Plant-based moisturizers are becoming increasingly popular, as women search for safer and healthier cosmetics. One of the more exotic emollients is natural barbary fig oil.
This oil can be applied to your face on its own. Or, it can be used as part of a recipe with other oils considered good for skin regeneration.
Fig Oil for Your Skin
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If you’re never heard of barbary fig, you probably associate it with that sweet Middle Eastern delicacy we often enjoy around Christmas. But I’m talking about an entirely different species. Barbary fig oil comes from a cactus. It’s scientific name is Opuntia ficus-indica. It’s also known as cactus pear and prickly pear.
The oil from the fruit of this plant is being touted for its very high Vitamin E content, as well as its rich concentration of a fatty acid called linoleic acid, which aids in the regeneration of skin cells. Although it’s not (yet) quite as popular as Moroccan argan oil, barbary fig oil does seem to be gaining recognition. It’s one of the natural remedies now used more frequently to help reduce the visible signs of aging. Like argan oil, it’s considered a good wrinkle fighter.
Fig Oil For Skin
The best advice I can give, to anyone seeking a more natural beauty regimen, is to try different oils to see what works best for you. Also, you may want to consider rotating oils. I’ve found that not using the same ingredients too many times in a row yields better results. I don’t know if there’s a scientific reason for that. But that’s what works for my own skin.
So, if you’re like me, and you prefer plant-based moisturizers, you may want to consider adding barbary fig oil to the mix. This oil is said to contain even more potential skin-renewing compounds than argan oil, according to various published statements.
Years ago, I decided to get rid of my chemical facial creams. I also threw my body lotions away too. This was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.
Natural Cosmetics For Your Skin
These formulas contain compounds such as parabens, which are coming under increasing scrutiny for their potential role in the current breast cancer epidemic. Parabens are used as preservatives. They’re added to a wide range of products. Because they have an estrogen-like effect, it’s feared they could fuel a hormone-dependent tumor.
This link is not conclusive. But, even without definitive proof, why put anything even remotely questionable on your skin?
For me, there’s another benefit to using natural products. My skin tone has improved. In retrospect, I believe that putting chemicals on my face was causing blotchy spots. This led to a vicious cycle, in which I added more chemicals, because I felt I needed foundation to cover up the unevenness. Now that I’m eating organic food, and using natural skincare products, I no longer wear foundation.
Where to Buy Barbary Fig Oil
Barbary fig oil is still rather uncommon, at least compared to argan oil, another natural emollient that comes from a plant that grows in a very dry environment. If you can’t find this oil locally, it’s available online.
The 100 percent pure barbary fig oil shown here is sold by Poppy Austin, and is handmade in small batches.
How to Use Barbary Fig Seed Oil
From what I understand, it takes a lot of seeds to produce barbary fig oil. That’s why each producer generally only makes a relatively small amount. So, if you want to stretch your barbary fig oil, you can mix it with something else. Argan oil and rosehip seed oil are also considered good for mature skin.
Barbary fig oil can also be folded into a homemade body butter recipe, using shea butter and coconut oil. This would be one way to make a bottle of barbary fig last a lot longer. Here’s a very easy recipe using barbary fig oil in a batch of homemade body butter.
- Melt 1/2 cup of coconut oil and 1/4 cup of shea butter on a stove top, gently over low heat.
- When these oils become liquid, remove them from the heat and set aside to cool. This should take about 15 minutes.
- Then, transfer them into a clean glass bowl. Put this bowl into the freezer for 10 minutes and make sure to remove it promptly. You don’t want the oils to harden thoroughly. The right texture is for it to start becoming solid right around the edges.
- Transfer the partially solid oils to a mixing bowl.
- Whip on high speed for about 12 minutes.
- Just before you’re finished, add 20 drops of barbary fig oil.
- Store in a clean covered glass jar and use as needed.
Body butter is so luxurious. I use it on my face, as well as my body. I’ll never use chemical lotions again. If you don’t own any organic shea butter, you can also order this online. Here is the brand I use.
Disclaimer
These statements have not been approved by the FDA. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
