Uses: Preventing pregnancy stretch marks
Bio-Oil has been used safely by pregnant women for over 20 years to maintain skin elasticity and thereby help prevent the appearance of pregnancy stretch marks.
Stretch marks, otherwise known as striae, are caused by exactly what their name suggests – stretching of the skin.
The skin’s connective tissue allows it to adapt to continuous movement of the body by expanding and contracting during pregnancy, but sometimes the skin itself has insufficient time to adjust. As the body expands faster than the skin covering it, the skin tears, forming an internal wound which heals and causes a scar to form. These scars are visible on the surface of the skin as stretch marks.
It is estimated that 90% of women are prone to stretch marks during pregnancy, particularly in the second and third trimesters (Nussbaum, Rachel, MD, Bendetto, Anthony. Cosmetic aspects of pregnancy. Clinics in Dermatology (2006) 24, 133-141). In many studies conducted over the years, the likelihood of developing stretch marks varies according to skin type, family and personal history, race, age, diet and skin condition.
Application
Most women develop stretch marks on their abdomen during pregnancy, however it is common to get stretch marks on the breasts, hips, buttocks, thighs and lower back. Bio-oil should be applied twice daily from the first trimester to moisturize and maintain the elasticity of the skin thereby helping prevent the appearance of pregnancy stretch marks.
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 by the mother in very large quantities. Topically applied vitamin A (and its derivatives) is of less concern however, as it is extremely difficult for high concentrations of vitamin A to penetrate the body via the skin. The level of vitamin A (Retinyl Palmitate on the label) in Bio-Oil is therefore much less than that which could ever be harmful if applied topically.
Rosemary
There has been a great deal of publicity in recent years around the safety of Rosemary oil when used in excess during pregnancy. The Rosemary oil contained in Bio-Oil (Rosemarinus Officinalis on the label) is of little concern however, as it is extremely difficult for high concentrations of Rosemary to penetrate the body via the topically applied route. The level of Rosemary in Bio-Oil is therefore much less than that which could ever be harmful.
Lavender, Calendula and Chamomile
Lavender, Calendula and Chamomile are also all considered safe for use throughout pregnancy.
An Episiotomy is a minor procedure to ease a normal vaginal delivery that 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 the product be applied to any mucosal membranes, as it is not considered completely 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 Bio-Oil, even in the very smallest amounts.
Although Bio-Oil was not developed for use on babies, use of the product will not be harmful on infants over 2 years of age, provided that the skin is not broken. The product must however be applied with care and should not be used near the eyes or mouth.
"I actively encourage all pregnant women to use Bio-Oil daily, throughout their pregnancies. The results are outstanding and have proven themselves over many years. From the feedback I have received it is considered to be the most effective means of helping to prevent the appearance of stretch marks. And its special non-greasy formulation means it can be conveniently applied."
Lynne Bluff
Leading Childbirth Educator and National Coordinator of the Childbirth Educators Professional Forum in South Africa
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