Never thought of using cactus for your skin, right? Check out some unique cactus plant benefits for the skin!
If you were sure no good could come out of a dry and thorny plant like a cactus, think again. This prickly plant can actually do wonders for your skin, like aloe vera! In recent times, the Prickly Pear cactus has been a common ingredient in cosmetics. Why? To find the answers, you must read the best cactus plant benefits for your skin.
Benefits of Cactus for Your Skin
1. Excellent Moisturizer
Known as “Nature’s Hydration Maestro,” let’s first talk about the Prickly Pear cactus. This one doesn’t just offer hydration—it locks it in. Its pulp (extracted much like aloe vera gel) is packed with water, giving it amazing hydrating power and plenty of NMFs—natural moisturizing factors.
Plus, it has a non-greasy texture and provides skin-barrier support too, thanks to its polysaccharide content. What more could you ask for from an au naturel moisturizer? And here’s the cherry on top—it’s eco-friendly and sustainable, making your skincare routine greener. Lastly, hyaluronic acid, who?
And here’s a little skincare hack—apply cactus pulp as a hydrating overnight mask. Just a thin layer can keep your skin feeling plump and fresh the next morning.
2. Brightens and Lightens Skin
Once you start researching the skin benefits of cactus, you go down a rabbit hole of goodness. But one fact you will always find people raving about is its amazing antioxidant properties. Environmental and lifestyle factors like toxins, UV rays, and stress can cause excessive free radicals in your skin, causing damage.
To fight these, cactus pulp or extracts contain flavonoids that not only destroy these free radicals but also brighten your skin and lighten any dark spots.
Moreover, it also contains vitamin E, which has been proven to increase cell growth and, ultimately, make your skin glow!
Also, cactus-based serums or gels work great under makeup and double up as a natural glow booster. You’ll look fresh-faced without layering on a highlighter.
3. Helps Against Aging Symptoms
Did you think the action of antioxidants ends with brightening up the skin? Well, absolutely not! These essential antioxidant properties in cactus extracts also nourish your skin and help treat premature aging symptoms.
So, the next time you feel that you are getting wrinkles and fine lines, you know you have to up the cactus ante in your skincare routine!
Additionally, the vitamins A, C, E, and amino acids in cactus extracts promote skin health, keeping the skin supple and maintaining a healthy structure.
For mature skin, cactus seed oil is a hidden gem. Rich in sterols and fatty acids, it boosts skin elasticity and smoothens out fine lines when used regularly.
4. Relief from Sunburn
Spent a little too much time in the sun? Time to harvest some cactus extract!
Yes, this plant can even treat skin problems like sunburn and excess pigmentation. As you just read in the previous point, it can lighten dark spots, but there’s more!
If the sun irritates your skin too much, cactus extracts can again be of great help in relieving pain, thanks to their moisturizing and cooling properties.
Bonus: Blend cactus gel with a few drops of peppermint or lavender essential oil for a calming DIY sunburn remedy. You’ll love the soothing sensation!
5. Helps Soothe Irritated Skin
Dry or sensitive skin can often become irritated with redness and inflammation. But if you have cactus extracts by your side, they can save the day!
Most colorful cacti get their bright colorations from pigments called betalains. But betalains are not just responsible for pigmentation. They also have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant qualities, which can help reduce irritation and skin redness.
Plus, you can also keep your dry or dehydrated skin looking and feeling better with cactus oil, thanks to the linoleic acid found in it. It maintains the lipid barrier and also keeps skin moisture levels stable. Plus, you do not have to worry about it being safe on your skin as cactus extracts are quite soothing and gentle in nature.
And here’s a neat trick—store your cactus gel in the fridge. Chilled cactus gel not only feels amazing but also reduces puffiness around the eyes.
6. Helps with Acne Relief
Another cause of redness in the skin is often acne or pimples. These, too, are a result of inflammation or the buildup of excess sebum in the pores of your skin. In any case, cactus extracts containing compounds called polyphenols have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.
These serve a dual purpose of protecting the skin from oxidative stress and also preventing inflammation. Both of these collectively improve your skin health, reducing the appearance of acne. Plus, it soothes acne-related pain and swelling. So, you must not hesitate to add it to a comprehensive acne treatment plan right now!
You can even dab cactus gel directly on active pimples—it helps calm redness while speeding up healing. Just make sure it’s pure and free of chemicals.
7. Gets Rid of Tan!
By this time, you know how cactus is amazing for you if you have a sunburn. But if you are dealing with an unwanted tan, how do you get rid of it?
And cactus comes to the rescue yet again! All you have to do is massage cactus gel or juice all over your body and let the hydrating electrolytes and antioxidants do their magic. They can have amazing effects, not just in reversing any UV damage on your skin but also to help lighten your tan.
To boost its effect, mix cactus pulp with a pinch of turmeric and a spoon of yogurt. This home remedy not only fades tan but also gives your skin a fresh glow.
We are sure these benefits have already gotten you to run towards your cactus. But before you incorporate it into your skincare routine, tell us which benefits surprised you the most in the comments below!
