This scrub literally came to me in a dream. I'm so excited to present this pink madness to you.
All cactuses have quality ingredients for the skin and body.
From Aloe Vera to many of the succulents in your home, they are wonderful at healing skin.
Antibacterial, nutritive, full of polysaccharides- cacti are the bomb, y'all.
These prickly pear fruit are fresh plucked from cactuses within an hour of my home with my own tongs. Never use bare hands, even if you THINK there aren't prickers, they are the invisible kind, which is even worse. I digress ...
THEN I use a blow torch to burn the prickers off each fruit so you don't end up with spines in your face or butt while you're enjoying yourself. Then I separate out the meat of the fruit from the large seeds in the center. I feed some seeds to my chickens, and now I sit and figure out what product I'm going to use these seeds in.
Here are some of the key skin benefits of prickly pear fruit:
1. Rich in Antioxidants
Prickly pear fruit is packed with antioxidants, including vitamin C, vitamin E, and various polyphenols (such as flavonoids and betalains), which help neutralize free radicals and protect the skin from oxidative stress. Free radicals are unstable molecules that can damage skin cells, leading to premature aging, wrinkles, and other skin issues. By reducing oxidative damage, prickly pear fruit can help protect the skin from the harmful effects of UV radiation, pollution, and environmental toxins.
- Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that also supports collagen production, which is crucial for maintaining skin elasticity and preventing sagging.
- Vitamin E has soothing and protective properties, helping to repair skin damage caused by environmental factors.
2. Hydration and Moisture Retention
Prickly pear fruit is high in water content, making it an excellent natural hydrator for the skin. The fruit contains mucilage, a gel-like substance that is highly moisturizing and can help the skin retain moisture, making it soft, plump, and smooth. Hydrated skin is essential for maintaining its barrier function, reducing dryness, and promoting a youthful, radiant appearance.
- Applying prickly pear fruit juice or pulp directly to the skin can provide an immediate burst of hydration.
- Prickly pear seed oil, when used as a facial oil or in creams, helps lock in moisture and prevent dehydration throughout the day.
3. Anti-Inflammatory and Soothing
Prickly pear fruit has notable anti-inflammatory properties due to its high content of betalains, which are powerful anti-inflammatory compounds. This makes it effective for calming irritated, inflamed, or sensitive skin conditions, such as acne, eczema, and psoriasis.
- Topical application of prickly pear extract or oil can soothe redness, inflammation, and puffiness, making it a great option for sensitive or reactive skin.
- Its anti-inflammatory properties also make it useful in calming sunburn or other forms of skin irritation caused by external stressors.
4. Brightening and Skin Tone Evenness
The vitamin C in prickly pear fruit is also a skin-brightening agent. Vitamin C helps to inhibit melanin production, which can reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation, dark spots, and acne scars. This results in a more even skin tone and a naturally radiant complexion.
- Regular use of prickly pear fruit or oil can help lighten and brighten the skin, especially for those with uneven skin tone or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH).
- It can also help reduce the appearance of age spots and sun spots over time.
5. Anti-Aging Effects
The combination of antioxidants, fatty acids, and vitamin C makes prickly pear fruit an effective ingredient in the fight against premature aging. The antioxidants help to combat free radicals that cause skin aging, while vitamin C aids in collagen synthesis, improving skin firmness and elasticity.
- Prickly pear seed oil is particularly effective in preventing fine lines and wrinkles. Its rich composition of omega-6 and omega-9 fatty acids helps to boost the skin’s natural barrier, making it firmer and more resilient to the aging process.
- The oil’s ability to stimulate collagen production and enhance skin cell regeneration contributes to a smoother, more youthful-looking complexion.
6. Acne and Pore Minimizing
Due to its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, prickly pear fruit and its extracts are often used to treat acne and blemishes. The fruit can help reduce the appearance of acne lesions by calming the skin and reducing excess oil production, which can clog pores and lead to breakouts.
- Prickly pear seed oil is non-comedogenic, meaning it won’t clog pores, making it suitable for oily or acne-prone skin.
- The oil’s ability to balance sebum production helps prevent the build-up of oils that contribute to acne.
7. Repair and Regeneration
Prickly pear fruit is known to stimulate cell turnover, which aids in skin repair and regeneration. This can be particularly beneficial for those with dull skin, uneven texture, or those recovering from skin damage such as scars or burns.
- Prickly pear seed oil is rich in linoleic acid and other essential fatty acids that support skin regeneration and help repair the skin’s lipid barrier, promoting faster healing and reducing the appearance of scars or stretch marks.
8. Sun Protection (Mild)
While prickly pear fruit itself should not be relied upon as a primary sunscreen, it does offer some mild UV protection due to its high content of antioxidants like vitamin C and E, which help protect the skin from UV damage and prevent the formation of wrinkles, pigmentation, and other sun-induced skin aging.
- Some studies have shown that prickly pear seed oil may have mild UV-blocking effects, making it useful in combination with sunscreen for added protection.
9. Detoxifying and Cleansing
Prickly pear fruit has detoxifying properties, which can help in the removal of toxins and impurities from the skin. This makes it an excellent option for those with congested or dull skin, as it can help clear clogged pores and promote a healthy, glowing complexion.
- Using its extract topically can help improve overall skin clarity and radiance by purging toxins from the skin’s surface.
Ingredients: Sea Salt, Himalayan Salt, Shea Butter, Grapeseed Oil, Fresh Prickly Pear, Mango Powder. Essential Oil of Roman Chamomile.
