Does Bio Oil Have Vitamin C

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A specialist skin treatment oil, Bio-Oil has been specifically formulated to:

  • Support the skin during pregnancy and periods of rapid growth to help maximise skin elasticity and reduce the formation of stretch marks (striae)
  • Help improve the appearance of scarring (new and old) and help maintain elasticity of scar tissue on joints and other high mobility areas
  • Hydrate dry skin to improve skin comfort and appearance

It is important to note that no treatment can completely eradicate scarring and striae, and it is vital to manage the patient's expectation about what results they can expect to see when using any such treatment. There are a range of resources available to help you educate patients on the process their skin goes through as a result of scarring.

Visit our resources page for more information.

Ingredients

Ingredients

Bio-Oil has been formulated with a blend of essential plant oils and vitamins that are known to be beneficial to skin health and appearance. Bio-Oil also contains a unique ingredient called PurCellin Oil™, which lowers the viscosity of the formulation so that it can be easily absorbed into the skin, rather than acting superficially on the surface.

  • Vitamin A – helps improve the skin's elasticity, texture and tone
  • Vitamin E – increases the moisture content of the epidermis, thereby making the skin softer, smoother and more supple
  • Calendula Oil – a natural antioxidant that has the ability to clarify and stimulate the growth of new skin cells
  • Lavender Oil – calming and soothing benefits
  • Rosemary Oil – helps to invigorate and has mild antiseptic capabilities and thus eases congestion, puffiness and swelling of the skin
  • Chamomile Oil – calms, soothes and is particularly beneficial for sensitive skin

Bio-Oil is hypoallergenic and suitable for sensitive skin. It is not tested on animals.

Key uses

Scars
Helps improve the appearance of both new and old scars.

Stretch marks
Helps reduce the possibility of stretch marks forming during pregnancy, teenage growth spurts and periods of rapid weight gain, and helps improve the appearance of existing stretch marks.

Uneven skin tone
Helps improve the appearance of pigmentation marks and blemishes caused by hormonal fluctuations, skin lighteners or excessive sun exposure.

Ageing skin
Helps smooth and tone ageing and wrinkled skin on both the face and body.

Dehydrated skin
Helps supplement the skin's natural oils, stripped away by factors such as extreme weather, water with a high chemical content, frequent bathing and the drying effects of central heating and air conditioning.

Precautions

Bio-Oil should not be used on broken skin so please advise that patients and clients wait until their skin is fully healed before applying.

Oils vs. creams

Oxidisation affects the potency of ingredients. Unlike creams, which are water-based and allow oxygen to oxidise the ingredients and affect the quality of vitamins, oils provide a better storage environment.

The Patient Perspective

Tricia Shannon

After battling breast cancer, Tricia is proud of the scar that shows she survived.

Tricia was diagnosed with breast cancer – multiple invasive tumours and node spread She needed a breast removed and lymph nodes removed. She chose not to have reconstruction because (in her case) it would have meant "harvesting" a strip of shoulder muscle, and as she loves to rock-climb she would have lost too much power and mobility.

She then had aggressive chemotherapy and more surgery to finish removal of the lymph nodes. She chose a second round of surgery rather than radiotherapy, again, because she wanted to maximise her long term mobility. This all means that she has a stunning scar from her sternum to the back of her arm-pit. Stunning because it is perfectly straight and flat, no wrinkles or puckers, to her it is clean and beautiful – she is proud of it because it represents that fact that she has overcome cancer.

When it was new, Tricia says that it itched as it healed. Her friend Gemma sent her a bottle of Bio-Oil as it had really helped her scar when she had pins put in her ankle. Tricia started using it twice a day. Then she started using it on her face too. At her check-ups the surgeon commented on how well it was healing and how the skin was recovering from the trauma really well.

It is now nearly 2 years since the second surgery and she still regularly oils her scar after she showers. The chemotherapy has left her skin really sensitive – many of the creams and cleansers she used before now make her skin red and rough, but she says that Bio-Oil always leaves her skin soothed and soft. Tricia is now cancer free, and getting better and stronger and fitter every day.

Frequently Asked Questions
Availability and stockists

Where is Bio-Oil available from in the UK?

