Just how effective is Bio-Oil Dry Skin Gel? HoneyKids mum Mas and her two little girls put it to the test…
You’ve probably already heard of Bio-Oil Dry Skin Gel, the mighty little tub of goodness that’s clinically proven to help treat really dry and eczema-prone skin. While other creams and moisturisers mostly contain a high concentration of water (around 70 percent), this gel sets itself apart with only 3 percent of water in its ingredients list. Another game changer? Bio-Oil Dry Skin Gel is made up of 84 percent oil and 13 percent humectants (the good stuff that pulls water into our skin). That’s significantly less water, and way more oil and humectants than similar skincare products in the market!
What difference do the oil and water concentration levels make, you ask? According to Bio-Oil, this unique formula isn’t only deeply hydrating for the skin but also ensures long-lasting hydration. This is because oil doesn’t evaporate like water, allowing the gel’s magic ingredients (shea butter, hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and more) to work more effectively on really dry and eczema-prone skin. Saving you the trouble of having to constantly reapply to relief irritation and protect skin.
The other plus point about this product is that it’s non-comedogenic. This means that Bio-Oil Dry Skin Gel is gentle enough for facial application (goodbye awkward cheek rashes!) and safe to use for those with sensitive skin. And yes, kids can use it too!
HoneyKids Tries: A reader review of Bio-Oil Dry Skin Gel
After hearing about all these good things, we were left wondering: just how effective is Bio-Oil Dry Skin Gel? Does it really soothe dry skin and eczema, and – most importantly – how long does its moisturising effect last? We got one of our readers and her two little girls to put it to the test and let us know!
Of sensitive skin and sleepless nights
Hot flare-ups, red rashes, and itchy skin are common daily occurrences for HoneyKids mum, Mas, and her two daughters – five-year-old Arissa and three-year-old Aniqa – who all suffer from really dry and sensitive skin.
While most of us may find the hot and humid weather in Singapore uncomfortable, it’s usually the cause of pain and irritation for Mas’ family. Prolonged exposure to sun and heat tends to irritate their skin, causing it to itch and break out in rashes. As such, Mas tries to avoid being out in the sun for too long with her girls. Unfortunately for the little ones, this also means limited time in the playgrounds. Going on family outings can be a tricky affair as well since our tropical climate also means lots of sunlight all year round.
However, these are all minor inconveniences compared to the girls’ random episodes of rashes. The girls are no strangers to interrupted sleep, as these flare-ups tend to happen at night. First comes the redness, and then the itchiness will follow. Once that happens, the girls will wake up from the discomfort and find it difficult to go back to sleep. Mas and her husband still don’t know what triggers the bedtime rashes.
“As a mum who shares the same skin condition as her daughters, it’s really painful for me to see them go through this. It’s especially hard for my youngest, Aniqa, as she gets really frustrated when the rashes happen. She doesn’t understand what’s happening, nor how to stop the itchiness. There are times when she’ll scratch her skin till it bleeds…” Mas shared.
Trying out Bio-Oil Dry Skin Gel
Mas was happy to give Bio-Oil Dry Skin Gel a try. “I’ve been looking around for a solution for our skin issues. I’ve heard that it helps soothe very dry skin and eczema, so I’m keen to try,” she said.
Initially, she had some doubts after reading up on the product. She explained, “To be honest, I was quite worried Bio-Oil Dry Skin Gel is going to feel super oily, given its high oil content.” She tried the product on herself first, applying a small amount on her forearm, then massaging in a circular motion until it was fully absorbed. “I’m surprised to find that my skin absorbs it really well, and it doesn’t leave an oily residue at all,” she said.
The hydrating effect was almost instant as well. Mas felt that her skin was visibly softer after applying Bio-Oil Dry Skin Gel. “I can feel a slight ‘bounce’ on my skin when I tap it. That’s how I know it’s hydrated,” she said.
Satisfied with the product, she then started using the gel for her daughters as well. “The good thing about Bio-Oil Dry Skin Gel is that it doesn’t leave an oily residue. If it does, it won’t sit well with the girls as they may find it ‘icky’. This gel is so lightweight that they even enjoy applying it by themselves after the first few times!” she commented.
Did Bio-Oil Dry Skin Gel work for Mas and her girls?
After trying out the product for more than a week, Mas reported that they have not had any rashes or flare-ups. “Pretty much zero incidents. Our skin has not turned red or itchy for a while, and that’s great!” she shared. She also noticed that their skin was smoother and didn’t feel flaky. She takes this as a sign that her skin is well moisturised and hydrated.
Applying Bio-Oil Dry Skin Gel has become a daily routine for Mas and her daughters, with Mas using it at least twice a day. “I apply it for myself and the girls after bath time and before heading out. We still take the usual precautions when going out in the sun – out of habit and just to stay safe – but we noticed that we could be out and about longer than usual,” she said. This is also something that Arissa and Aniqa are happy about, as it means extended playtime.
When asked about their favourite feature of the product, Mas said it has to be its long-lasting moisturisation. She applies Bio-Oil Dry Skin Gel before heading to the office as the air-conditioning tends to dry out her skin. She also reapplies after a few hours for more protection, but sometimes things get too busy, and she forgets – but this hasn’t led to redness or rashes.
“The most solid proof of its long-lasting effect is that it can last throughout the night. I apply it for the girls before bedtime, and it really reduces their rashes and itchiness,” she said.
Verdict: Is Bio-Oil Dry Skin Gel worth buying?
For Mas, the answer to that question is a resounding yes. “I knew that this was the skincare solution we needed when the girls managed to have a good night’s rest after applying it. There are also fewer tears and frustrations since they can enjoy themselves more at the playground and sleep comfortably,” she said.
Finding that it really does soothe and protect their skin, the family will continue using Bio-Oil Dry Skin Gel. Mas shared, “The girls and I enjoyed trying out this product. In fact, now they’re always asking to apply it before bedtime!”
A gel that’s packed with all the goodies
Bio-Oil Dry Skin Gel is packed with some amazing ingredients that make it 100 percent active in soothing really dry and eczema-prone skin. Some of its star ingredients include humectants like glycerin and urea. These work at boosting the skin’s hydration levels, attracting moisture from the environment to the skin. Urea also helps to smooth and soften the skin.
Besides this, it also contains well-known ingredients like shea butter, essential fatty acids, and niacinamide (vitamin B3). Not only do these ingredients nourish and moisturise the skin, they also strengthen and protect the skin’s moisture barrier, preventing excessive water loss. Last but not least, there’s chamomile in it as well, which is great at soothing and calming irritation.
Want to try Bio-Oil Dry Skin Gel for yourself? Find out more about it via the official website, or grab a tub from Guardian today!
Bonus: Enjoy $3 off Bio-Oil Dry Skin Gel (50ml) when you purchase it from Guardian’s online store with the promo code “BO$3OFF”. Valid till 30 November 2022.
This post is in partnership with Bio-Oil.
