Use of Cream Containing Mucus Secreted by Snails Has an Anti-aging Effect on Skin

Background: A cream made from mucus secreted by snails contains 80% mucin, as well as glycosaminoglycan, allantoin for skin rejuvenation, glycolic acid for keratin removal, and collagen and elastin, which are components of dermis. Objective: The goal of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy of using cream containing mucus secreted by snails to reduce wrinkles, improve skin elasticity, restore dermal density, and lift the skin. Methods: Cream containing mucus secreted by snails was applied to the lateral epicanthal areas and the left cheek of 10 subjects for 4 weeks twice per day. Wrinkles, skin elasticity, dermal density, and skin tightening were evaluated at baseline and 2 and 4 weeks. A patient survey was conducted at 4 weeks. Results: There were statistically significant differences between baseline and 4 weeks after applying the cream in terms of wrinkles, skin elasticity, dermal density, and skin tightening (p<0.05). Conclusion: Use of cream containing mucus secreted by snails seems to be effective for anti-aging of the skin. Long term follow up studies, such as 3 or 6 months, to confirm the efficacy of the cream should be conducted involving a larger number of patients. (Korean J Dermatol 2015;53(6):430∼436)