Snail Skincare - Yes or Yuck?

Dr Shills Snail Repair Moisturiser Essence* £7.99 & Snail Essence Mask* £1.79

Made famous by the Asian beauty markets, snail slime skincare has quickly made its way to the UK with more of us interested in trying out this infamous anti ageing ingredient. Snail slime skincare became popular after Chilean farmers who handled snails realised that their skin became smoother, was less damaged by the sun, and showed less signs of ageing. It also helped their wounds and scars heal when the slime got on their skin. So what makes snail filtrate, aka snail slime, so special when it comes to taking care of our skin?

Snail filtrate is packed with nutrients like hyaluronic acid, proteglycans (a compound that exceeds collaged), glycoprotein (maintain the health of cellular proteins), and antimicrobial and copper peptides. You still with me? OK good because all of these elements help protect against damage, infection, dryness, and UV rays - keeping skin looking younger and feeling healthier.

I teamed up with Taiwanese brand Shills to test out their latest innovation in anti-ageing skin care: Snail Repair Moisture Essence, which is like a moisturising serum; and the Snail Essence Mask - a fuss free sheet mask.

As well as containing the miracle snail gel as a main ingredient, there are added extras: the serum includes added hyaluronic acid, chamomile extract, marine collagen, and aloe vera which makes for a very pleasant concoction to have on your skin. I really enjoy using the serum especially when my skin is slightly irritated, it immediately soothes it without feeling heavy. It's brilliant for using under foundation as it sinks in quickly - and unlike slime, there is no residue left on your skin.

The Snail Essence Mask is especially great on two occasions: when your skin needs a boost of moisture after a heavy weekend, or when you're getting ready for an important event and need your skin to look glowing and healthy. Additional ingredients include aloe vera, ginko biloba, and rose water which all nourish and hydrate the skin, whilst the snail gel helps this hydration sink in and calms the skin.

Both of these products have proven their worth to me and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend either the essence or the sheet mask to my friends or relatives. What do you think about snail skincare? Is it yes or yuck? 

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