About Bio Oil

Bio Oil Uses:

Improving the appearance of scars:

Bio-Oil helps improve the appearance of all scar types. It is also highly effective in helping to maintain the elasticity of scar tissue on joints and other high-mobility areas.

Applications

Bio-Oil should be massaged in a circular motion into the scar and surrounding skin, twice daily, for a minimum of 3 months. Younger scars have a greater chance of improvement within a shorter time period, however, older scars will also benefit from the regular use of Bio-Oil. On new scars, Bio-Oil should be applied only once the wound has healed, and should never be used on broken skin.

What is a scar and how is it formed?
Scars are an integral part of the healing process and result from an imbalance in the production of collagen at the wound site. Scars go through numerous changes as they mature, but they are permanent in nature. Bio-Oil is specifically formulated to help improve the appearance of scars, but will never remove them entirely.

The development of a scar consists of 4 phases:

1. Haemostatic phase
This phase begins immediately and lasts a few hours, as the wounded area attempts to restore its normal state by constricting blood vessels to control bleeding. The injured cells release thromboplastin, which activates clotting and allows the healing process to begin.

2. Inflammatory phase
Redness and swelling that appears for a period of 3 or 4 days is a visible indicator of the immune response as white blood cells cleanse the wound of debris and bacteria.

3. Proliferative phase
This phase begins around day 3 and continues for about 3 weeks. Three different processes occur simultaneously in this phase to close and bind the wound:

Granulization - cells called fibroblasts create collagen to fill the wound
Ephithelialization - a layer of skin is provided to cover the wound
Wound contraction – the wound is pulled together in an attempt to minimize the defect

4. Maturation phase
This ‘remodeling’ phase begins around day 21, and may continue for approximately 2 years. Collagen fibers are re-arranged according to the stresses placed on the area, determining the final nature of the scar. Scar tissue generally exhibits only 70-80% of the tensile strength of normal skin.

Improving the appearance of stretch marks:

Bio-Oil is highly effective in helping to improve the appearance of existing stretch marks. Bio-Oil helps to increase the elasticity of the skin, thereby the possibility of new stretch marks forming is reduced.

Application



Bio-Oil should be massaged in a circular motion into the stretch marks and surrounding skin, twice daily, for a minimum of 3 months.

What is a stretch mark and how is it formed?
Stretch marks, otherwise known as striae, are caused by exactly what their name suggests – stretching of the skin.

By expanding and contracting, the skin’s connective tissue allows it to adapt to continuous movement of the body; but sometimes the skin has insufficient time to adjust. When the body expands faster than the covering skin, the skin tears and forms an internal wound; this then forms 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, adolescents undergoing sudden growth spurts, and individuals that experience rapid weight gain.

Stretch marks are permanent in nature, and although Bio-Oil is specifically formulated to help improve their appearance, it will never remove them entirely.

An estimated 75-90% or women are prone to stretch marks during pregnancy, particularly in the second and third trimesters. The likelihood of developing them varies according to skin type, race, age, diet and hydration of the skin.

Prevention of Pregnancy Stretch Marks:

Application



Bio-Oil should be applied to the abdomen, breasts, hips, buttocks and thighs twice daily from the first trimester, to help prevent the appearance of pregnancy stretch marks by moisturizing and maintaining the elasticity of the skin.

Bio-Oil should be applied to dry skin directly after bathing or showering, and allowed to fully absorb before getting dressed.

Safe for use during pregnancy

Vitamin A
Vitamin A has come under the spotlight as being potentially hazardous to the health of the foetus if ingested orally in very large quantities by the mother. Because it is extremely difficult for high concentrations of vitamin A to penetrate the body via the skin, topically applied vitamin A (and its derivatives) is of less concern. The level of vitamin A (Retinyl Palmitate on the label) in Bio-Oil is far lower than that which could ever be harmful if applied topically.

Rosemary
In recent years there has been a great deal of publicity surrounding the safety of the excessive use of Rosemary oil during pregnancy. However, the Rosemary oil contained in Bio-Oil (Rosemarinus Officinalis on the label) is of little concern as it is extremely difficult for high concentrations of Rosemary to penetrate the body when topically applied. Therefore, the level of Rosemary in Bio-Oil is far lower than that which could ever be harmful.

Lavender, Calendula and Chamomile
Lavender, Calendula and Chamomile are also all considered safe for use throughout pregnancy.

Episiotomy scars
An Episiotomy is a minor procedure used to ease a normal vaginal delivery; it involves a surgical incision in the perineum to enlarge the vaginal opening. Although Bio-Oil is extremely safe for use on the surface of the skin, we do not recommend that it be applied to any mucosal membranes. Bio-Oil contains a low level of fragrance and is therefore not considered 100% sterile. For this reason, we do not recommend that Bio-Oil be applied to episiotomy scars.

