Re: exfoliative cheilitis CURE FOR SURE

While this reads like a classic MLM post, this is one of the few topical treatments that intrigues me and has yet to be tested by any sufferers until now, apparently. I can only assume that the product is based on a secretion of the Helix Aspersa Muller snail.

This is one of the few natural sources of allantoin (otherwise obtained from urine or comfrey, the latter of which can apparently lead to liver failure). The product may also contain collagen and elastin as do other similar snail-based cosmetics. According to livestrong.com, some products from the manufacturer, Biocutis, contain distilled water, derivatives from olive oil, glycerin, hyaluronic acid, and Suprapein. Another website cautions about the olive oil derivative in Bioskincare cream, Peg-4 Olivate, claiming that in its manufacture toxic compounds ethylene oxide and dioxane may present themselves.

The manufacturer claims that the snails' secretion contains the "enzyme antioxidant SOD (Superoxide Dismutase) and GST (Glutathione)." They further claim that "it stimulates fibroblast proliferation and rearrangement of the actin cytoskeleton." There is no mention of its use on the lips or other mucuous membranes.

As I've noted in the past, according to wikipedia, the cosmetics industry promotes allantoin's moisturizing and keratolytic effect, it's increasing of the water content of the extracellular matrix and enhancing the shedding of upper layers of dead skin cells, and its promotion of cell proliferation and wound healing. However, Biocutis do not mention the presence of or effect of allantoin in their products.

Enhancing the water content and healing wounds sound great, but promoting cell proliferation seems counterintuitive, since most of us seem to have an over-production of keratin (but maybe without water content it is dead on arrival).

Of course, with a detailed description of which product from Biocutis we are discussing, and the treatment regimen (how often, how much at a time), a case history of past and current treatments and lifestyle modifications, plus photos of before and after the treatment, we could take this claim seriously and some might want to replicate the experiment (and start raising snails to avoid the high cost).

Either way, good luck to you.

Peace,
C.S.