Natural snail serum developed to treat acne scarring

By Simon Pitman

- Last updated on GMT

Related tags Scar

Andes Natural Skin Care says it has come up with a topical treatment based on a secretion from a snail to simultaneously treat acne and clear up disfiguring acne scars.

The US company has launched a microdermabrasion product - BioSkinExfol and a topical treatment – BioSkinForte made from a serum secreted by a small mollusk snail from the Helix Aspersa Muller species.

The company said its research showed that the snail serum has molecules, structures and cells that are very similar to the human skin, making it highly compatible.

Powerful antioxidant

But on top of being compatible the serum is also a powerful antioxidant, a good point in the treatment of acne, while also being regenerative, which is necessary for the action on the acne scars.

Both of these actions have been reported in clinical studies that were published last year in the Journal of Pharmacology and Physiology of the Skin.

According to the company, the complex nature of the serum cannot be replicated under laboratory conditions, which is why the natural secretion of the snail has to be harvested in a natural and organic manner.

Pearl secretions

The snail secretes the serum in a manner similar to an oyster, resulting in a Nacre, which is an iridescent substance better known as mother-of-pearl.

These secretions are collected then stabilized using biotechnology methods to ensure that the enzymes, antioxidants and other active properties are not degraded by the hydrolysis.

When combined with the ingredients in the formulations, the products are said to control acne effectively by inhibiting pathogenic bacteria, providing both antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Targeting collagen and elastin

It also works on scarring by softening and dissolving existing scar lesions and damaged tissues, as well as rebuilding collagen and elastin back up to levels that existed before the scars took effect.

The company even claims the products have an effect on heavy scarring, including ‘ice-pick’ acne scars, hypertrophic scars and post surgery scarring.

This is due to a process known as hydroxylation, which helps to clear out dead material from the scarring tissue and open up the vascular system to allow for skin cell regeneration.

Related topics Formulation & Science

Related news

Show more