Mr. Snail's hugs and mucin
- Pranita Rao
- Mar 2
- 2 min read
Yesterday, I was worried about not being where I wished to be in my life. I was frustrated about 'my people' not being around me. I was constantly thinking about delays in my life, and I became stimulated. I was restless and eventually remembered that I had to say hello to Mr. Snail. Sadly, the summers have arrived, and most of the snails are either hibernating or unable to stay alive.
Yesterday, I found a Mr. Snail in a pot surrounded by two empty snail shells. I quickly picked up Mr. Snail and began feeding it a Jasminum flower. Usually, I ask permission from the tree to pluck the flower. However, yesterday, I plucked it hastily, desperately wanting to spend time with Mr. Snail.
It's been over a year since I've been feeding snails. It was time for things to get personal. So, I picked up Mr. Snail and took it closer to my cheek. It was my way of telling Mr. Snail that I loved it! Mr. Snail responded by not retreating into its shell, curiously enjoying (I hope) the touch of my skin.
I wonder if Mr. Snail's skin or mucin had any effect on my skin. I remember hoping it wouldn't harm it, and it didn't. I just felt a lot of love!
I felt like Mr. Snail and I were hugging (something I wanted to do a long time ago).
This brings me to the question, does snail mucin affect our skin?
(P.S. - Mucin is the liquid on snails that makes its surface watery.)
Research suggests that snail secretions and mucin heal burns and wounds. The secretions can improve cell growth, regenerate cells, and rebuild cells too. Snail secretions can also remove dead skin and reverse aging. Land snails like Mr. Snail also have antioxidants in their secretions that maintain skin hydration. The medical and cosmetic industries utilize snail secretions in anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial products.
This week has been particularly challenging for me, as I have had to manage a lot of stimulating incidents. Spending time with Mr. Snail helped me be happy and reminded me that nature and snails make me happy.
Snails are 'my people' too.
Isn't it magical? The moral of my week has been that the tiniest of creatures can bring us the most boundless joy in our lives.
How about you, my friend?
Have you spent time with a snail as yet? If not, what are you waiting for?
:)
-Don't be a stranger,
Pranita
Science Communicator and Author
Reference: Aflatooni S, Boby A, Natarelli N, Albers S. Snails and Skin: A Systematic Review on the Effects of Snail-based Products on Skin Health. Journal of Integrative Dermatology. Published online October 31, 2023. https://www.jintegrativederm.org/article/88379-snails-and-skin-a-systematic-review-on-the-effects-of-snail-based-products-on-skin-health
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