Just like fashion, beauty trends come and go.
But there’s one ingredient that has proved its worth and is sticking around for the long term: snail mucin.
Once used in ancient Greece for its decongestant and anti-inflammatory properties, it’s more recently become a staple in the K-beauty space.
Now, it’s gone mainstream, cementing its place alongside the likes of collagen, hyaluronic acid and antioxidants as a go-to anti-ageing ingredient.
Harnessing the powers of these slimy superstars, Helices Skincare has formulated a no-fuss, all-natural range of anti-ageing products.
Here’s why you shouldn’t move at a snail’s pace to add them into your skincare routine.
What Is Snail Mucin?
Snail mucin is exactly what it sounds like: it’s the thick slime secreted by snails, that has moisturising, protecting and film-forming properties.
It’s naturally produced and excreted by the tiny gastropods to repair and protect themselves—a property that transfers over to us when we use it in skincare.
Think of the mucin as a mega multi-tasker. Thanks to its naturally occurring elastin and collagen, it deeply moisturises and tones the skin, helping it feel firmer and minimises the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Rich in vitamins A, C and E, snail mucin also has powerful antioxidant properties, to fight free radicals and reduce inflammation. It also contains glycolic acid, a natural exfoliant, to remove dead skin cells and revive the skin for a fresh, glowing complexion.
How Is Snail Mucin Collected?
Typically, mucin is secreted by snails when under stress. However, Helices Skincare uses snail mucin that is obtained without cruelty, with the tiny crawlers treated with the utmost respect.
The snails are born and bred in Italy, on the ‘Cantine Cantile’ farm in the Pollino National Park, Basilicata in the country’s south. The environment is free from industrial settlements, with the snails living and breeding outdoors.
The snail mucin is obtained through a manual stimulation of the snails, with the snail allowed to feed and restore itself to normal life conditions to reduce stress. That means, after the mucin is obtained, the snails are free to return to the open fields, where they are pampered by farmers (what a life).
How Do You Use Snail Mucin?
The six-product range from Helices Skincare is packed with SMP (snail mucin properties).
There’s a Gentle Face Cleanser, suitable for the most sensitive of skin and for use morning and night. It effectively removes makeup and impurities, while leaving skin feeling instantly smooth, refined, and fresh.
Follow up with the Face Cream 24 Hours, which has regenerating and smoothing power. Thanks to the snail mucin, it has a delicate exfoliating action that smooths the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and is perfect as a base underneath makeup to help it last all day.
A super anti-ageing concentrate, the Serum Eyes & Face with Vitamin E Microencapsulated is ideal for use before bed, for radiant and rejuvenated skin.
The superpowers of snail mucin are also used in the brand’s once-a-week Regenerating Mask, the Protecting Hand Cream and the Firming Body Cream, ideal for stretch mark care, to revitalise the appearance of skin and soothe redness and irritation.
Brought to you by Helices Skincare.
