Are you considering using snail mucin skin care for better skin texture? But mixed reviews of using this skincare make you puzzled? Well, as we all know, snail mucin is in popularity because of its super-hydrating and anti-inflammatory benefits, but there are some claims that it may cause cystic acne breakouts. So, it is quite crucial to know what the truth is.
To do this, you need to stay connected with this article. So, let’s head towards the topic without further ado!
Before discussing if snail mucin causes cystic acne or not? Let’s figure out:
What does snail mucin mean?
Snail mucin is also known as snail secretion filtrate or snail slime, which snails secrete for various purposes. It is a sticky and thick substance enriched with proteins, peptides, hyaluronic acid, glycoproteins, and antimicrobial agents. This mucin is used in skin care products because of its benefits in skin repair, hydration, elasticity, anti-aging, and wound healing.
However, many people claim that using this snail mucin can cause cystic acne. But to consider this, we must know the reason behind it.
Why Snail Mucin Might Cause Cystic Acne?
There are a few reasons why snail mucin might cause cystic acne:
Comedogenic ingredients: Some snail mucin products may contain comedogenic ingredients, such as mineral oil or petroleum jelly, which can clog pores and lead to acne.
Hormonal fluctuations: Snail mucin can stimulate collagen production, which may lead to hormonal fluctuations, causing acne in some individuals.
Over-exfoliation: Using snail mucin products that contain alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) or beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs) can lead to over-exfoliation, causing irritation and acne.
Possible Causes of Acne With Snail Mucin
Though snail mucin helps in rejuvenating the skin, here we are discussing some possible reasons that can cause acne using snail mucin.
Protein-Rich Nature
As we have discussed, snail mucin is enriched with proteins that help improve skin texture; it may also contribute to clogged pores in some people, especially those with oily skin or acne-prone skin.
Allergic Consequences
Five to thirty percent of the global population is found allergic to house dust mites, which is a common allergen among individuals with atopic dermatitis and other forms of eczema. Furthermore, studies have shown that snail mucus contains antigens that cross-react with those of house dust mites.
So, we can consider that people who are allergic to dust mites may experience worsening eczema symptoms and impaired skin barrier functions using snail mucin. This barrier disruption is a common reason to contribute to acne breakouts.
Overuse
If you are an individual who overuses the snail mucin thinking it will keep hydrating your skin, then don’t. Because it would worsen your skin texture with overhydration instead of making it improve. Overhydration causes a moist environment, which may produce bacteria and fungi. Hence, it may lead to skin issues such as bacterial acne or fungal acne.
Incorrect Application
Incorrect application of snail mucin can lead to acne breakouts. Want to know how? Well, snail mucin is enriched with three humectants: glycolic acid, allantoin, and hyaluronic acid. These humectants are moisture magnets, which means if you apply them to dry skin, they will pull moisture out of your skin rather than draw it in from the environment. Hence, it may lead to drier skin, causing irritation, inflammation, and barrier disruption, which can be considered a perfect storm for both eczema and acne.
So, if you are going to opt for this snail mucin skin care, you must consider the factors mentioned above to keep your skin safe and healthy, especially if you have oily or acne-prone skin. However, if you want clarity on utilizing this skincare, you must contact a dermatologist. Your dermatologist will help you figure out if snail mucin is beneficial or not according to your skin type.
If you’re looking for a dermatologist near Moorestown, NJ, Meta Dermatology has the best team of professionals.
Things to Consider for Acne-Prone Skin
Though it is advisable for people who have acne-prone skin to consult with a dermatologist before using snail mucin skincare products, you may also follow these instructions if you want to figure out on your own whether snail mucin suits you or not.
Patch Testing
Individuals who have acne-prone skin or a history of eczema must remember to patch test before integrating the snail mucin product into their skincare routine.
Observation Period
Observe the response of your skin during the first few weeks to figure out if snail mucin is suitable for your skin type.
Usage Method
Use no more than two pumps of snail mucin to prevent overhydration and limit the possibility of fungal acne. Don’t apply it on dry skin, and if you have acne-prone skin and are struggling to add this snail mucin product to your skincare routine, you may layer it with salicylic acid serum or glycolic acid.
Conclusion
Wind it up! So, this article has provided you with the details, such as what is snail mucin and its properties that help you improve your skin texture. However, some people may have some negative effects from using it as well, such as cystic acid. Here we also mentioned some reasons for that, which may be helpful to find out if it suits you or not. But if you have acne-prone skin, you should contact your doctor before using this product.
People who are looking for the best dermatologist in NJ should visit Meta Dermatology because they provide the best services.