Snail facials, where live snails are placed directly onto the skin, are becoming increasingly popular around the world, as the mucus they leave behind is thought to contain a variety of skin-boosting nutrients.

Snails are becoming a trendy menu item in Chiang Mai, Thailand and other places around the world--not in restaurants but at spas.

During this facial treatment, live snails are placed on the client’s face so they can slither around and leave a trail of mucus on the skin.

Snail mucus is thought to contain special proteins and antioxidants that help the skin lock in moisture and aid in repairing damaged areas, creating healthier and younger-looking skin.

A spa in Japan was inspired to offer the snail facial in the hopes of healing the sun-damaged skin of hikers who climbed Mount Fuji.

The reported benefits go back as far as ancient Greece, with records indicating that Hippocrates mixed crushed snails and sour milk to remedy skin inflammation.

Despite the positive anecdot