Prickly pear seed oil:
its effects before/after use

In our never-ending quest to look as youthful as possible, we are increasingly turning to natural solutions. Prickly Pear Seed Oil is one of those natural treasures that promises to help us maintain firm and glowing skin. But what is it really? We'll explore the expectations and reality of using this precious oil, its benefits for mature skin, and how to effectively integrate it into your skincare routine.

What is the origin of Prickly Pear seed oil?

Prickly pear seed oil is extracted from the seeds of the prickly pear, a fruit from the Opuntia ficus-indica cactus. This cactus, also known as prickly pear or nopal, is native to arid and semi-arid regions of Central America, but today it is widely cultivated in many parts of the world, including Mexico, the Mediterranean countries, Madagascar, the Middle East and North Africa.
The prickly pear was discovered and used by the indigenous people of Central America for centuries. The Aztecs, in particular, knew and used the cactus for food, medicinal and cosmetic purposes. However, extracting oil from its seeds for cosmetic applications is a relatively new practice that has gained popularity in recent decades.

How is Prickly Pear Seed Oil extracted?

Extracting prickly pear oil is a laborious and painstaking process, which explains its high cost and valuable value. Here's how this process typically works:

Fruit harvest: prickly pears are harvested when ripe. This is usually done by hand to avoid damaging the fruits and cacti.
Seed Extraction: the fruits are then cut and the seeds are separated from the pulp. This process can be done manually or using specialized machines.
Cleaning and drying: The seeds are carefully cleaned to remove any residual pulp, then they are dried. This drying is crucial to preserve the qualities of the seeds.
Cold pressing: Once the seeds are dried, they are cold pressed to extract the oil. Cold pressing is a method that preserves the nutritional and cosmetic properties of seeds by avoiding the use of excessive heat which could degrade the active compounds.

Did you know ?
1 ton of figs = 25kg of seeds = 1 liter of prickly pear seed oil

Prickly pear seed oil before/after use?

Although prickly pear has a long history of use in traditional cultures, Prickly Pear seed oil was “discovered” by the modern cosmetic industry approximately 20 to 30 years ago. Its popularity has exploded due to its exceptional benefits for the skin, including its hydrating, anti-aging and restorative effects. Today, it is widely appreciated and sought after by natural product enthusiasts and cosmetic industries around the world.

Prickly pear seed oil is often touted as a miraculous elixir for the skin. Some advertisements may suggest that this treatment makes you look younger and wrinkles disappear. Many expect fast, dramatic results, imagining younger, glowing skin in just a few weeks.

While prickly pear seed oil does indeed have remarkable properties, it is important to maintain realistic expectations. The beneficial effects of this oil, like those of most natural products, generally become evident with regular, long-term use. It is not a miracle solution that instantly transforms the skin, but rather a powerful ally that gradually helps improve the texture, elasticity and overall appearance of the skin. Completely erasing existing wrinkles is a challenge, but prickly pear oil helps to reduce them and improve the appearance of the skin.

What are the benefits of prickly pear seed oil?

This treatment is particularly beneficial for mature skin due to its firming and anti-aging properties. Prickly pear seed oil is exceptionally rich in essential nutrients for the skin.

Intense hydration: linoleic (omega-6) and oleic (omega-9) acids, which deeply hydrate and strengthen the skin barrier. They help maintain optimal hydration, which is crucial for preventing dryness and loss of elasticity.
Reduction of fine lines and wrinkles: The oil is rich in vitamin E and sterols help to smooth the skin and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that protects the skin against free radical damage and improves healing. Sterols help maintain skin hydration and reduce inflammation.
Skin Tightening: By enhancing collagen production, the oil helps firm and tone the skin, making it more elastic and less prone to sagging.
Cellular repair: Antioxidants in the oil promote cell regeneration, helping to repair damage caused by the sun and environmental aggressors.

How to use Prickly Pear Seed Oil?

To get the most out of Prickly Pear Seed oil , here are some practical tips for use:

As a night treatment: the skin regenerates better at night. On clean skin, apply a few drops of pure oil to face and neck before bed. Massage gently until completely absorbed.
In a moisturizing cream: mix one or two drops of oil with your daily day cream for a boosted effect.
Around the eyes: apply 1 drop under each eye, then massage gently with a circular motion to reduce dark circles and wrinkles.

Prickly pear seed oil is a true natural treasure for mature skin, offering hydrating, firming and anti-aging benefits. However, it is crucial to use it regularly and with realistic expectations to see its beneficial effects. By integrating this precious oil into your skincare routine, you can gradually improve the appearance and health of your skin, while benefiting from a natural and long-lasting solution. Choose quality and patience, and your skin will thank you.