Short answer, yes. I was an early adopter and bought Bio Oil when it was first launched and I loved it. It soothed and faded stretch marks, moisturized skin beautifully, and felt lovely. It has a unique consistency, a little bit like a dry oil, but more emollient. Bio Oil moisturizes dry skin, in addition to the fading of scars, stretch marks, dark spots from old scars and acne.
The ingredient list of Bio Oil is a source of consternation for many, as one of the main ingredients is mineral oil. I will go on record and say I’m with the Cosmetic Cop, Paula Begoun on the subject of mineral oil. It’s had a bad rap because of it’s association with petroleum, which is ridiculous as what goes into cosmetic and pharmaceutical products is so purified it bears no resemblance to petroleum. However, I know MANY people, including people I love and respect, disagree with Paula on the mineral oil topic. And that’s ok. Do your research, and use what works for you and what makes you feel good.
My mineral oil two cents:
Mineral oil is a byproduct of the petroleum industry, and is purified before it can be called pharmaceutical- or cosmetic-grade mineral oil. Does it clog pores? Science tells us that the molecules in mineral oil are too big to get into the pore lining. Mineral oil sits on the surface of skin and even today is the number one way to lock moisture in – think barrier diaper cream and lip balm. Many in the natural and organic beauty industry will tell you otherwise, and I’m still not sure why. If you have oily skin, as I do, you may not want to use it all over your face, as it will look shiny. There is so far no scientific evidence that cosmetic grade mineral oil causes cancer, and there has been plenty of testing done to ensure that is the case. I could not find any published reports in dermatological or medical journals that show a link between mineral oil and any forms of cancer. If I have a burn or a wound of any kind, the best way to ensure that it heals well is to put a thick salve of Vaseline or the like on it. Mineral oil does not dry out skin or cause premature aging, and instead is an occlusive substance, which locks water and moisture into your skin. I’m not sure why it has become so demonized, and any information you read about bad mineral oil likely contains data on non-purified industrial-grade mineral oil.
So yes, Bio Oil has mineral oil – deal with it. Use it or do not, of course the choice is up to you in the end. Bio Oil also has lots of vitamins A and E, along with calendula, chamomile, rosemary and lavender oils. It seems to be a magical cocktail for damaged skin as it is impossible to ignore the accolades and awards this product has garnered.
I love the smell and feel of it, and happily use it head to toe when my skin is feeling particularly dry. I revisited Bio Oil recently after dropping my 425°F curling rod on my arm this summer. I was left with a large three by one inch deep scar that did not heal well at all. It was pitted and deep, kind of purple and keloid growth had started to develop around the edge.
Before rushing to the doctor, I thought I would try some of the silicone scar fading pads first. Around two weeks I went to the drugstore and asked the pharmacist her opinion on the $50 scar pads. After looking at my arm, she asked me if I had tried Bio Oil. So I grabbed a bottle of Bio Oil and started that very evening. I’d take a few drops and gently massage it into the scar, twice a day. Well, not even ten days later I noticed a drastic difference. Fast forward to today (two weeks of use) I can barely see the scar. The texture is smooth, and the keloid growth is almost gone completely! I am jumping up and down with joy. I was so skeptical that I did not even take “before” photos, which is a shame.
I now have a bottle of Bio Oil on my bedside table and can’t imagine I will be without it. I have a few nasty pimples healing up (punishment for that chocolate pig out) and am going to try a dab on the scars to be sure they don’t pit. And of course, Bio Oil is a terrific bedtime treatment for dry hands, especially cuticles. I plan on getting a small bottle to add to my manicure trunk kit.
Have you used Bio Oil for something with success? Share!
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