Snail slime? Yes you read that correctly.
I've been testing out a new 10 step Korean skincare routine which I'll review later this month (going to give it a full six weeks before a review) and part of that includes face masks. Sheet masks have been a very popular part of Korean skincare sales.
On to the Snail Slime Mask....
Supposedly snail mucin is harvested by placing snails on a mesh and letting them roam and slime around. Snails were first prescribed in ancient Greece for skin inflammation. Since then, snails have been used for skincare all over the world, but mostly in South Korea. Doctors claim that snail mucin will do nothing for deep lines, however it will improve the skin's texture and quality. Hyaluronic acid and peptides are found in the snail slime, these stimulate cell turnover and collagen renewal, plumping up your skin. There is one good study on it improving the skin of burn patients. There is no good solid evidence that snail mucin is anti-aging, just anectdotal evidence and "tradition". However that doesn't stop the beauty world from obsessing over it.You can even get a live snail facial, although most people prefer microneedling the snail mucin into their skin instead (Imagine that).
After all of my research, I think you are better off investing in a more potent serum or product that contains hyaluronic acids and peptides with the same or better results . Plus some of the peptides found in snail mucin are simply too large to penetrate the layers of your skin.
Results : My skin was brighter, whiter, and plumper than when I started. However, these results I get with all of the face masks I've tried.
I was very excited for this step in the routine, however the results only seem to last a day on me. Sure, these pricier masks last a little longer and I can reuse the serum all week long for the same plumping effects, but I don't think any sheet masks are a necessary part of a skincare routine.
If I do repurchase more sheet masks after my 10 Step Korean Skincare Review is done, it'll be because they are so relaxing and they really do relieve my stress before bed. I know it seems silly, but mental health is real, and this does it for me - very calming!!
