Prickly pear, also known as Opuntia ficus-indica, grows on cacti in warm, dry climates. Boasting several health benefits, from boosting immunity to supporting heart health, this over-achieving little fruit is also necessary for your skin care routine. Read on to find out why we use prickly pear in our ChitoCare beauty Anti-Aging Repair Serum. 

What is Prickly Pear? 

Contrary to its appearance, prickly pear is an agent of softness and growth. Also sometimes referred to as the Barbary fig or nopal, it grows on cacti native to South America, and can also be found in parts of the Middle East and Mediterranean, Northern Africa, Australia and the Caribbean islands. Touted as a superfood, prickly pears have been used in traditional medicine for centuries, as they are filled with potent vitamins and nutrients, such as Vitamin E, potassium, calcium and magnesium. 

The Opuntia ficus-indica cactus tree can grow to be immense, up to two meters tall, and can withstand hostile desert environments. An impressive plant, it can survive serious drought while still producing fruit that is edible and sweet. Proof that the prickly pear can retain moisture even in the harshest of conditions.  

Why is Prickly Pear Good for the Skin? 

Extracts and oils made from prickly pear are suitable for all skin types without clogging pores or leaving a greasy residue. They deliver moisture to the skin, helping it remain hydrated and dewy. Prickly pear is rich in fatty acids that are crucial in stimulating healthy skin cell growth and regeneration, helping renew and nourish the skin. 

Prickly pear also contains compounds that have protective antioxidant action, helping fight oxidative stress of the cells and soothing the skin from redness, irritation, and acne soreness. 

What’s more, prickly pear is rich in Vitamin E and Vitamin K. In fact, it has almost 150% more Vitamin E than any other skincare ingredient on the market! Vitamin E prevents free radicals from causing damage and protects your skin from premature aging. Vitamin K helps prevent hyperpigmentation, brightening your complexion and giving a healthy glow. 

Other compounds and amino acids found in prickly pear play a vital role in collagen production and support the skin’s moisture barrier, increasing elasticity and brightening your complexion. Its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties promote the skin’s natural healing process. 

How Can I Use Prickly Pear? 

Thanks to its wide range of healthy components, prickly pear is increasingly being used in skin care products, so you can make the best of its miraculous qualities. With its ability to create an intensively moisturizing layer that protects the skin, it is ideal for treating sun damage, sensitive or dehydrated skin. Our ChitoCare beauty Serum Mask, containing prickly pear stem extract and chitosan, is the perfect way to offer your skin intensive moisture and a smooth look. 

Prickly pear’s anti-aging properties also make it ideal for treating mature skin or skin in need of a moisture boost to increase elasticity. Using ChitoCare beauty Anti-Aging Repair Serum, containing prickly pear, chitosan, geothermal silica, and other nourishing goodness, will keep your skin moisturized and soft, while reducing the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.  

Who would have thought that the unsuspecting prickly pear would prove to be such a powerful ally in skin care? Now that you know, you can take full advantage of it and give your skin a natural moisture boost and youthful glow.