What is "Opuntia Ficus-Indica Seed Oil" and what is its utility?

The Prickly Pear (Opuntia ficus-indica), also known as Hindi or Nopal, is a succulent plant belonging to the Cactaceae family. It primarily grows in Latin America, in arid zones. The Mediterranean basin, including the Maghreb, is also conducive to its growth. Its edible fruit contains a multitude of seeds which, when cold-pressed, yield a vegetable oil with numerous virtues.

ThePrickly Pear oil is characterised by its liquid texture that is both oily and fluid, with a yellow or green colour. It emits a slight sharp and acidic fragrance. It contains Vitamin E, sterols and fatty acids such as linoleic acid, palmitic acid, oleic acid and stearic acid. Itscomedogenicity index of 0makes it compatible with all skin types.

Theprickly pear oil is suitable for all skin types but it is particularly recommended for the care of mature, dry, dehydrated and flaky skin. Its benefits are numerous:

• Rich in active antioxidants such as sterols and vitamin E, it protects the skin from free radicals. As a reminder, these are reactive oxygen species naturally produced by the body. However, when cells are subjected to stress, they produce them excessively. The sources of stress are numerous, the main ones being exposure to UV rays, pollution, smoking, and a diet too high in fats and/or sugars.

  Free radicals are particularly unstable molecules due to their unpaired electron. They tend to react with other molecules to form an electron pair, thereby causing damage to cells, DNA, and proteins in the body. This accelerates ageing and results in wrinkles appearing on the skin's surface. Therefore, prickly pear vegetable oil is an excellent ally in preventing premature skin ageing.

• Rich in omega-6 and omega-9, it also provides nutrition and elasticity to the skin, and prevents dehydration by strengthening the barrier function of the epidermis. The hydrolipidic film improves the resistance of the horny layer against external aggressions and limits insensible water loss. The vegetable oil of hindi is thus qualified as relipidating, it is recommended for taking care of dry and dehydrated skin.

• It is also recommended forrevitalising dull and tired complexionsthanks to its composition of unsaturated fatty acids that restructure the skin to give it more luminosity.

• Itshealing propertiesare of excellent aid in reducing the stretch mark scars or small scars left by blemishes or acne outbreaks.

• In regards to hair, theprickly pear oil provides nutrition and shine. To reap its benefits, apply a few drops to the lengths and ends.

• For nails, it is recommended to perform regular massages with prickly pear oil to strengthen them and make them less brittle.