be on my skin would make that area of my skin feel tight -- Almost like how a serum assists in firming up sagging skin.
Apparently this out-of-the-ordinary skin care ingredient isn't anything new. Products in Korea and Africa have been using this ingredient for years. Products in the U.S. are starting to surface containing snail mucus, and Hippocrates in Ancient Greece would crush snails and use it to reduce erythema.
Perhaps this new trend will become as popular as those little fish that eat away dead skin during pedicures? I don't think I'll be adding this to my menu of services any time soon.
Watch a "Snail Facial" in Japan.
Visit my website and schedule your appointment with me today! (No, I don't offer Snail Skin Care lol)
