Ultraviolet light as well as frequent contact with harmful environmental chemicals such as ozone leads to the formation of excessive quantities of reactive oxygen species on the skin. Free reactive oxygen radicals cause destruction of biomembranes by oxidizing unsaturated fatty acids and protein oxidation in human as well as depolarization and crosslinking of biopolymers.

The skin’s own defense system is mainly based on an entire functionality of superoxide dismutase (SOD). Endogenic SOD is found at high levels in the stratum corneum but only low baseline levels were found in the dermis. In photoaged skin, a significant depletion of antioxidants enzyme expression was observed within the strateum corneum and in the epidermis.

The endogenous level of SOD decreases significantly. A replacement by using cosmetic formulations is therefore a must. Externally applied SOD is able to penetrate into the intact stratum corneum and reach the upper layers of the epidermis, as has been shown using the fluorescent dye (FITC) labeled enzyme.

The following report confirms a protective effect of the snail secretions in topical application against UV induced cutaneous damage and to overcome a lack of endogenic SOD and restore the antioxidative homeostasis of the skin.

Evaluation of the Anti-Wrinkle and Reaffirming Efficacy of a Cryptomphalus Aspersa-based Product (CAS) in the Treatment of Skin Photoaging. M.J. Tribó, E. Serra-Baldrich, M. Asin, J.A. Camarasa. Dermatología & Cosmética, March (vol IX), 1999.

The study focused on five aspects of skin aging due to excessive sun exposure. A cream formulated with the snail lotion was applied to the face of 32 individuals who showed signs of facial photoaging for an eight-week period on a continuous basis.

The subjects were evaluated at 2, 4 and 8 weeks of treatment using a clinical evaluation method and the results were correlated with those seen with the use of instrumental techniques. Subjects also kept a subjective journal of their own observations and feelings towards the product which were evaluated at the end of the study.

The results of the study were very positive, affirming the snail serum as a true treatment in the fight against photoaging. Both according to the measurements taken by the instruments and image analysis programs, wrinkle depth is substantially aided by the product. Hydration is significantly improved due to the moisture retaining ability the serum imparts to skin.

Not only were the results processed by the instruments used to measure them positive, the subjects all had positive visual results, according to their journal entries. All study participants were happy with the topical treatment of photoaging in the study. Firmness, elasticity, and all the other side effects of excessive sun exposure were improved using the product with snail serum as a topical agent. Users' subjective comments indicate considerable comfort and satisfaction with the results of the experience.