Earlier this year my daughter, Erin, aged 11 had to undergo major surgery to have a large benign tumour removed from her abdomen. It had been hoped, at the time, to separate the tumour using keyhole surgery and then remove it from her abdomen through a small incision below the bikini line, but due to the size of the tumour the surgeons were unable to do this and the tumour unfortunately had to be removed through a large incision just below Erin's ribcage. My initial reaction to this was despair for my daughter but then I realised that she had really been very lucky and that a large scar was a small price to pay for what ultimately could have been a tragic situation had her tumour been malignant.
Not really being old enough to appreciate what could have been Erin wasn't too happy with her scar at first but gradually through the healing process and time she has accepted the scar and whilst on holiday did not try to hide it at all, in fact I don't really think she even thought much about it. Having said this I know she is getting to an age where she is blossoming into a young lady, she now remembers, without having to be reminded, to wash her
face and brush her teeth in the morning, she takes time in thinking out what way she would like her hair for the day, her clothes actually match now and she even wears a "bra"! With all this said I don't ever want her to be embarrassed by her scar and certainly at present she has no problems with it whatsoever, long may it last.
When she was still in hospital we were advised by numerous doctors and nurses that the best way to help scars to heal and appear less prominent was to apply Bio-oil daily. I had heard of this product before but hadn't really paid much attention to it, so I went out and bought a bottle and started to rub it into Erin's scars daily. At first I personally found this quite upsetting with the large scar being very red, quite raised and rough and the 5 smaller keyhole incisions also being quite red. I was scared I would hurt Erin whilst rubbing the oil into her skin but gradually over the days and weeks I actually started to enjoy our daily routine. Erin finds the whole process quite relaxing getting her tummy massaged daily! I now find it easy massaging the oil into her little tummy and get pleasure in actually seeing the benefit she gaining from using the oil.
The oil itself is nothing fancy, an orange coloured oil in a clear plastic bottle with light fragrance similar to baby oil. Bio-oil is available in 3 different sizes 60mls, 125mls and 250mls. Being an oil it can be slightly tricky to apply but once you've done it a few times you can easily work out the best way to apply the oil successfully to the problem areas. I find it easiest to put a few drops in the palm of my hand and then massage gently to Erin's tummy. I like to massage the area for a good few minutes making sure the oil is completely absorbed. It's quite surprising that the Bio-oil, which is obviously an oil, does not leave the skin greasy at all. If it is rubbed in properly it will be fully absorbed leaving the skin feeling soft and moisturised.
Bio-oil is a blend of Vitamin A - which helps repair and maintain the elasticity and texture of your skin. Vitamin E - which helps to retain the moisture and suppleness needed for healthy skin. Calendula Oil, Lavender Oil, Rosemary Oil and Chamomile Oil - which are all used for their skin conditioning properties and their calming and soothing effect on all types of skin, even sensitive skins. Bio-oil also contains PurCellin Oil, which helps with the application of the oil making it easier to apply and helping the Bio-oil to be absorbed into the skin.
At the end of April once Erin's scar had healed I purchased a 60ml bottle, which has been used daily now for almost 7 months and I still have about quarter of the bottle left, well worth the money, a little goes a long way. I have also been using it myself daily. My stretch marks aren't too bad but there is one in particular, just beside my tummy button, which is just in the right place for being irritated by waist bands and buttons causing the skin to become very itchy. I've been applying the Bio-oil to my skin and it certainly has helped. It relieves the itchy feeling and has definitely helped the appearance of the skin, making it less shiny and more taught. My mum, who has very dry skin, also uses Bio-oil applying it 2 or 3 times a week to her face and hands and again she feels it has also helped her skin by making it feel more moisturised and less dry and giving it a more taught appearance. She also feels that the age spots she has on her hands are less prominent.
On the bottle Bio-oil claims to help with scars, stretch marks, uneven skin tone, ageing skin and dehydrated skin. You are advised to apply twice daily for a minimum of 3 months before any noticeable changes may be seen. Pregnant women are also advised to apply Bio-oil to areas such as tummy, hips, breasts, all the usual targeted stretch mark areas, throughout pregnancy to help prevent stretch marks forming, unfortunately it's too late for me!! Through my experience I can verify that it has certainly helped my family with scars, age spots, dry skin and the reduction of stretch marks.
Bio-oil can be bought in most supermarkets and chemists and prices range from around £8.85 - £19.99 depending on where you buy and what size you buy, although you can buy it for much less on the internet.
I would definitely recommend this product for skin care, although you must remember it's not a quick fix and it does take time.
Binova's Oil Free Massage Cream applies easily to the surface of the skin. No greasy ... more
feeling, does not clog skin pores. Smoothes the skin and creates a more radiant complexion. Reduces sagging and fine line. Helps to relieve tension. Enhances...
Advantages: Easy to apply, quick absorbing, non staining, really does reduce the appearance of scars, blemishes, stretch mars and ageing skin. Disadvantages: A little to runny, you only need a little bit oin your hand or it will go everywhere.
purebitch 15.10.2002 ·
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful
Review of Bio-Oil Face Cream
Nov 17th, 2008
exceptional by (15%):
very helpful by (85%):
