7 beauty oil benefits (that aren't just for dry skin)

When it comes to oil, people tend to fall into one of two camps: either you've been using it religiously for years, or you steer clear altogether to avoid a shiny complexion. But no matter which camp you're in, it's worth knowing that their benefits are so much more than moisturising dry skin. Here are seven surprising benefits of adding oils to your beauty routine.

1. Treating breakouts
Ingredients like lavender, tea tree and rose geranium oil have anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties, meaning they're great for treating unexpected breakouts – because problematic skin doesn't only happen in your teenage years.

2. Scenting your hair
Hair perfumes might be the next big hair trend, but a scented oil can do double-duty. Work lavender, lemon or Ylang Ylang oil through your locks for a subtle lasting fragrance that also nourishes and gives extra gloss.

3. Evening out skin tone
As well as moisturising thirsty skin, oils can help to balance out uneven skin tones. Bio-Oil is clinically proven to improve the appearance of scars, while the light, non-greasy consistency allows the active plant extracts like rosemary, chamomile and lavender oil, as well as vitamins A and E in the oil to penetrate deeper into the skin*. Added calendula oil also has regenerative effects on your skin, and can stimulate the growth of new skin cells.

4. Taking off make-up
Oil is a big trend in make-up removers right now, but keep things simple for a natural way to wipe away mascara. Avocado oil can work wonders for dry skin without stripping it of its natural oils, while sensitive skin types should reach for jojoba oil as it's the most similar oil to those naturally produced by your skin.

5. Boosting your radiance
As you age, skin can start to look dull and dehydrated. Just a few drops of oil mixed in with your morning moisturiser could be the radiance boost your skin needs, while the lightweight consistency of oil means it will sink in easily. Try rosehip seed or camellia seed oil for glowing results.

6. Beating wrinkles
Collagen and elastin in your skin weakens over time, so to keep wrinkles at bay, use an oil with ingredients that help plasticise skin. Bio-Oil can help to reduce the appearance of wrinkles, as well as giving you softer, smoother and more supple skin, thanks to PurCellin Oil™*. This multi-tasking ingredient absorbs quickly into your skin, and a little goes a long way.

7. Soothing your mind
Oils can even work from the inside out. Adding a few drops of essential oils to your bath will allow you to breathe in the soothing aromas as well as letting them nourish your skin, so try lavender before bedtime (which will help you slip into a restful night's sleep), chamomile or vetiver oil. A de-stressed mind equals de-stressed skin, so bubble up and unwind.

To reduce the appearance of wrinkles, even out your skin tone, help fade scars and get softer, smoother skin, try Bio-Oil. Available now at Boots, Sainsbury’s, Superdrug, Tesco and other national retailers, RRP £8.95 for 60ml

* Clinical trials are available at www.bio-oil.com

Please note, due to phenomenal demand samples are no longer available