If you aren’t surprised after reading the heading of this blog, we get it… you’re a veteran in the world of skincare & hearing unconventional ingredients doesn’t scare you. BUT, for those who are new to the world of skincare, let’s just pull the covers for you… YES! A lot of skincare products contain ingredients that you would never have imagined like Snail Mucus for example (wink). The world of skincare is rather interesting which is why you’re reading this blog, to dive deep into the world of “unconventionally-conventional” skincare products, ingredients & routines that will definitely blow your mind & raise your eyebrows.
Snail Mucus
Yup, that’s right SNAIL MUCUS has been skincare ingredient & it might surprise you that it’s actually highly sought after as well. The slimy excretion that gives way to a snail’s trail contains a host of chemical compounds like Glycoproteins, Hyaluronic Acid, Peptides, Glycolic Acid & Antioxidants. One of the key benefits of snail mucus is its exceptional moisturizing properties. It acts as a natural humectant, attracting and retaining moisture in the skin. By enhancing hydration levels, snail mucus helps improve skin texture, promotes a plump and supple appearance, and combats dryness, leaving the skin feeling soft and rejuvenated.
In addition to its moisturizing effects, snail mucus is known for its remarkable regenerative abilities. This natural substance is rich in growth factors and peptides that stimulate cell regeneration and repair damaged tissues. Regular use of snail mucus can help reduce the appearance of scars, fine lines, and wrinkles, promoting a smoother, more youthful complexion. It also aids in improving overall skin tone and texture, resulting in a revitalized and radiant appearance. Snail mucus is rich in natural compounds such as glycoproteins, hyaluronic acid, peptides, glycolic acid, and antioxidants. These components work together to provide the following benefits for the skin:
Moisturization
Snail mucus acts as a natural humectant, helping to attract and retain moisture in the skin. This increased hydration can help improve skin texture, plumpness, and overall moisture levels.
Skin regeneration
Snail mucus contains growth factors and peptides that promote cell regeneration and repair. This can help reduce the appearance of scars, fine lines, and wrinkles, as well as improve overall skin tone and texture.
Anti-inflammatory properties
Snail mucus contains anti-inflammatory compounds, such as allantoin, which can help soothe and calm irritated or inflamed skin. It may also help reduce redness and alleviate symptoms of conditions like acne, eczema, and rosacea.
Exfoliation
The glycolic acid present in snail mucus acts as a gentle exfoliant, aiding in the removal of dead skin cells and promoting a smoother, brighter complexion. Regular use can help unclog pores, reduce the appearance of blackheads, and improve skin clarity.
In addition to its moisturizing effects, snail mucus is known for its remarkable regenerative abilities. This natural substance is rich in growth factors and peptides that stimulate cell regeneration and repair damaged tissues. Regular use of snail mucus can help reduce the appearance of scars, fine lines, and wrinkles, promoting a smoother, more youthful complexion. It also aids in improving overall skin tone and texture, resulting in a revitalized and radiant appearance. Let’s take a look at a list of chemicals present within Snail Mucus that are extremely beneficial of your skin:
Glycoproteins
These proteins have hydrating properties and help to maintain the skin's moisture barrier, preventing water loss and promoting hydration.
Hyaluronic acid
It is a natural humectant that attracts and retains moisture in the skin. It helps to plump and hydrate the skin, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Peptides
These small protein fragments can stimulate collagen production, promoting skin elasticity and firmness. They also contribute to the repair and regeneration of damaged skin cells.
Glycolic acid
This alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) acts as an exfoliant, gently removing dead skin cells and promoting cell turnover. It helps to improve skin texture, reduce hyperpigmentation, and even out the skin tone.
Antioxidants
Snail mucus contains various antioxidants like vitamin E and vitamin C, which protect the skin from oxidative stress caused by free radicals. They help to prevent premature aging, reduce inflammation, and promote a healthy complexion.
