## 1 Introduction  
Skin aging is associated with both intrinsic and extrinsic aging, with extrinsic aging caused by environmental factors and overlaying the effects of chronological aging. Skin cell regeneration is evidenced by the activity of the cellular proliferation marker Ki-67, which is a protein detectable in the cell nucleus, as is the proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), which is involved in DNA repair and cell cycle regulation [1, 2]. In addition, extracellular matrix (ECM) components, including glycosaminoglycans and fibronectin, which participate in intercellular communication, play an important role in regulating the remodeling processes of the emerging connective tissue [3, 4]. Important components of the ECM matrix, as mentioned above, are collagen and elastic fibers, which are degraded under the influence of, among other things, UV radiation. Extracellular matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs, or matrix metalloproteinases) are responsible for the reorganization of the ECM,including the arrangement and structure of collagen fibers. Photoaging of the skin, which follows atrophic changes in elastic and collagen fibers, may be associated with changes in the expression of MMP-2, which is classified as a group of gelatinases. It degrades, for example, collagen types I and IV, elastin, gelatin, laminin 1, and fibronectin. The balance between MMPs and their inhibitors is crucial for the normal function and morphology of organs, including skin. Degradation of collagen and elastic fibers leads to wrinkle formation, increased skin flaccidity, and loss of skin firmness. ECM metalloproteinases play an important role in many physiological processes. Among other things, they participate in wound healing and scarring. On the other hand, MMPs are involved in the development of some skin diseases [3; 5; 6]. Recently, there has been increased interest in snail filtrate in terms of improving skin condition. _Helix aspersa_ Muller snail mucus contains glycolic acid and lactic acid, estimated at 0.1%, allantoin, accounting for 0.5% of the mucus weight, as well as collagen and elastin (0.3%), glycosaminoglycans (GAG), lectin and antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), and protease inhibitors (1.3% to 1.8%), as well as mucins [7; 8; 9; 10]. The above-mentioned snail filtrate has therapeutic properties that can be used in both cosmetic and medical applications. In cosmetics, it stimulates the formation of collagen, elastin, and other skin components that help repair signs of photoaging. Moreover, snail mucus has antioxidants and proteins that can minimize damage from free radicals. In regard to medicine, there are several important compounds found in the extract, including allantoin, helicidin, helix pomatia agglutinin, collagen, elastin, natural antibiotics, and glycolic acid [10]. _Helix aspersa_ mucus contains superoxide dismutase and glutathione transferase, which are associated with antioxidant activity. Snail mucus hasantiinflammatory properties and inhibits angiogenesis, a process crucial to tumor growth. _Helix aspersa_, due to its strong antioxidant activity, helps restore the immune system and exhibits a number of biological activities, including anticoagulant, anti-allergic, anti-inflammatory, and vasodilatory effects. These actions can also be explained by the presence of hydroxyl groups in phenolic compounds, which can scavene free radicals [11]. In addition, snail mucus exhibits antibacterial, antifungal, antimicrobial, antiviral, anticancer, regenerative, stimulating, moisturizing, nourishing, cleansing, anti-wrinkle, and radioprotective properties. This gives the mucige the potential for widespread use in the cosmetic and medical industries [12]. Allantoin is a valuable ingredient used for skincare due to its strong regenerative properties [13; 14]. It has been shown that skincare with allantoin preparations significantly increases intercellular cement density and hydration [15].