It’s hard to ignore all the amazing press and attention prickly pear seed oil has been getting. And truthfully, it’s well deserved. Derived and cold pressed from a cactus over a four-day process, this serum is easy to use and a favorite for those seeking an organic alternative to similar products. Thankfully, prickly pear seed oil is vegan and gluten-free, possesses more linoleic acid than argan oil, its counterpart—not to mention is jam-packed with Vitamins A, B, C, E and K.
What more could you ask for from a cactus?
While prickly pear seed oil is often talked about for skin, we’re going to explore some other inventive ways you can use it. The versatility is just as impressive as its myriad of benefits, which is what we’re going to explore in this article. After all, considering this is such an amazing product, we’d hate to see it overlooked for important health and beauty reasons. Let’s take a deep dive into all this amazing stuff can do and take a 360 approach to its breadth and reach!
Prickly Pear Seed Oil for Acne & Eczema
It can be said that prickly pear seed oil does wonders for the skin—and perhaps this is how it’s best known. The high antioxidant and Vitamin K content alone works wonders to prevent premature wrinkles, minimize redness, ameliorate sunburns and encourage new collagen production. The Vitamin E and linoleic acid found in prickly pear seed oil can enhance anyone’s complexion, especially if they are suffering from acne or eczema. In particular, it can help reduce inflammation caused by acne lesions, thus brightening and clearing the skin.
If you’re on the market for an all-natural anti-aging product, prickly pear seed oil is just the solution for you. Its inherent antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties are sure help reduce broken capillaries and enhance skin tone. Who would have thought a substance derived from a prickly cactus could pave the way for beautiful, younger looking skin? But hey—no complaints!
Prickly Pear Seed Oil for Hair
Don’t think the benefits from prickly pear seed oil stop just with your skin. Truly, this is a super food, jam-packed with awesome fatty acids like Omega-6 and Omega-9 and its amino acids, you are sure to see enhanced collagen ideal for the hairs on your head. Amino acids are vital in keeping the skin and especially scalp hydrated and good to go with healthy pH balance to help combat environmental pollutants and even damage from the sun.
Many shampoos and conditioners now contain prickly pear seed oil as it’s known to be a restorative oil. Additionally, you cannot beat the incredible dose of Vitamin E in this wonder of nature, which leaves your hair feeling soft and supple, not to mention with a beautiful shine. Many professionals suggest leaving a prickly pear seed oil conditioner in your hair for three to 15 minutes to really soak in the full effect. Thankfully, in the process of nourishing your hair, prickly pear also doesn’t strip it of its natural oils and nutrients. So all in all, this is a win-win for your scalp and strands of hair!
Prickly Pear for Ulcer Prevention & Blood Sugar Regulation
It should come as no surprise the benefits of prickly pear aren’t just hair and skin-deep. Since prickly pear is a powerhouse of an anti-inflammatory, it produces a very powerful effect on the “gastric mucosa,” which leads to a reduction in ulcers because of a compound called betanin found in the fruit. Additionally, prickly pear is also known for its role in regulating blood sugar, as digesting this fruit or its extract can lead to lower glucose levels, which is great news for diabetics.
Prickly Pear for Hangovers & The Immune System
Known for reducing dry mouth and nausea, prickly pear can mitigate inflammatory mediators that create that terrible feeling caused by an alcohol hangover. Its high Vitamin C content is ideal for boosting the immune system, as it increases the production of white blood cells that kill infectious microorganisms hiding out in the body.
Prickly Pear for Migraines
Furthermore, if you suffer from debilitating migraine headaches, the good news is prickly pear can alleviate the inflammation causing this with its anti-inflammatory compounds. In particular, the compound indicaxanthin, which is directly found in prickly pear, can increase the frequency and intensity of migraines if ingested regularly.
Prickly Pear Seed Oil for Nail Health
An additional added benefit of prickly pear seed oil is the advantages for your nails. Because its rich in fatty acids like linoleic acid, oleic acid and palmitic acid—you can moisturize and heal dry and damaged nails and cuticles with a regular application. Nail health is equally as important as skin and hair health, so consider using this wonder oil on your nails at some point in time during your routine—you won’t regret it!
All in all, it’s important to take a holistic look at the impact prickly pear seed oil can have on your appearance, health and overall well being. Day by day, it seems new advantages and benefits are popping up as a result of it, which will come as no surprise to people who have adopted it as part of their beauty or health regimen. Take some time and explore the ways in which you can harness the nutrients in prickly pear to work for your body and mind.