Which bio oil is best for face?

It's always nice to be reminded that every now and then, celebrities really are just like us. Sure they have access to the world's best spas and derms, but sometimes they'll break away from the premium products and fill us in on their budget beauty staples.

Take Bio-Oil for example, which is loved by Maya Jama. 'I’ve been using Bio-Oil for years, Maya said in an interviewVogue. 'In my house, my mum always had it for stretch marks or scars and things like that. Straight after the shower, if you’re a little bit damp and you put it on, in my mind it locks in moisture more. But I don’t know if that’s a fact! So yeah, Bio-Oil, I douse myself in that.'

Maya isn't the only celeb who's a fan of Bio-Oil. Kim Kardashian is a fan and said previously she used it “like crazy” during her pregnancies.

If you thought this old-school tincture was good only for preventing post-pregnancy stretch marks, we've got news for you. In fact, the cult skin saviour can (and should!) be used in so many smart ways. From helping you avoid acne scars to boosting your glow to giving your hair an extra layer of shine. Here's the low down on the does-it-all oil...

The long-trusted blend of natural botanicals and supercharged vitamins – namely, soothing calendula and lavender alongside vitamins E and A, which are famed for their ability to increase cell turnover and speed up skin healing – is something it really makes sense to have on your bathroom shelf.

There are two products to choose from: the original Bio-Oil, and the newer Dry Skin Gel which, as the name suggests, has a jelly-like texture that makes it especially suited to very dry skin.

The brand claim in order to see results, you need to be using it for a minimum of three months. As the saying goes, good things come to those who wait (and apply religiously).

Plenty! Bio-Oil has a long lis of uses, from a nourishing facial oil, after a mani or even before shaving. Below, we've rounded up our fave 18 uses for Bio-Oil, because this cult beauty buy works more wonders than you might think.

Yes, you read that right. Forget any preconceptions of waking up to a greasy face, because Bio-Oil is actually non-comedogenic, which means it doesn’t clog pores.

What’s more, the high vitamin A (aka retinyl palmitate) content means it’ll deliver beneficial nourishment to your skin cells - so while it won’t replace your best retinol formula, it does make a great, gentle option for a low-key routine.

Yep – another reason to use Bio-Oil on your face. If you’re still wondering does bio oil work for scars? Rest safe in the knowledge that in a 2012 clinical trial 90% of participants reported a notable improvement in the colour of facial acne scars after using the oil.

Amazon user Amber says: 'So I've been using Bio-Oil for about a month now and it seems to be working. My newest scars have definitely been improving but my old scars still seem to be pretty dark. My face does feel a lot smoother and more moisturized. It hasn't been irritating my skin and it's a great moisturiser. I use a very little bit just to get a thin layer over my face then I apply my lotion on top.'

Another benefit, another study. In 2011 a clinical trial reported an 86% success rate in improving the appearance of uneven skin tone and pigmentation after 12 weeks of applying Bio-Oil to the area.

A few drops of Bio-Oil in your bath will leave your skin feeling remarkably soft from the moment you step out of the tub – no moisturising required.

The key to keeping a manicure looking good? It’s all in the cuticles.

A drop of Bio-Oil is one of the best conditioners for this fragile skin – simply rub it in (once your nails are dry!) and top up at any opportunity.

If you’re always snagging your skin when shaving, Bio-Oil could be your saviour. Apply it to parched legs before your regular shaving cream for a closer, nick-free result.

Proof that this formula really is a winner when it comes to stretch marks..

Amazon user Ricky said: 'Anybody looking to reduce stretch marks from pregnancy or even just weight gain please read this! I’ve tried SO many things and honestly nothing worked while I was pregnant so I’m pretty sure genetics got me there. But I’ve been using [Sol de Janeiro Brazilian] bum bum cream all over my stomach in combo with Bio-Oil (not combining, separately I wait for one to dry before applying another'.

By binding to the oil molecules in your makeup, Bio-Oil can easily remove all things waterproof, sticky and powdered down.

This is perhaps our favourite trick of them all. Dispense a drop of Bio-Oil onto the back of your hand, then mix it with your favourite liquid bronzer or foundation to give your skin an unreal glow. We're going for dewy, not sweaty.

