Snail Facial - Next Big Thing in Beauty?

One of the latest beauty trends to hit America sounds like a comedy skit.  In fact, the procedure is not a joke and its description is exactly what it sounds like.  The newest beauty and wellness trend to make its way overseas to America is snail facials. 

Snail facials gained massive popularity in South Korea as far back as the year 2000. The mucus (snail slime) secreted from a gland on a snail's foot is now a common component of facial masks, ointments and creams. Over the years the procedure has received mixed reviews. Both CNN and Bloomberg described it as a “craze” in 2017. Dr. Joshua Zeichner, the director of cosmetic and clinical research for Mount Sinai Hospital’s Department of Dermatology, had a lot of positive things to say about the procedure. He said “Snail slime has been shown to have antioxidant properties, as well as the ability to stimulate collagen production and enhance wound healing. It is also rich in hyaluronic acid, which is a humectant ingredient that pulls in hydration to the outer skin layer.” Zeichner went on to say “In fact, there is data showing that creams containing snail slime actually help improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and the sun damage.” While being positive about the procedure, Zeichner also cautioned against spending excessively on procedures that make use of snail as the major component “Many snail slime products or snail slime facials may be very pricey,” Zeichner said. “While there is little downside [to applying snail slime], we need more data to prove whether it is any more effective than traditional moisturizing or anti-aging products.”

How Snail Facials Work

The trend of snail facials is still relatively new even though the use of snail mucus dates all the way back to ancient Greece.  It’s been said that Hippocrates (a Greek physician considered to be one of the greatest figures in medical history) used crushed snails as part of his cure for dealing with inflamed skin.

The procedure involves applying live snails to the face.  While the snails are busy exploring the face, their mucus is secreted onto the skin.  The trail of slime from the mucus contains proteins and hyaluronic acid which helps rejuvenate the skin.  The snail mucus trail is said to bring about smoother skin by removing dead skin cells as well as relieving the marks left behind by acne, scars, and wrinkles.

Why Choose Snails?

While it might seem strange to let live snails crawl all over the face, the natural method of having a snail facial appeals to many consumers.  Having a snail facial allows patients to avoid the needles involved in Botox, facelifts and other traditional cosmetic procedures.  There are many people who would love to have a facial procedure performed on them but they are either afraid, or unwilling, to go “under the knife” for a traditional procedure.  The snail facial method allows them to have another option to rejuvenate their skin while not having to employ traditional methods to reap the benefits of a facial procedure.

Is a Snail Facial Procedure Sanitary?

If the prospect of having snails crawl on the face is unappealing, it might help to know that the snails are well fed before making contact with the skin.  The snails are fed organic vegetables on a daily basis.  The organic vegetables help to ensure the snails are healthy before being placed on the face of a customer.  The organic diet helps to keep the mucus healthy before being excreted by the snail.

Do Snail Facials Work?

The fluid that snails excrete is said to have antioxidants and nutrients that can be beneficial to the skin.  While many customers, as well as spa owners, swear by the procedure, there are others who have their doubts about the process.

According to Marta Wohrle, “Claims that snail slime will repair and soften skin seems tenuous, but not out of the question.”  Ms. Wohrle is the creator of the website truthinaging.com which publishes independent reviews of beauty and anti-aging products.  Ms. Whorle goes on to say, “The science is a bit vague but fairly supportive.  There is one study – seemingly independent – that looked at the mollusk secretions, cryptomphalus aspersa (SCA).  The study found that it contained antioxidants and stimulated fibroblast proliferation and rearrangement of the actin cytoskeleton.”

How Much Do Snail Facials Cost?

It’s said that beauty comes at a price and it’s true this beauty procedure costs a spa client a bit of money.  Prices for snail facials can range anywhere from $300 to $350 to $400 per treatment.  The treatment is noninvasive and patients can return to work the same day. 

A Different View of Snails in the Future

While more research is needed on the rejuvenating benefits of a snail facial, there are many who swear by its positive results.  The decision to have a group of snails (anywhere from 3-6) crawl across the face is one that needs to be made by each individual spa customer.  If a person decides to go ahead and have a snail facial, it’s more than likely they will never look at escargot the same way again at a restaurant.