bio oil for pregnancy stretch marks?

Your most common Bio-Oil Skincare Oil questions answered: From acne to keloid scars, its use in pregnancy and everything in-between
Is Bio-Oil Skincare Oil clinically proven?

Three sets of clinical trials have been conducted in order to substantiate the claim that Bio-Oil Skincare Oil helps improve the appearance of scars1, stretch marks2 and uneven skin tone3. In 2005, three single blind, single product, randomised and controlled clinical trials were conducted at the Photobiology Laboratory of MEDUNSA (Medical University of South Africa). The results confirmed that Bio-Oil works effectively to improve the appearance of scars, stretch marks and uneven skin tone. In 2010, further trials were conducted by proDERM, a leading institute for Applied Dermatological Research based in Hamburg, Germany. The results of these trials showed that Bio-Oil Skincare Oil is efficacious in improving the appearance of scars and stretch marks in double-blind, placebo controlled clinical studies.
Is Bio-Oil Skincare Oil good for acne scars?

Acne is a complex condition that requires professional advice on how to correctly control and manage it. Bio-Oil Skincare Oil can be applied to acne scarring once the skin has healed or once the active acne is under control to help improve the appearance of the scars.

Bio-Oil Skincare Oil has been independently tested and proven to be non-comedogenic4, which means it does not block pores or cause breakouts. Even though Bio-Oil is an oil, it is known as a | dry oil | which means it rapidly absorbs into the skin without leaving a greasy residue, so will not cause breakouts. Vitamin A is one of the ingredients in Bio-Oil Skincare Oil. A tip is, always follow a good skin care regime of cleanse, tone and moisturise. Less is always more with regards to application.

Scars are an integral part of the healing process and result from a build up of collagen at the wound site5. Scars go through numerous changes as they mature, but they are permanent in nature5. Bio-Oil Skincare Oil is formulated to help improve the appearance of scars, but it can never remove them.

Bio-Oil Skincare Oil should be applied to the affected areas, twice daily, for a minimum of 3 months. As Bio-Oil does not contain a sunscreen factor, if using a sunscreen you should apply it once Bio-Oil Skincare Oil has been fully absorbed. Results will vary from individual to individual.
When can Bio-Oil Skincare Oil be applied to an operation scar?

We recommend applying Bio-Oil Skincare 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 Skincare Oil should be applied twice daily for a minimum of three months. Please note that Bio-Oil Skincare Oil should not be applied on broken skin.
Can you use Bio-Oil Skincare Oil on the face?

Bio-Oil Skincare Oil is definitely suitable for use on the face. Bio-Oil Skincare Oil has been independently tested and proven to be non-comedogenic, which means that it does not block pores or cause breakouts4. Even though Bio-Oil Skincare 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 breakouts4. A typical concern from patients is that if used, it will make their facial skin more oily. A tip is: less is always more with regards to application.
How does Bio-Oil Skincare Oil work on scars and stretch marks?

Bio-Oil Skincare 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 chickenpox1. Although younger scars will have a greater chance of improvement, studies have shown that older scars also benefit from regular use of Bio-Oil Skincare Oil1. When the body expands faster than the covering skin, the skin tears, forming a scar as it heals. These scars are visible on the surface of the skin as stretch marks.

The likelihood of developing stretch marks varies according to skin type, race, age, diet and hydration of the skin. Those most prone to stretch marks include pregnant women, body builders, and adolescents undergoing sudden growth spurts and individuals who experience rapid weight gain. Stretch marks are permanent in nature, and although Bio-Oil Skincare Oil is formulated to help improve their appearance, it can never remove them.

Bio-Oil Skincare Oil should be massaged in a circular motion into the stretch marks, twice daily, for a minimum of 3 months. During pregnancy, it should be applied from the start of the second trimester to areas that are prone to stretch marks such as the abdomen, breasts, lower back, hips, buttocks and thighs. Results will vary from individual to individual.
How to use Bio-Oil Skincare Oil?

Bio-Oil Skincare Oil should be massaged in a circular motion into the scar, twice daily, for a minimum of 3 months. On new scars, Bio-Oil Skincare Oil should be applied only once the wound has healed, and should not be used on broken skin. Results will vary from individual to individual.
Does Bio-Oil Skincare Oil work on keloid scars?

Bio-Oil Skincare Oil has been clinically proven to improve the appearance of many types of scars1, but its impact on keloid scars can be limited due to their nature. Unlike any other type of scarring, keloid scars are raised and spread beyond the original area of skin damage. This could be minor or major. They continue to grow over time, and usually recur after excision. It is recommended that a patient be referred to a dermatologist, as often keloid scars need medical intervention.
What is your advice for using Bio-Oil Skincare Oil in pregnancy?

Bio-Oil Skincare Oil helps to improve the appearance of existing stretch marks formed during pregnancy, teenage growth spurts or periods of rapid weight gain2 . Although it is more effective on newer stretch marks, older stretch marks will also show some improvement with regular use of Bio-Oil Skincare Oil2.
Bio-Oil Skincare Oil has undergone safety assessments in accordance with the Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on Cosmetic Products. The toxicological profile, chemical structure, level of inclusion and total level of daily exposure of each ingredient used has been assessed and deemed safe for use (including for use by pregnant women).

Concerning the level of vitamin A in Bio-Oil Skincare Oil, it is low enough to render it harmless to the unborn child. By including vitamin A at a low level, Bio-Oil Skincare Oil provides pregnant women with the benefits of vitamin A without any safety risk.

Any substance applied to the skin is only harmful if it is present at levels above its toxicological threshold. Because the skin provides a significant barrier to penetration, only a fraction of topically applied vitamin A enters into the body. The European Commission | s Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) has evaluated vitamin A and its esters, when used as a cosmetic ingredient. The SCCS opinion is that the use of vitamin A in body lotions, up to the maximum concentration of 0.05% of retinol equivalent, is safe6. Bio-Oil includes vitamin A in its formulation at well below this maximum allowable concentration for a body lotion.
How long before people will start seeing results using Bio-Oil Skincare Oil?

We recommend that Bio-Oil Skincare 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 Skincare Oil.
Resources for healthcare professionals:

Bio-Oil Professional has several free resources for healthcare professionals on the topic of scarring, free to download:

Bio-Oil Product Guide
| Advising customers about scars and stretchmarks | leaflet designed to specifically help pharmacy staff build their knowledge
| A-Z Scars | guide of practical scar management advice

Resources for your patients:

C.A.R.E resource for patients
| Supporting you to care for your wounds and minimise scarring | patient booklet