Due to extensive investigative scientific processes, it has been
proven that rattlesnake venom has anti-coagulant properties. From this,
researchers gathered that the venom could potentially prevent and treat strokes
including reversing the side-effects of a stroke. The venom has subsequently
been developed into drugs known as Ancrod and Viprinex which are yet to be
pharmaceutically approved and be made available to patients worldwide.
 |
| The rattlesnake: a wonderfully misunderstood carnivorous creature. Photo courtesy of Gary Nafis. |
A recent study has shown the effects of a new painkiller in the pharmaceutical market to be more powerful than morphine. The painkiller has been discovered by French scientists who have carried out extensive research on the African Black Mamba snake. This snake produces analgesic proteins known as mambalgins. These proteins were tested on mice and the results demonstrated painkilling without the side effects that come with taking morphine. This research is still very much in the early stages but imagine the possibilities if this painkiller was suitable for human consumption. It could potentially be introduced as part of the palliative care for service users going through drug rehabilitation or chemotherapy. (Gallagher 2012).
 |
| Not a pretty sight but can radically alter modern medicine and even inspire current beauty regimes. |
Sounds incredible doesn't it? That snake venom can have qualities that can both take and improve life. It comes as no surprise that beauty manufacturers realised that the idea of snake venom's ability to freeze the face (effectively making you look younger), would appeal to the masses. But whilst we're waiting for the FDA and and the EMA to approve such scientific advances with the real deal, we beauty lovers what will have to settle for a manufactured ingredient known as Syn-ake, nicknamed 'botox in a bottle.' Sounds like an expensive treatment designed for the rich and famous, right? Well actually, an inexpensive version is available for me, you and your 70 year old neighbour hoping to look like a younger Jessica Lange. These are from Balance Active Formula, a brand that I have seen in discount stores which offer good quality skin care products for just a fraction of high-street prices. Of course, like many expensive predecessor treatments, the active ingredient is the Syn-ake peptide, which has the ability to freeze muscles, just like real snake venom could.
 |
| Balance Active Formula Snake Venom Eye Cream & Wrinkle-Freeze Serum. |
Admittedly, I only picked up these up because of the 'Snake Venom' label. The first of the the Syn-ake duo is an eye cream which claims to do the following:
- Relax tired eyes.
- Moiituries and illuminate.
- Minimise dark under eye circles and bags.
I once read in a beauty magazine that putting under eye cream on at night defeats the purpose of how it works (something about the cream dragging the area down blah-de-blah), so instead I use eye creams, including this one, every second morning. I wouldn't say that my eyes feel relaxed, but they do feel as if little diced up cucumbers have been placed there, giving a cooling effect to the eyes. I do believe that all eye creams are essentially re-labelled moisturisers and so this cream does a good job of keeping the eye area hydrated. I cannot comment on whether it reduces dark circles and bags as I do not particulary suffer from these complaints - I don't even need to wear concealer most days - long may that continue - tangent. In summary, I like it as it makes my delicate little eye sockets feel refreshed and more awake.
 |
| Rejevenating eye cream. |
The second product is a wrinkle-freeze serum claiming to be a needle-free way to reduce fine lines and wrinkles. As part of my personal skin care routine, I like using serums twice a week after moisturising for added nourishment. This particular one feels drier than my usual serum and feels almost like it is tightening my skin upon application. I don't think I have produced enough wrinkles in my 27 years to warrant a wrinkle-freeze serum so I haven't noticed a difference in my skin's appearance at all. Perhaps it may be beneficial for the more mature ladies (and gents) to try this one out if they have creped skin.
 |
| Tightening skin serum. |
Below is a price comparison of brands that offer similar products.
Rodial Glamoxy Snake Serum (25ml) - £130.
Nip + Fab Viper Venom Face (40ml) & Eye (15ml) duo set - £24.95.
What I do love about this particular Balance Active Formula Syn-ake duo is the price tag. I got mine from Home Bargains which cost £1.89 for the 15ml eye cream and £2.99 for the 30ml facial serum. If Home Bargains is not accessible to you, try Amazon where prices start at £5 per product. You can't argue with those prices, especially when testing out new products.