Bio-Oil is available from Boots, Superdrug, Tesco, Sainsbury's, Asda, Waitrose, Morrisons, Savers, Wilkinsons, Bodycare, Holland & Barrett, Lloyds Pharmacy and independent pharmacies nationwide.

Where is Bio-Oil available from in the Republic of Ireland?

Bio-Oil is available from pharmacies nationwide, Dunnes stores, Superquinn, Supervalu, McCauleys, McCabes, Health Express, Hickeys, Hiltons, Horgans, Shaws, SOS, United Drug, Cahill May Roberts, Bradleys, Ch Tralee, Mulligans, Your local, A.Dunne, Healthwise, Cara.

In which country is Bio-Oil available?

Bio-Oil is available in over 125 countries across five continents. Bio-Oil has won 349 skincare awards and has become the No.1 selling scar and stretch mark product1 in 24 countries.

For the list of countries where Bio-Oil is available, please visit our website: www.bio-oil.com.

Is Bio-Oil packaging recyclable?

Yes Bio-Oil packaging is recyclable and all paper materials are certified to be in accordance with sustainable forest management practices

Formulation and expiry

Is Bio-Oil tested on animals?

We're happy to report that Bio-Oil contains no animal-derived ingredients and is not tested on animals.

Is there an expiry date for Bio-Oil?

Under reasonable storage conditions, Bio-Oil will not expire within 36 months.

Is Bio-Oil available in a cream form?

Bio-Oil is only available in an oil form. We have formulated Bio-Oil as an oil because unlike creams, which allow oxygen to affect the quality of their vitamins, oils are a much better storage environment. This means that the ingredients are at their most powerful when you come to use them.

Uses and application

How should Bio-Oil be used?

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.

Will Bio-Oil help eczema?

Bio-Oil can offer great relief from the discomfort associated with dry and dehydrated skin. However, while it will help with the associated symptoms of eczema (dryness, itchiness, redness), Bio-Oil is a cosmetic product and, as such, it doesn't treat the condition. We'd always recommend chatting with your doctor first and foremost.

Safety

Will Bio-Oil cause acne?

Bio-Oil has been independently tested and proven to be non-comedogenic, which means it does not cause acne or spots. 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 active ingredients in Bio-Oil, this vitamin is often used in treatment products to address problem skin. A tip is, always follow a good skin care regime of cleanse, tone and moisturise. Less is always more with regards to application.

Is it safe to use Bio-Oil during pregnancy?

Yes, Bio-Oil is safe to use throughout pregnancy. With regards to the level of vitamin A in Bio-Oil, it is low enough to render it harmless to the unborn child. Most healthcare professionals agree that for safety, the daily intake of vitamin A by an expectant mother should not exceed 5,000 I.U per gram. Taking absorption factors into account, an expectant mother would have to use more than 110ml of Bio-Oil per day, or almost two 60ml bottles, before exceeding the recommended daily maximum intake.

Can Bio-Oil be used on babies?

We recommend that Bio-Oil is not used on babies until they are over two years of age. Even though the fragrance level in Bio-Oil is very low (0.2%), and the essential oils contained in the product are of a very low concentration, young babies are very sensitive, so as a precautionary measure we would not suggest using it on them. If you do apply Bio-Oil to your child please take care to avoid areas near the eyes and mouth.

Is it safe to use Bio-Oil while breastfeeding/nursing?

It is 100% safe to use Bio-Oil on your body while breastfeeding/nursing. However, we would not recommend using it on the nipples – although Bio-Oil is non-toxic, babies are very sensitive and we do not recommend that they ingest Bio-Oil, even in the very smallest amounts. If you are in any doubt, please consult your GP.

Clinical evidence

Do you conduct clinical trials?

Three sets of clinical trials have been conducted in order to substantiate the claim that Bio-Oil helps improve the appearance of scars, stretch marks and uneven skin tone. 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 is efficacious in improving the aesthetic outcome of scars and stretch marks in double-blind, placebo controlled clinical studies.

1. IRI total market 52 w/e July 17

Does Bio Oil Have Vitamin C

Source: https://www.bio-oilprofessional.co.uk/about/