Perineal Massage
Perineal massage is the gentle stretching and massaging of the perineum (the skin between the anus and vagina) with the aim of reducing the incidence of episiotomy and perineal tears during childbirth. For the same reasons listed above, we would not recommend the use of Bio-Oil for perineal massage.

Use during breast feeding
It is completely safe to use Bio-Oil on the body while breast feeding, but it is not recommended for use on the nipples - although Bio-Oil is non-toxic, young babies are very sensitive and should not ingest even the smallest amount of Bio-Oil.

Use on babies
Although Bio-Oil was not developed for use on babies, it will not be harmful when using the product on the unbroken skin of infants over 2 years of age. However, the product must be applied with care, and should not be used near the eyes or mouth.

Improving the appearance of uneven skin tone:

Bio-Oil helps to improve the appearance of uneven skin tone caused by hormonal fluctuations, skin-lighteners or excessive sun exposure. Visible as dark patches on the face or body, uneven skin tone often becomes most apparent during pregnancy, menopause or after exposure to high volumes of UV light.

Application

Bio-Oil should be applied to the areas affected by uneven skin tone, twice daily, for a minimum of 3 months. Bio-Oil does not contain sunscreen factor, so sunscreen should be applied once Bio-Oil has been fully absorbed.

What is uneven skin tone and how is it formed?
Skin color is predominantly determined by the quantity and type of pigment (melanin) in the epidermis. With approximately six genes and various other modifying factors controlling melanocyte activity, a vast number of different skin colors and types prevail. When there is an uneven production of melanin, uneven skin tone can occur on the face and body. This can be triggered by both external and internal causes.

Aging Skin:

Sagging and wrinkled skin commonly associated with aging is largely caused by the weakening of the collagen and elastin support system in the dermis. Bio-Oil contains numerous ingredients that help to plasticize the skin, making it softer, smoother and more supple, thereby reducing the appearance of wrinkled and sagging skin. Bio-Oil also moisturizes, which improves the texture, tone and appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Application



Bio-Oil should be applied twice daily to the affected area.

If used as part of a daily skincare regime, Bio-Oil should be applied before regular moisturizer, as moisturizers can leave a residue which blocks the absorption of Bio-Oil. However, Bio-Oil has sufficient moisturizing properties to render an additional moisturizer unnecessary. It does not contain sunscreen factor, however, so sunscreen should be applied once Bio-Oil has been fully absorbed.

Dehydrated Skin:

Bio-Oil helps replenish the skin’s natural oils that have been stripped away by factors such as:

• Frequent bathing/cleansing with harsh soaps
• Excessive perspiration
• Atmospheric conditions including exposure to the sun and wind
• Central heating and air conditioning
• Poor diet and/or insufficient water intake

Application



Bio-Oil should be applied twice daily to the affected area.

If used as part of a daily skincare regime, Bio-Oil should be applied before regular moisturizer as moisturizers can leave residues which block Bio-Oil’s absorption. However, Bio-Oil has sufficient moisturizing properties so as to render an additional moisturizer unnecessary. Bio-Oil does not contain sunscreen factor, so sunscreen should be applied once Bio-Oil has been fully absorbed.

What is dehydrated skin and how is it formed?
In normal healthy skin, epidermal moisture levels should be approximately 20-30%. When moisture levels are less than 10%, the reduction in the barrier properties of the skin, resulting in an increase in TEWL (transepidermal water loss), causes dehydrated skin.

While dehydrated skin lacks moisture, dry skin results from a shortage of sebum, the natural oil produced by the skin. Sebum helps to regulate TEWL (transepidermal water loss), helping to conserve the skin’s moisture levels.

Bio-Oil Technical:

Formulation:
 

The research and development of the Bio-Oil formulation was the life’s work of Dieter Beier, a German cosmetic scientist living in South Africa.

Dieter Beier, now retired, began research into oil-based skincare products in the early 1970’s when he joined Union-Swiss, a leader in oil-based skincare. At Union-Swiss, Beier observed how the oxygen-free environment of oil was perfect for storing vitamins and other natural ingredients, preserving their potency. This observation later led Beier to his idea for the Bio-Oil formulation.

“Oil, being oxygen-free, provides a perfect storage environment, but is thick and greasy. Cream, on the other hand, is light, non-greasy and rapidly absorbed, but contains oxygen. In formulating Bio-Oil I wanted the best of both worlds. I had to have an oil base as all my key ingredients for the Bio-Oil formulation were vitamins and natural herbal extracts, but I also needed the finished product to absorb, otherwise it was useless,” recalls Beier.

The breakthrough came when Beier discovered that PurCellin Oil™ (a laboratory recreation of the preen gland oil of ducks), when added to his formulation, reduced the thickness of the oil, giving it the skin-friendly properties of a cream.