Pour some Bio-Oil across your body before showering to make sure your fake tan lasts even longer, and doesn't go flaky around or elbows or ankles.

If you like to have your eyebrows waxed or threaded, you've likely experienced those irritating red bumps that occur straight after a treatment.

Bio-Oil is made to soothe skin and redness, so it's perfect to apply after you've got them done. Top tip: use some aloe vera to calm the irritation and then a swipe of Bio-Oil.

When your makeup brushes are starting to take on a grubby tinge, you know it's time to give them a thorough soak, and Bio-Oil is up to the task.

A good, inexpensive way to relax is to rub some Bio-Oil across your pulse points as a way to have a moment to yourself during the day.

Frizz, begone! For those with a frizz-prone hair texture, Bio-Oil is a good option to smooth those baby hairs or fly-aways, and even to hydrate parched ends.

If your scalp is feeling very dry, a swig of Bio-Oil in your shampoo will help reduce the itchiness and flaking works a dream.

Massage some Bio-Oil across sunburns to prevent any peeling and to help your skin heal.

While summer is on the horizon, biting winds and constant drizzle means our lips can get really dry. Thanks to Bio Oil's soothing properties, a thin layer can help to prevent chapping and soreness.

This vitamin-rich oil promises huge benefits for your skin, from helping to fade stretch marks and scars to soothing sun-blasted or wind-whipped dry skin. This means there may be plenty of pros to dabbing it on our faces, too. And guess what: The experts agree.

Dr. Hayag explains that Bio-Oil is made of various vitamins and essential plant oils, including lavender oil, sunflower oil, and rosemary leaf oil. It also contains sunflower oil, "which is a great ingredient for the skin," she says. "It acts as an emollient and makes skin feel soft and smooth, and it’s even been shown to enhance recovery from damage to the skin barrier." Dr. Rabach adds that Bio-Oil also contains purcellin, which is lighter than other oils and non-greasy.

Despite being an oil, the formula is actually non-comedogenic, so you don’t need to worry about it clogging your pores. In fact, one of the oil ingredients is soybean oil, which is rich in several different fatty acids, according to Dr. Hayag. "The oils all work in conjunction to effectively moisturize the skin and reduce inflammation," she says. "It also has tocopheryl acetate, a form of vitamin E, which is a great antioxidant and protects the skin from aging and damage by free radicals," she adds.

Fans of Bio-Oil's skincare oil know that the formula is geared heavily towards minimizing the appearance of scars and stretch marks. Quite gloriously, it may also do the same for acne scarring, even on the delicate skin of your face.

Dr. Rabach says, "If you have overly dry and flaky cracked skin, this oil may help if other lotions or creams aren’t moisturizing enough."

So does it work? The formula contains high quantities of vitamin A (which is the precursor to retinol) along with vitamin E, both of which are widely known for their regenerative properties. Dr. Hayag claims, "It’s generally safe to use Bio-Oil on the face and doesn’t come with side effects unless you are allergic to any of the ingredients in it."

Whether you are dealing with sun damage, or it’s fluctuating hormones that are upsetting the balance, using the Bio-Oil on your face may help to regulate hyperpigmentation (aka darker spots or patches). It all comes back to the blend of vitamins and botanical extracts (which include calendula, rosemary, and chamomile) found in Bio-Oil and their ability to replenish UV-damaged skin cells. Bio-Oil can also help with acne scarring and inflammation.

The proof? A 2011 clinical study found a “statistically significant improvement” in the appearance of uneven skin tone for 86% of its testers, who each applied Bio-Oil twice a day for 12 weeks.

In their 2012 study on people with newly formed acne scars, 84% of participants reported an improvement in the condition of their scars after applying the oil twice daily for 10 weeks and 90% of testers also confirmed that using the oil reduced the redness of their scarring.

Another clinical study done in 2008 found that the occlusivity level of Bio-Oil is very similar to the vernix caseosa, the viscous biofilm (aka white stuff) that protects the skin of babies while they're in the womb. (Fun fact: Scientists often use this as the ultimate benchmark for skin moisture and hydration levels.)

Occlusivity is the way in which a product can trap water and moisture in the deeper layers of the skin, acting as a barrier to prevent the rapid moisture loss that can lead to the cyclical nature of dryness. "It is moisturizing and if used over other serums, it may help seal them in," Dr. Rabach adds.

