SNAIL SLIME AGAINST THE DAMAGES OF THE SUN
It is important to emphasize that the best preventative measure against sun damage is adequate sun protection. This involves the use of sun creams with a high protection factor (SPF), the wearing of protective clothing and the avoidance of hours of strong solar irradiation, generally between 12 p.m. and 4 p.m. These key measures are undoubtedly the ones that best protect the skin against the harmful effects of the sun.
However, even taking these precautions, it is still possible to suffer from sunburn or dry skin. And in this case, snail slime offers many scientifically proven benefits to relieve skin that has been overexposed. Discover in this article, the wonderful cosmetic activities of snail slime that have been shown to relieve skin that has suffered aggression from the sun.
Soothes irritation and redness caused by the sun
Snail slime has soothing properties that help relieve irritation and redness caused by sun exposure. Its anti-inflammatory effect, resulting from the combined action of different proteins and vitamins, neutralizes free radicals that damage cells and trigger inflammation (Naruke et al. 2021; Nakajima et al. 2014). After prolonged exposure to the sun, hydration of the skin is essential. Snail slime is renowned for its moisturizing properties, which helps restore moisture to sun-dried skin.
Neutralizes free radicals
Mucus contains antioxidant activities such as superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione-S-transferase (GST) activity. These antioxidants are substances that protect cells from damage caused by free radicals or reactive oxygen species. SODs act as antioxidants and protect cellular components against oxidation (Cristiano et al. 2021). In addition, snail slime, via the synergy of these numerous bioactive molecules, in particular glycolic acid, allantoin, elastin and collagen, makes it possible to reduce the damage caused by free radicals. (Laneri et al. 2019; Tsakanova et al. 2021)
Repairs skin damage caused by UV rays
Compounds found in snail slime such as hemocyanin, actin, allantoin, peptides and vitamins promote cell regeneration and help repair skin damage caused by the sun, such as sunburn or the loss of essential fatty acids which promotes the appearance of dry skin. Snail mucus has been shown to be restorative due to its emollient, antimicrobial and adhesive properties. In fact, snail slime extract is commonly used successfully to treat burn re-epithelialization in adults (Greistorfer et al. 2017; Pitt SJ et al. 2015; Tsoutsos et al. 2009).
Promotes cell regeneration and protects against oxidation
Helix aspersa mucus is also a natural shield against summer aggressions, it helps eliminate dead skin cells, reduce fine lines and wrinkles. The keratolytic effect is based on its ability to dissolve intercellular bonds and facilitate the exfoliation of dead skin cells. It then stimulates cell renewal by increasing the production of collagen and elastin. To produce its regenerative effects on the skin, mucus increases the migration and expression of cell-cell and cell-substrate adhesion molecules in fibroblasts and keratinocyte cells. (Liudmyla et al., 2022; Adikwu et al., 2008)
In conclusion, snail slime and our helicotherapy treatments offer a natural and scientifically proven solution to relieve skin that has been exposed to the sun during the summer. Its soothing, anti-inflammatory, restorative, regenerating, antioxidant and moisturizing properties make it a valuable ingredient throughout your summer.
Sources:
[1] Naruke A., Nakano R., Nunomura J., Suwabe Y., Nakano M., Namba S., Kitanaka T., Kitanaka N., Sugiya H., Nakayama T. Tpl2 contributes to IL-1beta-induced IL-8 expression via ERK1/2 activation in canine dermalfibroblasts. PLOS ONE. 2021;16:e0259489.
[2] Nakajima S., Kitoh A., Egawa G., Natsuaki Y., Nakamizo S., Moniaga CS, Otsuka A., Honda T., Hanakawa S., Amano W., et al. IL-17A as an inducer for Th2 immune responses in murine atopic dermatitis models. J. Investig. Dermatol. 2014;134:2122–2130.
[3] Cristiano L, Guagni M. Zooceuticals and Cosmetic Ingredients Derived from Animals. Cosmetics. 2022;9(1):1-14. https://doi.org/10.3390/cosmetics9010013
[4] Laneri S, Lorenzo RD, Sacchi A, Dini I. Dosage of bioactive molecules in the nutricosmeceutical Helix aspersa muller mucus and formulation of new cosmetic cream with moisturizing effect. Nat Prod Common. 2019;14(8). https://doi.org/10.1177%2F1934578X19868606
[5] Tsakanova G, Ayvazyan V, Arakelova E, et al. Helix pomatia albumen gland water soluble protein extract as powerful antiaging agent. Exp Gerontol. 2021;146:111244. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.exger.2021.111244
[6] Greistorfer S., Klepal W., Cyran N., Gugumuck A., Rudoll L., Suppan J., von Byern J. Snail mucus-glandular origin and composition in Helix pomatia. Zoology (Jena) 2017;122:126–138.
[7] Pitt SJ, Graham MA, Dedi CG, Taylor-Harris PM, Gunn A. Antimicrobial properties of mucus from the brown garden snail Helix aspersa. Br.J. Biomed. Science. 2015;72
[8] Tsoutsos D., Kakagia D., Tamparopoulos K. The efficacy of Helix aspersa Muller extract in the healing of partial thickness burns: A novel treatment for open burn management protocols. J. Dermatology. Treat. 2009;20:219–222.
[9] Liudmyla K, Olena C, Nadiia S. Chemical properties of Helix aspersa mucus as a component of cosmetics and pharmaceutical products. Materials Today: Proceedings. 2022;62(15):7650-7653. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.matpr.2022.02.217
[10] Adikwu, MU Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria Email: adikwum@yahoo.com Phone: 2348034378988