If you don’t look at the ingredient as “Snail Mucus” & choose to look at it as a miracle slime that rejuvinates your skin, skincare while be a whole lot easier & a whole lot weirder for you. Apart from it’s uncanny source, the benefits of snail mucus are backed by science and proven by research which is also the reason why it’s highly sought after. Embracing the potential of snail mucus in skincare can lead to a revitalized and radiant complexion for you.
Algae
It was already weird that people were eating eating Algae let alone us it on their skin BUT like the famous quote “What doesn’t kill you only makes you stronger” this magic ingredient will definitely take your skincare game to the next level & here’s why…
Algae, a diverse group of aquatic organisms, has gained significant recognition and popularity in the realm of skincare due to its remarkable benefits for human skin. When incorporated into skincare products, algae offers a multitude of advantages, owing to its abundant reserves of essential nutrients, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and amino acids. One of the primary benefits of algae is its profound ability to provide hydration and moisturization to the skin. Algae extracts possess exceptional water-binding properties, enabling them to attract and retain moisture within the skin. This optimal hydration contributes to improved skin elasticity, enhanced smoothness, and a more supple and radiant complexion, effectively combating dryness and promoting overall skin health. When applied topically, algae provides the following benefits for human skin:
Hydration
Algae extracts have excellent water-binding properties, helping to increase skin hydration and prevent moisture loss. This can lead to improved skin elasticity, smoothness, and a more supple complexion.
Antioxidant Protection
Algae contains a wide range of antioxidants, such as vitamins C and E, beta-carotene, and various polyphenols. These antioxidants help neutralize harmful free radicals, protecting the skin from environmental damage and premature aging.
Anti-Aging Effects
Algae extracts are known for their ability to stimulate collagen and elastin production in the skin. These proteins are essential for maintaining skin elasticity and reducing the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines, resulting in a more youthful complexion.
Anti-Inflammatory Properties
Algae extracts possess anti-inflammatory compounds that help soothe and calm irritated skin. They can be particularly beneficial for individuals with sensitive or inflamed skin conditions like rosacea or eczema, providing relief and reducing redness.
Skin Brightening
Some species of algae, such as spirulina and kelp, contain natural pigments that can help even out skin tone and promote a brighter complexion. Algae extracts can diminish the appearance of dark spots, hyperpigmentation, and sun damage, revealing a more radiant skin tone.
In addition to its hydrating effects, algae is recognized for its potent antioxidant protection. Algae contains a diverse range of antioxidants, including vitamins C and E, beta-carotene, and various polyphenols. These antioxidants actively combat the harmful effects of free radicals, which can lead to premature aging, fine lines, wrinkles, and skin damage caused by environmental factors such as UV radiation and pollution. By neutralizing free radicals, algae shields the skin from oxidative stress and helps preserve its youthful appearance. Let's delve into the chemical structure of algae and how its components benefit human skin:
Vitamins
Algae is rich in various vitamins, including vitamin A, vitamin C, and vitamin E. These vitamins contribute to antioxidant protection, collagen synthesis, and skin cell renewal, leading to improved skin health and vitality.
Minerals
Algae extracts contain an array of essential minerals such as magnesium, zinc, calcium, and iron. These minerals help nourish the skin, support healthy cellular function, and maintain optimal skin hydration.
Polysaccharides
Algae are abundant in polysaccharides, such as alginate and carrageenan. These polysaccharides act as natural hydrators, creating a protective barrier on the skin's surface to lock in moisture and prevent water loss.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Algae, particularly species like chlorella and spirulina, are rich in omega-3 fatty acids. These fatty acids help strengthen the skin's natural barrier, improving moisture retention and reducing inflammation.
Amino Acids
Algae contains a wide range of amino acids, which are the building blocks of proteins. Amino acids support collagen and elastin synthesis, promoting skin elasticity and firmness.
