Nourish - prickly pear

For most of us, the word 'Cactus' conjures up images of a prickly plant in the desert - certainly not something we'd want to put anywhere near our face! I know how strange the idea of Cactus beauty products must sound, but Cacti have incredible moisturising and nutrient rich properties. After all, we all know how good Cacti are at holding water! Many
natural skin care products are now packed with Cactus flower extracts, from species like
Prickly Pear, to hydrate and benefit skin. Cactus skin care now includes everything from
cleansers to facial oils to dry body brushing.

Índice Show

What is Prickly Pear?
Prickly Pear skin care benefits
Natural Prickly Pear skin care
Natural Cactus skin care
How do I keep my prickly pear cactus healthy?
Do prickly pears need fertilizer?
Should I fertilize my prickly pear cactus?
How do you encourage new growth on prickly pears?

What do Cacti derived ingredients do for skin and how do they work?

What is Prickly Pear?

Prickly Pear Cactus, also known as the Indian Fig Opuntia, is actually not a type of pear! It's a special type of cactus native to North and South America, often found in the deserts of the west coast of the US, and is characterised by the flat paddle shape of its pads,
sharp prickles and the unique Cactus fruit it produces. These pear buds are a beautifully
vibrant pink-orange colour and are a popular summer fruit – once the sharp spikes on the
outer skin is removed! These 'cactus figs' contain small seeds, and it is from these seeds
that Prickly Pear Oil is made - the powerful ingredient found in some of my favourite natural
and organic skin care.

Prickly Pear skin care benefits

Prickly Pear Oil is known as a potent source of Vitamin E, a powerful moisturiser for our skin, as well as being loaded with essential fatty acids, antioxidants and other vitamins. These traits making cactus fruit extract perfect for helping to brighten age spots, sun damage and hyperpigmentation. Prickly Pear is also said to help strengthen and rebuild the skin's natural protective barrier and fight back against environmental damage. One of my favourite things about Prickly Pear Oil is that it's lightweight and fast-absorbing yet still very soothing and moisturising, so it can actually be suitable for most skin types. You can actually also drink Prickly Pear Cactus water made from the fruit!

Natural Prickly Pear skin care

Andalou Naturals Coconut Water Firming Cleanser
One of my favourite Prickly Pear skin care products is the Andalou Naturals Coconut Water Firming Cleanser. This skin-quenching cleansing foam removes impurities and grime gently but effectively, combining brightening Prickly Pear with refreshing Coconut Water to help deeply restore moisture to the skin rather than strip it dry. Gently massage into damp skin both morning and night to boost thirsty skin with calming hydration.

Skin Juice Rejuice Face Oil
Enriched with nourishing Prickly Pear Seed Oil, the Skin Juice Rejuice Face Oil is basically a green juice for the skin and is ideal for all skin types. Including nutrient-rich Blueberry Seed, Carrot Seed and Chamomile Oils, this soothing plant oil blend works to help balance oil production, soothe blemishes and calm skin. It's also rich in brightening essential fatty acids and antioxidants, making it especially great for fighting dehydration and signs of ageing in mature skin types. Press around 3 drops into the face, neck and chest daily. Can also be used in place of night cream.

Edible Beauty Goddess On The Go
The Edible Beauty Goddess On The Go is a fabulous Prickly Pear-rich multitasker which you can use to hydrate the face as well as lips, hands, cuticles, elbows, feet and even the ends of your hair, really anywhere you experience dryness! This nourishing skin balm is packed with creamy Coconut Oil and Mango Butter, designed to melt into the skin for instant, rich hydration. To use, warm a small amount in your hands until it melts, and apply as needed.

Natural Cactus skin care

Salt & Glow Skin Mist - Rose & Cactus Toner
Like the Cactus family, Aloe Vera is also known for its nutrient-rich and ultra-hydrating properties! The Salt & Glow Skin Mist - Rose & Cactus Toner is packed with cooling Aloe Vera and Bulgarian Rose Hydrosol for a refreshing burst of hydration, while Witch Hazel tightens pores and Pomegranate, Kakadu Plum and Sea Buckthorn brighten skin. Spritz onto skin after cleansing and before moisturising to help keep the complexion looking plump and fresh.

Puristry by 100% Pure Nopal Cactus Cleanser
If you prefer gentle, low-foaming cleansers, you'll love the Puristry by 100% Pure Nopal Cactus Cleanser which contains Organic Prickly Pear and Nopal Cactus Extracts as well as cooling Aloe Juice and Honeysuckle. Suitable for all skin types, especially dehydrated skin, this Certified Organic cleansing water works to calm and brighten the skin while removing build-up and impurities. Apply a small amount to hands or a konjac sponge and massage into skin to create a gentle lather.

Hydrea Vegan Dry Body Brush
I don't just love cacti derived products IN my skin care - sometimes I use it AS my skin care! The Hydrea Vegan Dry Body Brush is actually made from natural Cactus plant bristles, which might sound painful but they've actually been uniquely cut on a smooth angle to hug the body rather than scratch it. I'm a long-time lover of dry body brushing as it works to help remove dead and dry skin cells as well as stimulate blood flow, improving skin tone and minimising the appearance of skin conditions such as Cellulite and Keratosis Pilaris. I use this exfoliating brush a few times a week to polish skin and also get rid of any old fake tan. To use, brush in upward strokes, towards the heart.

Sources: 100% Pure, ELLE.

How do I keep my prickly pear cactus healthy?

Caring for prickly pear cactus Water whenever the compost has dried out, allowing any excess to drain away. Feed with a cactus fertiliser once every two months from spring to early autumn. In winter, move to a cooler spot to encourage flowers. Repot young plants every spring, and mature plants every couple of years.

Do prickly pears need fertilizer?

Fertilize young plants with a balanced 10-10-10 fertilizer. For established plants, a 5-10-10 or even 0-10-10 water-soluble fertilizer will promote more flowers and fruit. If you are growing for the pads, use a fertilizer that is high in nitrogen.

Should I fertilize my prickly pear cactus?

Your Prickly Pear Cactus requires fertilizer once in the spring and once in the summer. Apply an all-purpose, liquid plant food diluted to half strength. Do not fertilize your Prickly Pear in the fall or winter when plant growth naturally slows.

How do you encourage new growth on prickly pears?

Prickly pear cactus might not bloom for the first few years of its life. To help it along in later years, fertilize once a month with a 5-10-10 fertilizer and keep it in the sunniest possible area.

Nourish - prickly pear