There's a reason certain skincare products develop a cult following, like an eye cream that actually works or a tinted moisturizer that doubles as a serum. Yes, it might be the pretty packaging or branding on Instagram that draws you in, but when a product is actually good, devoted skincare and beauty customers will let you know (through five-star reviews).

If you're like me and rarely switch up your skincare routine, it can be hard to bite the bullet to test out new products. But sometimes unexpected skincare issues arise. I've been searching for a new product that will help diminish the scars and stretch marks on my legs, and that's when I stumbled across Bio-Oil Skincare Oil, which has more than 90,000 five-star reviews. Are these Bio-Oil reviews legit? I wanted an expert's opinion on the claims made, so I spoke to board-certified dermatologist Dr. Rita V. Linkner, MD, to get the lowdown on how Bio-Oil can benefit your skin or hair.

Bio-Oil Uses


After reading the product description and some of these reviews, I learned that Bio-Oil can be used for more than just helping reduce the appearance of scars or stretch marks—this cult-favorite oil has close to 15 different uses thanks to its blend of natural oils that promotes skin healing and addresses common skin concerns. Some popular uses include:healing acne scars
banishing dry skin
taming pesky hair flyaways
removing makeup
reducing a flaky scalp
refreshing puffy eyes
How It Works

Bio-Oil contains PurCellin Oil, a proprietary ingredient.

$24, amazon.com

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Dr. Linkner explained the benefits of PurCellin Oil, which Bio-Oil considers a breakthrough. "Inspired by the preen gland oil of ducks, PurCellin Oil serves as the delivery system, helping the natural botanical extracts absorb quickly deep beneath skin's surface without leaving behind oily residue," she says. "The proprietary ingredient gives Bio-Oil a light, non-greasy texture and ensures maximum efficacy of the ingredients."


Recommended Skin Types


Dr. Linkner emphasized that Bio-Oil can work on any skin type at any age, but it's especially great for expecting moms, aging skin, or women suffering from arthritis or eczema. For areas affected by sun damage or eczema patches, Bio-Oil acts to combat dryness and moisturize.

"For expecting moms, pack Bio-Oil in your hospital bag to use in those first few days of post-pregnancy. Most women don't realize that rapid weight loss during post-pregnancy can also contribute to stretch marks, so it's best to continue using Bio-Oil two to three times a day when in post-pregnancy recovery, to help skin rebound to the best of its ability by keeping it supple and hydrated. Bio-Oil is also a great way to massage arthritic joints. It works well for xerotic skin, especially of the lower legs where circulatory changes often affect the texture."

How and When to Apply


"Apply Bio-Oil twice daily, massaging in a circular motion until fully absorbed, and you should start to see the results within four to six weeks of daily use," Dr. Linkner says. "I would stress the importance of using Bio-Oil post showering when skin is at most moist, given all the stripping of hot water and soap chemicals. I tell patients to rub on Bio-Oil after a light toweling off to reinforce the beads of water on the body back into the skin."
Final Thoughts

While I found the solution to definitely be too oily to use on my face and underneath my foundation, I have seen improvement in the appearance of some deep scars on my legs, and I'm going to continue using it for even more results—fingers crossed!

Review

One reviewer said it helped to drastically reduce the appearance of scarring on her face:
twitch / Via amazon.com

"This product is very effective on discolored, scarred skin and I swear by it. I got it because I had shingles on my face brought about by stress, which ravaged the lower right side of my face. I was sure it was going to leave hideous scarring. I started applying it when I started scabbing in April and still use it to this day (in August)."


And check out this disappearing act! 🎩

Wendy M. / Via amazon.com

"After a surgery, I was left with these awesome scars. This product was recommended to me by a friend and I absolutely love it. I use it twice daily — in the morning after showering, then again right before bed — and this 'after' picture is after only six weeks of using it! It smells amazing, is easy to apply, isn't sticky, leaves no residue, and it doesn't stain or patch your clothes." —Wendy M.




Another reviewer used it to help preserve the elasticity of her skin while going through pregnancy:
I. Diaz / Via amazon.com
"I used this product twice a day throughout my pregnancy. I gained over 50 pounds but the oil helped tremendously with skin hydration and elasticity during the winter months. This doesn't completely prevent stretch marks (nothing does), but I do recommend using it during and post-pregnancy." —I. Diaz