Bio-Oil is one of those products that, if you search for it on google, it comes up all over the place as a "miracle cure" for pretty much everything from dry skin to stretch marks and scars to uneven skin tone. But, being a bit of a cynic, that always makes me slightly suspicious. I was therefore keen to see what I'd think when Bio-Oil offered to send me a bottle to try out.
Well, not being pregnant any more, I can't comment on how well it works from that point of view but, judging by how it feels on application and how supple and nourished it makes your skin feel, it should work pretty effectively. My stretchmarks have faded to thin silvery lines by now but even so, after applying Bio-Oil regularly, I do feel they're a bit less noticeable, probably because the skin around them seems smoother and slightly plumped up and this hides them. Bio-Oil suggest that during pregnancy, it should be applied twice daily from the first trimester until after the birth.
If you're not pregnant, you should apply it twice daily for a minimum of three months to see results. I found my skin to feel deeply nourished and moisturised even after the very first application, but it is actually more effective if you keep it up and apply it regularly. This is the perfect preparation for the summer for skin that doesn't see daylight for most of the year and could do with some TLC. You can apply it all over your body and I particularly found the skin on my arms and legs - which frequently have dry, flaky patches on them, especially on my knees and elbows - to be in much better condition after a regular dose of Bio-Oil. I found it to be a bit heavy for my face, especially during the day, but it could be good as a replacement for a night cream.
I was expecting a really unpleasant greasiness when applying the product and, as it is an oil, it is by essence obviously oily, but it wasn't quite as slimy and horrible as I was expecting. It is absorbed quite well by the skin but, as I don't like the sensation of my clothes sticking to me, I chose to remove the excess oil, after leaving it on my skin for several minutes for maximum absorption, with Johnson's Baby Lotion, which is designed to remove baby oil. This was a great compromise as I got the moisturising and nourishing effects of the Bio-Oil without the greasy residue.
The bottle is clear which is handy for seeing how much of the product is left, but it did get a bit messy and drippy after regular use so I would have preferred a pump dispenser. The fragrance is lovely too and helps make it into a lovely relaxing ritual as part of your skincare.
star rating : 4/5
RRP : £8.99 for 60ml
for more information : www.bio-oil.com/
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I keep meaning to get some bio oil for a scar i have on my face after a mozzie bit me last year :~ must give it a try as lots of ppl keep mentioning it to me!
ReplyDeleteI keep meaning to try this too. I've got a large scar on my left breast from a heart operation which has never faded, and another operation scar on my leg from least year. Might have to give it a try!
ReplyDeleteI use this on the scars on my leg and it works a treat.
ReplyDeleteUsed Bio Oil religiously throughout my pregnancy - at least twice a day sometimes more! I still have quite bad stretch marks but have cintinued to use it and they are beginning to fade! I think it's better to help fade them - not prevent them !
ReplyDelete@hannahmdy