Content

• To step
• Method 1 of 2: Use Bio-Oil for smooth skin and to reduce scars
• Method 2 of 2: Try Bio-Oil for other potential benefits
• Tips

Bio-Oil is an oil-based skincare brand that has grown in popularity since the early 2000s. Although marketed primarily for reducing stretch marks and scars, Bio-Oil fans claim it works wonders in a variety of ways, from strengthening your hair to removing your makeup.Most of these claims are scientifically unfounded, but since Bio-Oil is fairly affordable and generally safe for most people to use on a daily basis, it might be worth a try!

To step

Method 1 of 2: Use Bio-Oil for smooth skin and to reduce scars

1. Use Bio-Oil on emerging stretch marks or recent scars. Bio-Oil's ingredients are formulated to improve skin elasticity so that the product works best on scars or stretch marks that are just starting to form. However, many users claim to see at least some improvement on older stretch marks and scars as well.
   • Some people - especially pregnant women - use Bio-Oil proactively to prevent stretch marks before they form. Of course, it is impossible to prove that a product can prevent something that might not appear after all!
2. Rub a small amount into the affected areas in circular motions. For smaller areas of the skin, squeeze 2 to 3 drops onto your fingertips; for larger areas, use six drops on your palm. Then massage the product into the targeted area with a gentle circular motion until it absorbs and is no longer greasy to the touch.
   • The main ingredient of Bio-Oil is mineral oil, which has the same oily density. This means that a few drops can cover a large area and it takes a fair amount of circular massage to rub it in completely.
3. Use it twice a day for at least 3 months. Bio-Oil is not marketed as a quick fix or panacea for skin blemishes. Instead, before you can expect results, it is recommended that you apply the product twice a day for 3 months or more.
   • For example, you could apply it after your morning shower and then in the evening as part of your bedtime preparations.
4. Try it on dry skin, aging skin, uneven skin tone or older scars. The manufacturers of Bio-Oil primarily market it for use on newer stretch marks and scars, but find it best to promote its potential benefits in a few other areas. These include improving older scars or stretch marks (with the caveat that the results are likely to be less impressive), as a moisturizer for dry skin, and as an emollient and smoothing agent for aging skin.
   • Use the product in the same way in all cases - apply it twice a day to the desired areas for at least 3 months.
   • In short, the makers of Bio-Oil limit the product's "official" claims to a few specific areas, leaving it to user credentials to greatly enhance its appearance as a cosmetic.
5. Watch for blemishes or irritation to sensitive skin. While some users claim that it reduces acne outbreaks, as an oil-based product, Bio-Oil can clog pores and contribute to breakouts. Since it contains various essential oils and botanical extracts, some people with sensitive skin may also experience skin irritation or discomfort.
   • If you stop using the product, the blemishes, irritations or skin discomfort should disappear within a few days. If for some reason this doesn't happen, see a dermatologist.

Method 2 of 2: Try Bio-Oil for other potential benefits

1. Apply it as a moisturizer for the skin. Some Bio-Oil users have replaced their standard moisturizer with this product, especially praising its benefits when dealing with cracked skin on elbows and feet. Do it once or twice a day, instead of a typical moisturizer, for at least a month (or better yet, 3 months).
   • Because it is oil-based, a few drops of Bio-Oil on your skin is more than enough, so be careful with your application! It can also take longer to rub in than typical moisturisers.
2. Use it to soothe the skin after sunburn, plucking or shaving. Some users claim that gently rubbing in some Bio-Oil can soothe sunburn and prevent peeling. Others say that massaging a few drops in and around your eyebrows after plucking reduces pain and redness. Still others claim that Bio-Oil is a great balm to apply after shaving your legs.
   • Some Bio-Oil fans even use it as a replacement for shaving gel before shaving their legs!
   • The makers of Bio-Oil do not specifically support these claims, nor is there reliable research to back them up. This is the reality for most of the "unregistered" use of Bio-Oil that fans of the product praise.
3. Add a little to your shampoo to reduce itching or flaking of the scalp. Put the normal amount of shampoo in your hand, then add a drop or two of Bio-Oil and stir it in with your finger. Massage it into your hair and scalp and rinse as usual.
   • Since Bio-Oil is intended to improve skin elasticity, using it with your shampoo might reduce scalp dryness, itching, and flaking.
   • However, you shouldn't expect results unless you use Bio-Oil consistently for a longer period of time - probably 3 months or more.
4. Comb a few drops into your hair with your fingers to moisturize dry ends. Some believers in Bio-Oil say it can also soften your hair and reduce flyaways from dry ends. Put 2 or 3 drops in the palm of your hand, rub your hands together and work your fingers and hands through your hair.
   • Do this at least once a day, and especially after you shower. It can take weeks or even up to 3 months before you can see results.
5. Massage a drop onto each cuticle to keep them soft. A little bit of Bio-Oil applied daily can prevent dry, cracked or split cuticles. Using a small drop per finger, rub it in gently but thoroughly with one of the fingers of your other hand.
   • You can get the best results if you do this after your daily bath or shower.
6. Use it under your eyes to reduce dark circles. Bio-Oil is marketed for its ability to reduce uneven skin tones, so it is quite possible that it can help reduce the conspicuousness of dark circles under your eyes. Massage 1 to 2 drops twice a day, under each eye.
   • Do not use Bio-Oil as a quick fix. Expect it to take up to 3 months to see noticeable results.
7. Rub a little on your lips to make lipstick last longer. A drop of Bio-Oil massaged onto your lips will help retain moisture. This, in turn, can make your lipstick last longer before it starts to crack and eventually flake off.
   • Bio-Oil is primarily made from natural ingredients, but you should still avoid getting a significant amount of it in your mouth. A single drop, or a maximum of 2 drops, should be more than enough to cover your lips.
8. Mix a small amount into your foundation to create a more natural look. If you want to make your foundation a bit more transparent, apply some of it to the back of your hand and then add a drop of Bio-Oil. Mix it together with your finger and then apply it on your face as usual.
   • This is one of the few cases where Bio-Oil should give immediate results.
9. Try it as a makeup remover. Some fans of Bio-Oil claim it is a superior makeup remover. Put 3 to 4 drops on your palm, rub your hands and massage the oil over your face. Then rinse your face with warm water and pat it dry with a clean towel.
   • If you wear a significant amount of makeup, start with a traditional makeup remover first and then use the Bio-Oil to complete the job.

Tips

• If you are a medical professional and want to know more about Bio-Oil, you can always go to one of the information booths that the company organizes every year at numerous large conferences.