If you like to reach for the Bio-Oil when your skin’s feeling dry, you’ll be happy to know you can reap the same rewards for the dehydrated skin on your face. But Dr. Nazarian warns that while Bio-Oil is wonderful for the skin because it offers antioxidants and anti-inflammatory ingredients, "it also contains a lot of botanical ingredients and may be somewhat irritating for people that have allergies or have sensitive skin."

Just like any product, some bodies may be more sensitive to it than others, so the experts recommend proceeding with caution if you have a known sensitivity to any of the ingredients. "The ingredients that are derivatives of vitamin A or vitamin E have really great benefits for skin by acting as calming agents for inflammatory skin conditions, and improving hydration," says Dr. Nazarian, "but those who are acne-prone or who have sensitive skin should probably look elsewhere and limit Bio-Oil to neck-down body application."

Dr. Hayag adds that another important factor to consider is the fragrant components in essential oils. "If you have sensitive, acne-prone skin or have allergies to perfumes, it’s best to avoid using Bio-Oil," she says.

If you plan on adding this hydration station to your face routine, we would suggest applying it twice a day to clean skin. As far as amount, a few small drops will go a long way—just make sure to pat them in instead of rubbing for maximum absorption. You can also use Bio-Oil after your moisturizer if you prefer oiling up after. "You can use it twice a day after washing and leave it on overnight," Dr. Rabach adds.

Some people have sensitivities to the essential oils and fragrance used in Bio-Oil. So if you're looking for alternatives, you'll want to find oils that have rich occlusive properties. Since Bio-Oil's base is safflower oil, so you can also use straight up safflower oil, which is rich in antioxidants and also non-comedogenic—so it won't cause any breakouts.

Other options include rosehip oil, squalane oil, and even castor oil. All of these provide a lightweight feel and offer amazing moisturizing and hydrating benefits.

All in all, we can definitely say that Bio-Oil is a key product to keep on your shelf. Whether it's for your body or your face, it's a glorious multitasking product.

Bio-Oil is known, both anecdotally and scientifically, to benefit the facial skin.

Bio-Oil contains vitamin A, which can promote cell turnover. Retinol, which is known to treat acne and soften wrinkles, is derived from vitamin A. Plant-based oils used in Bio-Oil are hydrating, which can plump the skin and reduce the appearance of wrinkles.

Bio-Oil is shown to be most effective when applied to new acne scars, though it may still help lighten older acne scars. Acne scars are considered new if they’re less than a year old.

A 2012 study showed that 84 percent of subjects experienced an improvement in the overall condition of their acne scars, and more than 90 percent experienced an improvement in scar color.

However, this study was done by the Bio-Oil brand on just 32 people, all between the ages of 14 and 30, and all of Chinese descent. More research is needed.

Acne scars are typically divided into four categories, and Bio-Oil can be used on all four:

Bio-Oil shouldn’t be used if your skin is cracked, bleeding, or broken.

The oil’s vitamin A content may help exfoliate the skin and encourage new skin cells to form. This accelerates the scar healing process.

Vitamin E is shown in some studies to reduce the appearance of scars. However, other studies say the opposite — that vitamin E can worsen the look of scars.

Some studies show that Bio-Oil is effective at treating hyperpigmentation (dark spots) on the face caused by genetics or ultraviolet (UV) exposure.

A 2011 study conducted by the Bio-Oil company found that 86 percent of people using Bio-Oil for 12 weeks showed a “statistically significant improvement” in the appearance of uneven skin tone, and 71 percent of testers showed improvement in “mottled pigmentation on the face.”

Independent researchers need to study the oil further.

Bio-Oil has been shown to lighten scars. A 2012 clinical trial done by the manufacturer found that 90 percent of subjects experienced an improvement in scar color after using the product for 8 weeks.

However, there’s no research supporting the idea that Bio-Oil will lighten the skin itself.

All available research shows Bio-Oil having lightening qualities pertaining to scars, but scar tissue isn’t the same as other skin. More research is needed.

It may seem counterproductive to put facial oil on oily skin. But sometimes, skin appears oily because it actually doesn’t have enough oil, and the sebaceous glands overcompensate by producing too much.

