The infinite benefits of pure prickly pear oil from Morocco

All vegetable oils (yes, the prickly pear is both a vegetable and a fruit - the green pods are a vegetable, the pears are the fruit) contain non-essential and essential fatty acids. When the skin does not receive enough essential fatty acids, its barrier is affected and the result is a dry, irritated and dull complexion.

Of all the beauty oils on the market, prickly pear contains the highest percentage (88%) of unsaturated fatty acids, which are essential to stimulate the production and renewal of healthy cells. It also contains the highest level of tocopherol or Vitamin E, which protects the skin and helps it retain moisture.

FATTY ACIDS

The constitution of essential and non-essential fatty acids of prickly pear seed oil deserves to be deepened: 60.5% linoleic acid. An essential omega-6 fatty acid, linoleic acid both nourishes and repairs. Linoleic acid strengthens our skin's barrier, allowing it to better retain moisture. Sometimes called Vitamin F, this fatty acid fights inflammation while healing. It also has anti-acne properties and helps soften the skin. Nails, cuticles and hair can also benefit from this miracle moisturizer.

20.6% Oleic Acid - Also found in avocados, almond oil and olive oil, this fatty acid retains moisture and helps other beneficial ingredients penetrate the skin more easily. 13.9% Palmitic Acid - Also found in palm oil, research has shown that this acid has antioxidant and healing properties, and can even help fight dermatitis and eczema. It is naturally found in our skin, but the amounts decrease with age.

TOCOPHEROLS (VITAMIN E)

Prickly pear seed oil contains nearly 150% more Vitamin E than argan oil. Vitamin E is found in tocopherols, a class of eight different organic chemical compounds. This natural antioxidant acts as a free radical scavenger, preventing them from causing damage that leads to signs of aging. It also has serious anti-inflammatory properties, helping wounds heal faster and can even repair damage caused by UV rays and environmental pollution. It is also ideal for sunburn and redness. Vitamin E is an excellent moisturizer that hydrates the skin while preventing water loss. This can reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Tocopherols are great anti-aging agents that protect the skin cells that make collagen and elastin (a protein that helps the skin keep its shape) and can fade acne scars.

PHYTOSTEROLS

This component of prickly pear seed oil is similar to cholesterol in that it binds to water. This is great news for our skin because when applied topically, water-binding phytosterols help the skin retain moisture, creating a strong and healthy skin barrier. They also help with collagen production, keeping our skin young and soft, and have even been found to reverse the effects of aging.

POLYPHENOLS

These compounds are a powerhouse: not only do they have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-carcinogenic properties, but they also combat oxidative stress, an imbalance between the production of free radicals and the body's ability to defend itself against them. Like tocopherols, they are also free radical scavengers. Polyphenols prevent and treat sun damage and can relieve redness and irritation.

SUMMARY

So what can I expect from this product? Well, nothing less than the following results:

• Restored elasticity;
• Brighter, more even skin tone;
• Smoother, nourished and moisturized skin;
• Tighter pores;
• A reduction in the appearance of dark circles under the eyes;
• A reduction in the appearance of fine lines;
• Prevention of premature wrinkle formation;

In closing, please note that this article does not apply to just any prickly pear oil. Indeed, these characteristics are specific to the fig from a small specific region in Morocco producing the highest quality of this cactus. The fig oil from California, Tunisia or other regions in the world do not offer the same optimal result.