I recently did a post on my secret to perfect skin and I received a really good question from a treasured reader in the comments section. I thought it was such a fantastic question (and one that I've also grappled with before), that I wanted to clear it up in a post so that everyone could benefit from it.
Here goes:
Hi Chereen. I've read a lot about oil cleansing - it really intrigues me. And the thing that bothers me about Bio Oil is that it contains mineral oil - which can be bad for breakout skin and just bad over all. Would love to hear your opinion on the matter. I am struggling with hormonal spotty skin and have also tried everything...
First things first: contrary to popular belief, mineral oils are not bad for your skin; in fact, they're actually the perfect ingredient to help quench thirsty skin. I recently had the opportunity to meet Paula Begoun (also known as the 'Cosmetics Cop'), who has written 20 books and is respected and admired by every beauty editor I know, and I was thrilled to see that she backs up my findings.
In her book '20 Beauty Myths Busted! What Really Works for Clear, Younger-Looking Skin', Paula says*:
"Poor mineral oil and petrolatum - always being picked on! Simply put, everything bad you've heard or read about these ingredients is not accurate. Although mineral oil does originate from crude oil (petroleum), it is as natural as any other earth-derived substance, including plants and minerals. Moreover, lots of ingredients are derived from awful-sounding sources but are, nevertheless, benign and totally safe. According to research, mineral oil and petrolatum are not only safe for skin, but are also great ingredients for healing dry skin!
Cosmetics-grade mineral oil and petrolatum are among the most nonirritating moisturising ingredients available. Yes, they can reduce the amount of air that comes in contact with skin, but that's what a good antioxidant is supposed to do; they don't suffocate skin! No one has ever had necrotic skin from applying mineral oil or petrolatum, especially babies! In fact, there are several studies showing that pure mineral oil helps heal and moisturize skin quite effectively."
She also adds:
"By the way, despite their greasy feel, neither mineral oil nor petrolatum can clog pores. Both remain on the surface of the skin, where they do the most good, although those with oily skin might not like how they feel or look on skin."
In other words, mineral oils won't clog your pores or cause breakouts and will do wonders in treating dry skin.
Phew. Now that we know a little more about mineral oils and their healing properties for dry skin, I can move onto a little bit of exciting news: Bio Oil have offered 'For The Beauty Of It' two fantastic hampers worth R500 each to give away to two lucky readers. Each hamper contains a gorgeous Desray scarf and three bottles of Bio Oil (which, in case you missed my previous post, is my recently rediscovered skin saviour!).
All you have to do to stand the chance of winning one of these hampers is leave a comment below, telling me your favourite creative use for Bio Oil (for example, I've been known to mix a bit of powdered bronzer with a drop of Bio Oil to apply to my legs, leaving a gorgeous golden gleam. This little tip is particularly handy to add a hint of a tan to pale pins come Spring!).
You have until 12pm on Monday, 22 July 2013 to leave your comments. I'll then select the two winners by choosing my two favourite tips and reveal the winners on my blog on Tuesday.
Good luck!
*Paula Begoun states her sources as follows: Journal of Dermatologic Science, May 2008, pages 135 - 142; International Journal of Cosmetic Science, October 2007, pages 385 - 390; Dermatitis, September 2004, pages 109 - 116; and International Wound Journal, September 2006, pages 181 - 187.
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ReplyDeleteI love to use Bio Oil to sculpt my eyebrows. I apply a small amount to the bristles of my eyebrow brush and use it to neaten my brows. It works wonders and gives a lovely definition!
ReplyDeleteI use my Bio oil under my eyes instead of eye cream, I also use it on my hair ends if I am overdue for a trim to mask any split ends :)
ReplyDeletesince reading your post it is my new night serum as well now
I mix it with avocado and use it as a hair mask. As I tend to get a dry scalp as well as dry hair this works wonders for moisturizing my scalp and adding some life to my hair.
ReplyDeleteWinter is extremely harsh on my skin. My dermatologist gives me something new everytime but I find it makes my skin and scalp worse than before. I use Bio Oil for 3 things. 1) a makeup remover at night because the ones I've used irritated my skin to the point where it goes red and itchy. This also makes for a great moisturiser before bed.
ReplyDelete2) A few drops in my shampoo. It honestly moisturise's ones scalp especially if you've got dry sensitive scalp that flakes
3) The best cutical oil a girl can ask for.
@Citygirlvibe
www.citygirlvibe.com
I got hooked on Bio Oil after using it on stretch marks. It's also amazing on the dried bleached ends of my hair.
ReplyDeleteI use Bio Oil on the following: Cuticles, feet, neck and bust (no wrinkly skin anywhere on my bosom thank you), a general "body cream" everyday, and we keep it handy for nasty scars on the boys!
ReplyDeleteBio-Oil is my all year round beauty essential. With Bio-Oil I create my all purpose scrub that I use on both face, body and nasty stretch marks! All I use is castor sugar and Bio Oil.
ReplyDeleteThe facial scrub is great for exfoliating the face and removing dead skin. The sugar in my scrub is for circulation of blood around the tummy area while kicking stretch marks to the curb.
On behalf of Lee September:
ReplyDelete"I apply bio-oil to my hair the evening before i was it but only to long hair,not roots,only a few drops,gives it a nice shine(works fantastic in the summer after a swim).Also apply to my heels and use it on my hands.
Awesome give away,bio-oil is such a fantastic brand,would be great to win some:)) Crossing fingers!Thanx again:)"