Bio-Oil should be massaged in a circular motion on the face or body until fully absorbed. It is recommended that Bio-Oil be applied twice daily for a minimum of three months. It is safe to use Bio-Oil on a scar as soon as the skin on the surface has fully healed. Bio-Oil should not be applied to an open wound or broken skin. Bio-Oil’s results will vary from individual to individual.

How does Bio-Oil work?

Bio-Oil successfully combines the well-documented benefits of two important skincare disciplines –natural plant oils, used for centuries to enhance the skin’s condition, and vitamins, a vital element in the promotion of healthy-looking skin. What is unique to Bio-Oil is PurCellin oil that reduces the consistency of Bio-Oil, making it a rapidly absorbed ‘dry’ oil that delivers the natural plant oil and vitamins into the skin where they are most needed. For best results we recommend applying Bio-Oil twice daily for a minimum of three months.

Will Bio-Oil help with dry skin?

Bio-Oil helps supplement the skin’s natural oils, which can be stripped away by factors such as extreme weather, water with high chemical content, frequent bathing and the drying effect of central heating, and air conditioning. It helps lock in moisture and reduces the rate at which water vapour is naturally lost through the skin’s surface. We recommend that you apply Bio-Oil twice daily to keep your skin hydrated.

Does Bio-Oil help scars?

Bio-Oil helps to improve the appearance of new or old scars; whether from surgery, accidents, burns, insect bites, scratches or conditions such as acne or chickenpox. Although younger scars will have a greater chance of improvement, studies have shown that older scars also benefit from regular use of Bio-Oil.

When can Bio-Oil be applied to an operation scar?

We recommend applying Bio-Oil to your scar as soon as the skin is fully healed. This is known as the ‘maturation’ or ‘remodelling’ phase of scar formation. Remember that for best results to be seen Bio-Oil should be applied twice daily for a minimum of three months. Please note that Bio-Oil should not be applied to broken skin.

Why can’t Bio-Oil be applied to broken skin?

Bio-Oil is not sterile as it contains a low level of fragrance. As a cosmetic product, it should therefore not be used on broken skin.

Will Bio-Oil help stretch marks?

Bio-Oil helps to improve the appearance of existing stretch marks formed during pregnancy, teenage growth spurts or periods of rapid weight gain. Although it is more effective on newer stretch marks, older stretch marks will also show some improvement with regular use of Bio-Oil.

How long before people will start seeing results?

We recommend that Bio-Oil be applied twice daily for a minimum of three months for best results to be seen. The important thing to bear in mind is that all skin types are different, and results will therefore differ from individual-to-individual. It also very much depends on the skin condition for which you are using Bio-Oil.

Does Bio-Oil work on all skin types?

Clinical trials conducted in 2010 included subjects across all ethnic groups and confirms that Bio-Oil is efficacious across all ethnic skin types.”

Can Bio-Oil be used as an extra moisturiser?

When applying Bio-Oil, it is better to use only a small amount at a time so that it can be fully absorbed into the skin. A couple of drops for the face should be enough. Bio-Oil should be applied before your regular moisturiser since it is best to have ‘clean’ skin for maximum absorption (moisturisers often leave a residue and can block the absorption of Bio-Oil). Thereafter you can apply your moisturiser, although Bio-Oil does, in fact, have sufficient moisturising properties so as to render an additional moisturiser unnecessary.

Can Bio-Oil be used on my face?

Bio-Oil is definitely suitable on the face, it is a great anti-ageing skincare product, due to the vitamin A in the product. We often have customers using Bio-Oil for acne scars. Bio-Oil has been independently tested and proven to be non-comedogenic, which means that it does not cause acne or spots. Even though Bio-Oil is an oil, it is known as a ‘dry oil’ which means it is rapidly absorbing into the skin without leaving a greasy residue, so will not cause breakouts. The concern is always if I use an oil on my skin it will make me more oily. A tip is: less is always more with regards to application.

Will Bio-Oil help acne?

Acne is a complex condition that requires professional advice on how to correctly control and manage it. It would therefore be wise to seek medical advise on the matter. However, Bio-Oil can be applied to acne scarring once the skin has healed /active acne is under control to help improve the appearance of the scars.