Fish Scales
Fish scales offer several benefits for human skin, including exfoliation, collagen-boosting properties, moisturization, skin regeneration, and antioxidant protection. Their chemical composition, which includes collagen, proteins, peptides, hyaluronic acid, omega-3 fatty acids, and astaxanthin, work synergistically to provide these beneficial effects. Incorporating fish scale-based skincare products may contribute to improved skin texture, elasticity, hydration, and overall skin health. When used in skincare products, fish scales offer unique advantages due to their composition and properties:
Exfoliation
Fish scales can act as a natural exfoliant, gently removing dead skin cells and promoting cell turnover. This exfoliating action helps to reveal fresh, brighter skin, improves skin texture, and can reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Collagen Boost
Fish scales contain collagen, a protein essential for maintaining skin elasticity and firmness. When applied topically, the collagen in fish scales may help stimulate the production of collagen in the skin, improving its overall structure and reducing the signs of aging.
Moisturization
Fish scales possess hydrating properties that can help improve skin moisture levels and combat dryness. They have the ability to attract and retain water, providing hydration to the skin and promoting a plump and supple complexion.
Skin Regeneration
The proteins and peptides present in fish scales can contribute to skin regeneration and repair. They may aid in the healing of damaged skin, reduce the appearance of scars, and promote a smoother skin surface.
Antioxidant Protection
Fish scales contain antioxidants, such as omega-3 fatty acids and astaxanthin, which help protect the skin against oxidative stress and free radical damage. These antioxidants can contribute to a more youthful appearance and help prevent premature aging.
One of the remarkable benefits of fish scales is their ability to provide gentle yet effective exfoliation. The scales' texture, when finely ground, acts as a natural exfoliant, aiding in the removal of dead skin cells and promoting cellular turnover. This exfoliating action facilitates the revelation of a fresh, vibrant complexion, enhances skin texture, and may even minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, leaving the skin rejuvenated and revitalized.
Moreover, fish scales are abundant in collagen, a crucial protein renowned for its role in maintaining skin elasticity and firmness. When topically applied, the collagen present in fish scales has the potential to stimulate the production of collagen in the skin. Now, let's explore the chemical structure of fish scales and how their components benefit human skin:
Collagen
Fish scales are rich in collagen, which is a major structural protein in the skin. Collagen helps to maintain skin elasticity, firmness, and smoothness. When applied topically, the collagen in fish scales can help replenish the skin's own collagen and improve its overall appearance.
Proteins and Peptides
Fish scales contain various proteins and peptides that support skin regeneration and repair. These components help stimulate cell turnover, promote the growth of new skin cells, and aid in the healing process of damaged skin.
Hyaluronic Acid
Fish scales also contain hyaluronic acid, a natural compound known for its excellent moisturizing properties. Hyaluronic acid helps to attract and retain moisture in the skin, improving hydration levels and contributing to a plump and youthful complexion.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Fish scales are a source of omega-3 fatty acids, which have anti-inflammatory properties and can help reduce skin inflammation. Omega-3 fatty acids also contribute to maintaining a healthy skin barrier, preventing moisture loss and improving overall skin health.
Astaxanthin
Fish scales may contain astaxanthin, a powerful antioxidant that protects the skin from oxidative stress and free radical damage. Astaxanthin helps to improve skin elasticity, reduce the appearance of wrinkles, and promote a more youthful and vibrant complexion.
Apart from these ingredients in the list, some honourable mentions include Bee Venom, Bird Droppings (Nightingale to be precise), Whale Vomit (aka ambergris), Bone Marrow (Yup..that) & even literal GOLD. Jokes apart, although these ingredients might seem rather weird or unpleasant it’s very important to note that scientists use these ingredients for their chemical compositions. Viewing each ingredient solely based on what chemicals it contains & how these chemicals can benefit your skin can be the stepping stone to a whole new domain of skincare that’s arguable one of the most effective as well. Don’t forget, when it comes to skin care
“Slow & steady wins the snail” so stick to your skincare routine & be consistent. That’s it from us today, we’ll see you again with some new ingredients & detailed explanation in the next blog.
