Bio Oil is an oil-based skin care brand that became popular in the early 2000s. Although marketed primarily for reducing stretch marks and scars, proponents of Bio Oil claim it is miraculous for other uses as well, from hair straightening to makeup removal. Most of these claims have no scientific basis, but since this is a fairly inexpensive and generally safe product for everyday use, it might be worth a try.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Use Bio Oil to Reduce Scars and Smooth the Skin
Step 1. Use Bio Oil on early stretch marks or recent scars
The ingredients of this product are formulated to improve skin elasticity, therefore this oil works best on scars and stretch marks that are starting to form. However, many consumers claim to see some improvement on older stretch marks and scars as well.
Some people (especially pregnant women) use Bio Oil to prevent stretch marks from forming. However, in this case it is impossible to prove its effectiveness, as the stretch marks in question may never form
Step 2. Rub a small amount of product on the affected area in circular motions
For smaller portions of skin, pour 2-3 drops of oil on your fingers; for larger portions, use about half a dozen on the palm of your hand. Finally, massage the product on the affected area with gentle circular movements until it is absorbed and the skin is no longer greasy to the touch.
The main ingredient of Bio Oil is mineral oil, so the product has an oily consistency. This means that a few drops of the product are sufficient to cover a large area and that a good dose of circular massages is required to make it absorb deeply
Step 3. Use it twice a day for at least 3 months
Bio Oil is not marketed as an instant or miracle remedy for skin imperfections: rather, before seeing any results it is advisable to apply the product twice a day for 3 months or more.
For example, you could apply it in the morning after a shower and in the evening it becomes part of your bedtime preparations
Step 4. Try it as a remedy for dry skin and aging, to even out the complexion of the skin and on older scars
Bio Oil has been designed with the aim of being used on stretch marks and newly formed scars, but its producers promote their potential benefits also on other areas of the body and with other uses; among these, the possibility of obtaining an improvement in older scars and stretch marks (specifying, however, that the results will be less visible), moisturize dry skin and reduce aging.
- For whatever purpose you decide to use it, always proceed with the same method, i.e. apply the product on the desired area 2 times a day for at least 3 months.
- Simply put, Bio Oil manufacturers limit the product's official benefits to some specific purposes and let consumers promote it as a generic beauty remedy.
Step 5. Watch out for any rashes or irritation on more sensitive skin
Although some consumers claim that it is able to reduce acne, being an oil-based product, Bio Oil can clog pores and contribute to skin rashes. Also, since it contains several essential oils and botanical extracts, some people with more sensitive skin may experience irritation or other discomfort.
If you stop using the product immediately, any rash, irritation or other ailment should subside within a few days. If this does not happen, consult a dermatologist
Method 2 of 2: Try Bio Oil for Other Potential Benefits
Step 1. Use it as a skin moisturizer
Some consumers decide to substitute Bio Oil for traditional moisturizers and affirm their effectiveness, especially on the chapped skin of the elbows and feet. Try applying it 1-2 times a day instead of your moisturizer for at least a month or, better yet, for 3 months.
Since it is an oil-based product, a few drops of Bio Oil are enough to cover a good portion of the skin, so don't spread too much. It may also take longer for it to absorb than traditional moisturizers
Step 2. Use it to soothe the skin after a sunburn, hair removal or shaving
Some people claim that a few drops of Bio Oil can soothe sunburn and prevent skin peeling; others say that massaging a couple of drops on the eyebrows and surrounding area after shaving them reduces pain and redness. Finally, others still declare that the product is an excellent conditioner to apply after shaving the legs.
- Some Bio Oil enthusiasts even use it as a substitute for shaving gel before shaving their legs.
- These claims are not disproved by the producers of Bio Oil, but there is also no reliable research that can support them. This is the situation with regard to most of the "unofficial" uses of the product advocated by some consumers.
Step 3. Add a small amount of product to the shampoo to reduce itching or flaking of the scalp
Pour the usual amount of shampoo into the palm of your hand, then add a couple of drops of Bio Oil by mixing it with your fingers. Massage the hair and scalp with this solution and rinse as usual.
- Since Bio Oil is designed to improve the elasticity of the skin, it is possible that it reduces dryness, itching and flaking of the scalp, when used with shampoo.
- You should only expect visible results as long as you use it on a regular basis for an extended period of 3 months or more.
Step 4. Comb a few drops of product through your hair with your fingers to moisturize the ends
Some proponents of Bio Oil claim that it is also capable of softening hair and reducing split ends caused by dry hair. Simply pour 2-3 drops into the palm of your hand, rub one palm against the other, then run your fingers and hands through your hair.
Do this at least once a day, especially after taking a shower. It may take weeks or up to 3 months to notice any results
Step 5. Massage a drop on the cuticles to keep them soft
A small amount of Bio Oil applied daily can prevent cuticle dryness, flaking or breakage. Apply a drop on each finger and massage - gently but thoroughly - with a finger of the other hand.
You can get better results if you do this after your daily bath or shower
Step 6. Use the oil under the eyes to reduce dark circles
Bio Oil is also sold as a product that can even out the complexion of the skin, therefore it can help reduce dark circles. Massage 1-2 drops of oil into the area under each eye twice a day.
As always, don't use the product as an instant remedy, but be prepared to wait up to 3 months before you notice any significant results
Step 7. Rub some product on your lips to make the lipstick last longer
Massaging a drop of Bio Oil on the lips will help keep them hydrated and this will make the lipstick last longer, delaying the moment it starts to crack and flake.
Even though Bio Oil is made up mostly of natural ingredients, you should avoid using too much of it on your mouth - a single drop (or 2 at the most) should be more than enough to cover your lips
Step 8. Blend a small amount into your foundation to create a more natural look
If you want to give the foundation a more complete touch, try applying a little to the back of the hand and adding a drop of Bio Oil. Mix the two products with your finger, then apply them to your face as you normally would.
This is one of the few cases where you should see immediate results
Step 9. Try it as a makeup remover
Some consumers of Bio Oil claim that it is an excellent makeup remover. Simply pour 3-4 drops into the palm of your hand, rub one palm over the other and massage the oil all over your face, then rinse it with hot water and dry it with a clean towel.
