The cosmetic use of gastropod secretion dates back to the Middle Ages, which was used for polishing and whitening the forehead region; and waxing, when it was associated with quicklime.
However, contrary to what it seems, this application is not synonymous with lack of technology, nor with an old behavior. That's because, currently, pharmacists and dermatologists are able to prove the effectiveness of this product from snails of the species Cryptomphalus asper, under stressful conditions.
In situations such as mechanical shock or exposure to radiation, for example, these animals expel a secretion a little different from the usual one, with a greater capacity to protect their skin from the trauma received. Rich in proteins, enzymes, mucopolysaccharides, polysaccharides, glycoproteins and mineral salts (calcium and iron), this substance has great humectant, antioxidant and regenerating capacity; and is already patented, for dermatological use.
The discovery of this fact occurred in the sixties, when a Spanish researcher named Abad Iglesias submitted these animals to cobalt-60 radiation and realized that burns from radioactive exposure regenerated significantly fast. Without funding, he was almost anonymous for several years, until his help was asked. for the use of his discovery in the treatment of victims of the Chernobyl accident, with a lot of efficiency.
There is currently an arsenal of products based on snail extract - or “slug baba”, in simpler Portuguese. These are capable of treating wrinkles, scars, keloids, sun spots, age spots, acne, warts, stretch marks, diaper rash, insect bites, burns, dryness, among others; stimulating the production of collagen and elastin without causing skin desquamation, such as retinoic acid.
Still about snail secretion...
In a study published by the Instituto Politécnico Nacional, in Mexico, the secretion of another species of snail, the Helix hortensis, is effective in treating cellulite.
By Mariana Araguaia
Graduated in Biology
