Bio-oil is a household name. Everybody I’ve come across knows the oil and it’s said effects on stretch marks. At one point I also gave Bio-oil a try; used it for about 6 months before going back to my usual body oil (for reasons only known to me). Anyway, this specialist skincare oil, as they call it, is formulated to help improve the appearance of scars and stretch marks. It’s particularly useful during pregnancy and is a firm favorite of celebrities like the Kardashians, Priyanka Chopra, Natalie Portman, Kate Middleton, and many others who prefer to keep their oil habits private.

The breakthrough formula of Bio-Oil specialist skincare oil is a combination of plant extracts and vitamins A and E suspended in an oil base. Blending PurCellin Oil, along with a selection of oils such as rosemary and chamomile, the product forms into a light and non-greasy texture. It supplements the skin’s natural oil layer, helping it retain moisture.

That said, here are some tips from Bio-Oil for expecting moms

Keep yourself hydrated

Increasing the water intake keeps the skin hydrated and flushes toxins from the system. While water hydrates the body from the inside, make sure to apply Bio-Oil specialist skincare oil to hydrate and moisturize the skin from the outside. This will help your skin when it starts stretching, minimizing the appearance of stretch marks.

Cleanse and Exfoliate

Hormonal changes might be evident for some women, while others experience a healthy glow. Exfoliating can help bring out your natural pregnancy glow. Use a non-abrasive gentle exfoliator twice to slough off dead skin cells. After exfoliation, use Bio-Oil specialist skincare oil on your skin in a circular motion and let the goodness contained in the vitamins and plant extracts be absorbed.

Nourish

Nourishing your skin with Bio-Oil specialist skincare oil increases its elasticity, which minimizes the potential of stretch marks during that skin-stretching period. It can be massaged in a circular motion into the skin, twice daily. During pregnancy, it is best to apply from the start of the second trimester to areas that are prone to stretch marks such as the abdomen and chest. The overall result is more soft, smooth, supple and even-toned skin.

MORE: Homemade Moisturizers for Dry Skin

Bio-Oil specialist skincare oil is packaged in four different-sized bottles, making it convenient to carry along everywhere. Did you also know that this oil has won 501 skincare awards around the globe? I bet this is why the number of fans of this beauty staple continues to grow. Speaking of which, have you ever used Bio-oil to minimize stretch marks? And did it work? Share your thoughts in the comments.