This oil is the greatest ally of women over 60. It can cope with more than just wrinkles

Prickly pear: a wealth of important ingredients growing in the desert

Prickly pear is a species of prickly pear, a cactus family, originating from Mexico, but cultivated in many countries with a warm climate, including in southern Europe. This succulent can reach a height of up to five meters. Both the fruit, leaves and flowers of the prickly pear are edible. Prickly pear has been used in traditional Mexican medicine for centuries, and its fruit extract is now an ingredient of numerous dietary supplements. The fruit pulp contains seeds from which prickly pear is obtained – one of the most expensive oils available on the market. Nearly a ton of fruit is needed to produce a liter of this valuable cosmetic oil, and extraction takes place in the cold pressing process and is highly time-consuming. It’s no wonder that you have to pay a lot for good quality prickly pear oil. However, it is worth knowing that this oil is very efficient and has a beneficial effect on the skin and hair.

Prickly pear oil: properties

The properties of prickly pear are due to its interesting composition. It is rich in vitamins and minerals (it contains three times more vitamin E than the popular argan oil), and is a source of essential fatty acids and antioxidants. It is sometimes called natural Botox for the skin. Prickly pear oil contains:

• vitamins A, C, F, K and, above all, vitamin E, which is a strong antioxidant that destroys free radicals in the body, as well as an anti-inflammatory agent that accelerates the wound healing process;
• a very large amount of unsaturated fatty acids, including linoleic acid, which strengthen the external skin barrier, fight inflammation, have anti-acne properties, and help in the treatment of minor burns and herpes;
• polyphenols with strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. They help fight oxidative stress, eliminate skin redness and irritation, and soothe sunburn;
• phytosterols, which bind with water and help keep the skin moisturized for a long time and also play a key role in the production of collagen;
• betalains, strong antioxidants that help protect the skin against aging;
• amino acids that stimulate collagen production;
• minerals, especially zinc, which is a strong anti-inflammatory agent that helps in the healing of wounds (including acne lesions) and helps protect the body against free radicals.

Thanks to its prickly pear composition, it has the following properties:

• anti-wrinkle and anti-aging – reduces existing wrinkles and slows down the skin aging process,
• moisturizing – prevents water loss, increases hydration, eliminates dryness and roughness of the skin,
• smoothing – supports the production of collagen, increases the level of tension and elasticity of the skin,
• regenerating – rebuilds and strengthens the lipid barrier of the skin, accelerates wound healing, has a repairing effect,
• protective – protects the skin against the adverse effects of external factors, including UV radiation, free radicals and others,
• antioxidant – fights free radicals and stimulates the cell renewal process,
• soothing – soothes irritations and inflammations, supports the reconstruction and elasticity of the epidermis, regulates the functioning of the sebaceous glands,
• strengthening – gives the skin radiance and a healthy color, reduces discoloration and bruising under the eyes, strengthens blood vessels.

It is also a non-comedogenic cosmetic, i.e does not clog pores. This makes it perfect for the care of skin prone to acne and blackheads. Therefore, it is intended for all skin types, it is best to use it at night, and in the case of dry skin, it can also replace a day cream. It is light and efficient, and absorbs quickly.

Prickly pear oil: how to use?

How to use prickly pear? In the case of oily or combination skin, it is worth replacing the night cream – massage it into your face about 15 minutes before going to bed so that it can be completely absorbed. People with oily skin should also apply it instead of a day cream, patting it on their face with their fingertips. Prickly pear oil should be applied to thoroughly cleansed skin. To eliminate dark circles under the eyes, it is a good idea to massage it into the eye area for about 10 minutes. It is also worth applying the oil to the neckline, rubbing it into the breasts and lubricating your hands with it. You can also add a few drops of the oil to the bath.

Prickly pear oil is also recommended for hair care. Apply a small amount of oil to your hands and massage it into the scalp and hair, especially the ends, and wash it off after a few minutes. It is worth performing this treatment once a week, especially in the case of dry and damaged hair.