3 Incredible Ways Prickly Pear Oil Benefits Your Skin

December 03, 2020 2 Comments

Prickly pear, also often referred to as Opuntia or Nopal, and other names, is one special fruit you are going to want to become very familiar with when it comes to your skincare ritual.

Don’t judge this one too quickly, its prickly exterior covers a delicious fruit, brimming in an abundance of nutrients that provide as many skin benefits as they do health benefits!

Native to the America’s, like true cactus plants, they have also been introduced to many other areas of the world.

Once you get past its prickly spines, you’ll be able to extract the sweet fruit inside, also known as tunas. Cutting the fruit down the middle and using a spoon to scoop the fruit out (as you would with a papaya) is by far the best way to enjoy this lovely fruit, without any accidents happening! Many people enjoy it as a healthy ice-cream topping, yum!

This may surprise you, but even the cactus leaves can be eaten and are sold as “baby nopal” at grocery stores. You can bake or sautee them as you would other veggies!

Of course, this article is not about its health benefits, but rather about what prickly pear can do for your skin when applied externally.

We can’t wait to share with you so let’s dive in!

How is prickly pear seed oil extracted

Traditionally, prickly pear seed oil is extracted from the seeds of the fruit, using the cold press method. This method may be time consuming, however it ensures that the nutrients stay intact and are not compromised in any way. The end result is an oil that boasts an incredible nutritional status.

The vast array of minerals, antioxidants, and vitamins offer some truly phenomenal skin benefits!

Anti-Aging properties

Prickly pear has some excellent anti-aging benefits, thanks to its high concentration of Vitamin E, a superstar antioxidant in the skincare world, known for neutralizing free radicals and aiding in tissue repair.

Prickly pear oil is also rich in Betalains, a class of antioxidants that provide potent anti-aging properties, and are also found in a variety of berries, including blueberries and goji berries.

Provides deep hydration

Prickly pear boasts a whopping 60% linoleic acid content; a plant-based form of omega 3, which is a healthy fatty acid essential for beautiful, dewy skin.

This fatty acid sinks deep into the pores, adding hydration at a cellular level and leaving behind no greasy finish.

Helps with problem skin

Don’t be fooled into thinking that because prickly pear helps with anti-aging and hydration that it won’t help your troubled, acne-prone skin!

The rich concentration of antioxidants provide anti-inflammatory benefits to soothe and heal acne breakouts. Antibacterial properties mean less breakouts in your future too, hallelujah!

Shop our Prickly pear oil here

Simply use your fingertips to press this oil into cleansed skin, after applying our Rose water. You can then use gentle, upward strokes to massage it in until fully absorbed. Slightly damp skin enhances absorption.