Gorgeous Skin From a Cactus? Meet Barbary Fig Seed Oil
Have you joined the skin oil revolution that’s taking the beauty world by storm?
We’ve used the basics in skin care for eons: jojoba oil and sweet almond oil are two often-seen players. Coconut oil secured a spot with health lovers across the globe for consumption and topical use as well. Argan oil can now be found in it’s pure form, and as a staple in many highly effective lip balms, moisturizers, serums, shampoos and conditioners, even cosmetics such as foundation, lipstick and mascara. It’s clear that we’ve developed a full fledged love affair with essential fatty acids and nutrient rich oils that our skin just gobbles up. So what’s next? How about barbary fig seed oil.
La Bella Figura truly was one of the first, if not the first, U.S. beauty brand to bring this rich cactus seed oil to market. Where does it come from? A thorny cactus called Opuntia Ficus Indica Cactus, more commonly known as prickly pear. Growing in arid and semi arid regions, it most likely originated in Mexico, yet has become a key domesticated crop important to the agricultural economies of many other countries including Spain, Italy, Greece, Tunisia, Morocco, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Israel, Chile, Brazil, and Turkey, among others.
However, we have it on good authority that the best barbary fig seed oil is cold pressed organic, Fair Trade certified from Tunisia. Apparently, sourcing here ensures the oil is pure seed oil and not a macerated version of inferior quality. As with most things in life, you get what you pay for. The cheaper the oil, the less likely that it’s pure seed oil, which is where all of the most important and potent skin beneficial constituents come from. What’s more, the seeds are only 5 percent oil, making extraction difficult with low yields per batch thus it is one of the most expensive oils available.
So, what’s the big deal?
Check out the stats: Barbary fig seed oil is exceptionally high in vitamin E and linoleic acid, beating out even argan oil. Also rich in beneficial betalains (powerful antioxidants found in beets), active minerals and amino acids, barbary fig seed oil protects against free radicals, stimulates new cell growth, and calms inflammation. It’s easily absorbed, penetrating below the surface of the skin with ease for maximum benefits without leaving any oily residue behind – a key feature for reticent beauty oil users.
An ideal option for intense, skin hydration, barbary fig seed oil is beneficial to all skin types, supporting skin repair after trauma and providing protection from environmental stress. Excellent for mature skin, it helps address signs of aging including hyperpigmentation, while the high fatty acid content plumps skin to help smooth wrinkles and increase firmness. Not only useful on the skin, barbary fig seed oil is also highly beneficial to dry hair and scalp, soothing irritation and boosting shine.
Want to try it? La Bella Figura’s Organic Barbary Fig Seed Oil is as good as it gets. Yes, it’s spendy, but that small bottle will last you 6-9 months if used sparingly.
Top Image: kretyen
