Snot is a thick, sticky substance produced by the body, mainly in the nose. It is made up of water, proteins, and various cells. Snot helps to trap dust, germs, and other particles, preventing them from entering the lungs. When you have a cold or allergies, your body produces more snot to help clear out irritants. When snot dries up, it can turn into boogers, which are small clumps that can be picked out of the nose. While it might seem gross, snot plays an important role in keeping our airways clean and protecting us from getting sick.