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It's the £9.99 beauty buy that we're all obsessed with. Rose Absolute Essential Oil
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.
Once your tattoo has fully healed, you're often left with a big dry patch of skin. Enter Bio Oil, which helps to nourish and hydrate the affected area. A word of warning though, avoid using Bio-Oil on a brand new and healing tattoo as it's suggested that it will interfere with the process.
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