In 1986, almost a decade after research commenced, the Bio-Oil formulation was finally completed. After a year of finished product testing, it was made available to consumers in 1987.

Ingredients:

Vitamin A
Vitamin A (Retinyl Palmitate on the label) helps improve the skin’s elasticity, texture and tone.

Vitamin E
The most widely used antioxidant in skincare products today, Vitamin E increases the moisture content of the epidermis, making the skin softer, smoother and more supple. Vitamin E also assists in the proliferation and maintenance of healthy skin.

Calendula oil
Calendula Officinalis, more commonly referred to as marigold, has been used for centuries as a natural antioxidant and has the ability to clarify and condition the skin, while providing soothing and calming benefits for sensitive skin types.

Lavender oil
Lavender oil is well known for its skin conditioning properties, and is also effective in calming and soothing the skin.

Rosemary oil
Rosemary oil helps to invigorate and condition the skin, and has calming and soothing properties.

Chamomile oil
Chamomile has a calming and soothing effect and is particularly beneficial for sensitive skin. It also helps to condition and clarify the skin, assisting to maintain its natural health.

PurCellin Oil™
PurCellin Oil™ acts as a delivery system for Bio-Oil’s other ingredients, dramatically improving its application and spreadability, and allowing for targeted absorption into the skin.

Full ingredient listing

Paraffinum Liquidum
Triisononanoin
Cetearyl Ethylhexanoate
Isopropyl Myristate
Retinyl Palmitate
Tocopheryl Acetate
Anthemis Nobilis Flower Oil
Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil
Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Oil
Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract
Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil
Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil
BHT
Bisabolol
Parfum
Amyl Cinnamal
Benzyl Salicylate
Citronellol
Coumarin
Eugenol
Geraniol
Hydroxycitronellal
Hydroxyisohexyl 3-Cyclohexene Carboxaldehyde
Limonene
Linalool
Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone
CI 26100

Performance statistics:

	United Kingdom No.1 selling scar and stretch mark product IRI Infoscan for the years ending 6 Dec 2006, 3 Nov 2007, 18 Apr 2008 and 31 Oct 2009
	No.1 selling pharmacy skincare product IRI Infoscan for the years ending 30 Dec 2006, 3 Nov 2007, 1 Nov 2008 and 31 Oct 2009
	Canada No.1 selling scar and stretch mark product The Nielsen Company MarketTrack. Scar Treatments, Specialty Creams and Lotions Closed Grouping. National Grocery Banner, Drug and Mass Merchandise for the year ending 5 Jul 2008 and 4 Jul 2009
	No.1 selling skincare product Nielsen MarketTrack, Custom Closed Group of Skincare Products, National Grocery + Drug + Mass, 52 weeks ending Jul 4 2009
	Netherlands No.1 selling scar and stretch mark product The Nielsen Company, Total Medicated Skincare, Total Food + Drug, MAT to week 24 2009 vs year ago
	Australia No.1 selling scar and stretch mark product The Nielsen Company ScanTrack Pharmacy© for Bio-Oil 60ml. Cosmetic & therapeutic skincare (ex washes, anti-fungal & cold sore preps) for the calendar years 2006, 2007 and 2008
	No.1 selling pharmacy skincare product The Nielsen Company ScanTrack Pharmacy© for Bio-Oil 60ml. Cosmetic & therapeutic skincare (ex washes, anti-fungal & cold sore preps) for the calendar years 2006, 2007 and 2008
	Japan First scar care (“Ato-care”) product in Japan
	South Africa No.1 selling scar and stretch mark product The Nielsen Company, Total South Africa for the year ending 28 Feb 2009
	No. 1, 2 and 3 selling skincare product (60ml, 125ml, 200ml) The Nielsen Company, Total South Africa for the year ending 28 Feb 2009
	Malaysia No.1 selling scar product Frost & Sullivan Pharmacy survey, 2009
	New Zealand No.1 selling scar and stretch mark product The Nielsen Company for year ending 29 Jan 2006 Synovate Aztec for the years ending 17 Apr 2007 and 16 Mar 2008 SynovateAztec Pharmacy MAT 26 Apr 2009; Grocery MAT 3 May 2009
	No.1 selling skincare product SynovateAztec Pharmacy MAT 26 Apr 2009; Grocery MAT 3 May 2009
	Kenya No.1 selling scar and stretch mark product Consumer Insight, 2007
	Botswana No.1 selling scar and stretch mark product Medswana (Pty) Ltd, 2006 – 2009
	Namibia No.1 selling scar and stretch mark product Nampharm Pharmaceuticals (Pty) Ltd, 2001 – 2009
	Swaziland No.1 selling scar and stretch mark product PharmIndustry (Pty) Ltd, 2006 – 2009 Swazi Pharm Wholesalers (Pty) Ltd, 2005 – 2009