Acne Scars - What Care Helps

Acne scars are a common dermatological problem that can significantly affect self-esteem and quality of life. One natural ingredient that can help reduce these scars is snail slime. In this article, we will discuss how snail slime can help treat acne scars and other methods to reduce them.

Acne Scars: Causes and Types

Acne scars are permanent skin changes that can remain after more severe forms of acne. They are not only an aesthetic problem, but often also affect the self-esteem and psychological comfort of patients. Understanding the mechanisms of their formation and the types of scars is crucial in the context of prevention and selection of appropriate treatment methods.

Causes of Acne Scarring

Acne scars are caused by improper healing of inflammation in the dermis. When deep damage occurs to hair follicles and sebaceous glands, the body activates repair mechanisms involving the production of collagen. If this process is not correct, for example, too little collagen is produced, too much collagen or it has an incorrect structure, permanent changes in the form of scars may occur.

The most common factors contributing to scarring include:

• Increased inflammation – deeply penetrating lesions such as cysts or nodules have a higher risk of leaving scars
• Picking and squeezing lesions – mechanical damage to the skin increases inflammation and increases the risk of scarring complications
• Genetic predisposition – some people are naturally more prone to scarring
• Lack of proper treatment – ​​untreated or improperly treated acne can lead to extensive inflammatory changes and secondary scarring

Acne scars E - Types

Acne scars are divided mainly by their appearance, depth and structure. Below are the most common types:

• Atrophic scars - the most common type of acne scar. They are caused by tissue loss at the site of inflammation.

• Ice pick scars – narrow, deep scars resembling needle or pin punctures. They often reach into the dermis. Difficult to treat
• Boxcar scars - wider than ice pick, with clear edges and rectangular shape. They have shallow or deeper depressions
• Rolling scars – wavy, irregular depressions that make the skin look folded. They result from fibrous bands of tissue beneath the skin

• Hypertrophic scars - raised, thickened lesions that occur at the site of previous inflammation. They are the result of excessive collagen production but remain within the original lesion. They are more common on the chest, back, and arms.

• Keloids
• They are a more aggressive form of hypertrophic scarring. They are characterized by extending beyond the boundaries of the original skin lesion. They are often accompanied by itching, burning, or pain. Keloids are less common but are particularly difficult to treat and tend to recur.

Natural ingredients in the fight against acne scars

Nowadays, more and more people are looking for effective, yet gentle and natural ways to combat skin imperfections. Acne scars are among those problems that often stay with us for a long time - even after the inflammation has subsided. Their treatment can be difficult, which is why proper care aimed at skin regeneration is so important.

Among the ingredients that have gained immense popularity in the care of skin prone to scarring is snail slime – a substance that may sound a bit exotic, but has been used in Asian cosmetology for years. Today, it is also valued in Europe for its multi-faceted effects: regenerating, smoothing, moisturizing and soothing. Snail slime is a natural source of ingredients that support the skin in its self-renewal processes, making it an ideal choice for people struggling with acne scars. You will find this ingredient in the Orientana Snail Slime series.

What is snail slime and how does it affect the skin?

Snail Secretion Filtrate is a natural secretion that snails produce for protection. Thanks to it, their soft bodies are not subject to abrasions, infections or dehydration. Orientana snail secretion cream uses only filtered and purified mucus, obtained in laboratory conditions, without harm to animals.

The wealth of biologically active ingredients of snail slime makes it unique in cosmetology:

• Allantoin – has a soothing effect, accelerates the regeneration of the epidermis and the healing of minor skin damage. Reduces irritation, redness and restores comfort to sensitive or damaged skin.
• Collagen – a natural protein responsible for skin firmness, density and elasticity. Helps rebuild the structure of skin damaged by inflammation.
• Elastin – supports collagen in maintaining skin elasticity, has a smoothing and elasticizing effect.
• Glycolic acid – gently exfoliates the stratum corneum of the epidermis, cleanses pores, stimulates cell renewal. Supports the process of smoothing out scars and acne discolorations.
• Vitamins A, C and E – strong antioxidants that support regenerative processes, strengthen the skin, even out the skin tone and protect against free radicals.
• Peptides and enzymes – support collagen synthesis, accelerate healing and protect against microorganisms.
• Mucopolysaccharides – moisturizing substances that create a protective film on the skin surface that prevents water loss.

Such a complex composition makes snail slime one of the most comprehensive active ingredients with regenerative and anti-scarring effects.

Why does snail slime work on acne scars?

Acne scars are the result of improper healing of the skin after inflammation. In the place of the old lesion, there is often too intensive or insufficient collagen deposition, which leads to the formation of depressions, unevenness or discoloration.

