Any natural product that may accidentally stab you during a DIY beauty experiment is a huge turn off, regardless of the benefits. Thankfully, however, you don’t have to dissect a cactus to get its hair and skin benefits because the same nourishing qualities are available in prickly pear seed oil. As dermatologist Dr. Joshua Zeichner told Elle.com, cactus oil can repair damaged collagen and reduce inflammation in the skin, which is why you may start seeing this oil more and more in skincare products.
My obsession with cactus began during a binge of cactus tacos which lead me down a painful path of trying to extract meat from cactus leaves myself. While the meat of a cactus is certainly beneficial, the oil has plenty to offer as well and is only one, pain-free "Add To Cart" click away, thanks to the Internet. Prickly pear (a type of cactus) seed oil is full of antioxidants including the almighty vitamin E which protects our cells from damage. This oil is great for your hair and skin, providing moisture and protection in each drop.
There are plenty of delicious cactus products in the beauty aisle, but they may cost you a pretty penny. But like any beauty gift from nature, you can use prickly pear seed oil on your own. Here is how I am relishing in cactus seed oil.
Prickly Pear Seed Oil, $5, Amazon
1. Nail Strengthener
The state of my nails after I've removed their polish is enough to make you think that they had fought in a war and hadn't been buffed since. Oils are great for restoring damaged nails and cuticles, but I've found that prickly pear seed oil in particular penetrates deep enough to be effective on nails. Dab a little on polished or unpolished nails to keep your nail beds moisturized and strong.
2. Hair Serum
My hair problem area is the area closest to my face where baby hair meets real hair. I'll be honest: The fear of a receding hair line means I'm always thinking of new hair serums to smooth on my edges daily. I use two parts flaxseed oil, one part prickly pear seed oil, and several drops of lavender essential oil to keep my problem area under control.
3. Reduce Dark Circles
According to sources at Stylecraze, prickly pear seed oil can reduce the appearance of dark circles under the eye because it contains vitamin K and has anti-inflammatory properties to bring down extra baggage. I find it helpful to use a green tea ice cube first to bring down inflammation quickly and then follow it up with a drop of prickly pear seed oil.
4. Acne Spot Treatment
Prickly Pear Seed Oil, $5, Amazon
Prickly pear seed oil is rich in linoleic acid and if you've ever had to go on a time-consuming Google search about acne, you know linoleic acid is great for keeping outbreaks under control. Prickly pear seed oil is light enough to use on its own, but I like to add a few drops of lavender tea tree oil to any oil that I'm applying on my pimples to avoid clogging my incredibly sensitive pores.
5. Night Care Serum
Prickly Pear Seed Oil, $5, Amazon
If you're looking to make your own night serum, prickly pear seed oil is a great place to start replenishing your skin and restoring dull complexions. Use the oil as a base and add vetiver or rose essential oil in an amber glass vial with a dropper for future use. It's my personal favorite recipe!
Imagine: Kristin Collins Jackson (5)