Snail slime has a beneficial effect on all stages of skin regeneration:

• Accelerates the exfoliation of dead skin, thereby stimulating cell renewal and smoothing the skin surface.
• Stimulates the production of collagen and elastin, which leads to the reconstruction of skin structure and the reduction of atrophic scars.
• It brightens post-inflammatory discolorations, evens out the skin tone and improves the overall appearance of the skin.
• Strongly moisturizes, and well-hydrated skin is more elastic, regenerates better and has a more even texture.
• It soothes inflammation and calms the skin, which is important for active acne lesions and in the healing phase.

The effects are gradual but lasting. With regular use of snail slime, the skin becomes more uniform, elastic and smooth, and acne scars become less visible.

Is snail slime safe? Ecological harvesting without animal suffering

There are many myths surrounding snail slime, so it is worth stating clearly: using snail slime in cosmetics is ethical and safe – both for people and for the snails themselves.

Modern farms from which the slime is obtained operate in a manner consistent with the principles of animal welfare and respect for the environment. The process is carried out without causing pain or harm to the snails.

How does mucus extraction work?

• Snails are bred in natural conditions, in specially prepared rooms, where they have access to appropriate food, moisture and light.
• When it is time to harvest, the snails are moved to special chambers where they are stimulated to secrete mucus through gentle, non-invasive stimuli such as contact with a damp surface or light vibrations.
• The mucus is then collected and filtered under sterile conditions, without any chemicals and without harm to the animals.
• Once the process is complete, the snails are returned to their environment, where they can regenerate and continue living in comfortable conditions.

This method of production is not only ethical, but also sustainable and environmentally friendly. Unlike many synthetic ingredients, snail slime does not burden the ecosystem and does not require intensive chemical processing.

Snail slime filtrate is biocompatible with human skin. It is well tolerated, non-comedogenic and rarely causes allergic reactions. This makes it a safe ingredient for people with different skin types – including the most sensitive ones.

acne scars - professional removal

Although snail slime has strong regenerative properties and can be a great support in the daily care of skin with acne scars, it is not always sufficient in the case of deep or long-lasting changes. In such situations, it is worth considering more advanced methods offered by aesthetic medicine and dermatology offices.

Fractional CO₂ Laser Therapy

This is one of the most commonly used methods of reducing atrophic scars. It works on the principle of thermal micro-damage to the skin, which initiates regenerative processes and stimulates fibroblasts to produce collagen and elastin. After the treatment, the skin gradually rebuilds itself, becoming smoother and more uniform. Depending on the depth of the scars and the type of skin, a series of treatments may be necessary. Laser therapy requires appropriate preparation and convalescence, but it brings very good results in the case of difficult acne scars.

Radiofrequency microneedling (RF microneedling)

Modern technology combining micro-needling of the skin with the action of radio waves. During the procedure, micro-needles penetrate the skin to a specific depth and then emit thermal energy. This combination stimulates intensive regeneration, improves skin tension and smoothes the surface of scars. Micro-needle radiofrequency is less invasive than laser, and the healing period is usually shorter. This method is suitable for people with thin, sensitive skin who want to achieve a smoothing effect without strong interference.

Needle mesotherapy

A procedure during which a cocktail of active substances, such as hyaluronic acid, biomimetic peptides, vitamins and amino acids, is introduced under the skin. Nutrients introduced directly into the scar area support skin regeneration, improve its elasticity and microcirculation. Mesotherapy not only strengthens the skin from the inside, but can also reduce discoloration and stimulate the production of new collagen. This is a good option for people who are looking for moderately invasive methods to improve skin structure without a long recovery period.

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP), also known as the "vampire facelift"

The procedure uses the patient's own blood. After it is collected, the plasma with a high concentration of platelets, which contain growth factors, is centrifuged. The administration of PRP to scarred areas triggers intensive tissue regeneration, increases skin cell proliferation and accelerates healing. The effect is an improvement in skin density, smoothing and reduction of unevenness. The plasma is completely natural and well-tolerated, which is why this method is popular with people who prefer biostimulation without synthetic substances.

Acne scar reduction methods vary in their degree of invasiveness, mechanism of action and effectiveness, but they share one goal – restoring the skin's healthy appearance, smoothness and uniform structure. Natural ingredients, such as snail slime, are excellent support in daily care and scar prevention, but in more advanced cases it is worth considering office therapies.

Laser therapy, microneedle radiofrequency, mesotherapy or platelet-rich plasma are treatments with proven effectiveness that can be individually adjusted to the needs of the skin. Often, the best effects are achieved by combining several methods – for example, professional treatments supplemented with home care using regenerative cosmetics. Modern cosmetology offers many possibilities to effectively deal with acne scars and improve the quality of life of patients.

Sources:

"Snail extraction for skin: A review of uses, projections, and limitations" Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2024​ Nupur Singh, Angela N. Brown, Michael H. Gold

"Advancing Discovery of Snail Mucins Function and Application" Front Bioengineering Biotechnolog 2023 : Shaliz Aflatooni, Aleena Boby, et al.