Why should you use urea creams?

What is urea and why is it moisturising?

This compound, which is found naturally in our body, but can also be made in the laboratory, plays a key role in metabolism and is gaining popularity for skin care due to its potent moisturising properties.

 

Urea is a hygroscopic molecule (capable of absorbing water) present in the epidermis as part of the natural moisturising process. It is essential for proper hydration and integrity of the stratum corneum, the outermost layer of the skin. It penetrates the stratum corneum, where it binds to water molecules and helps maintain hydration. It is naturally present in the skin and can also be applied externally.

 

Urea creams are a great option for those suffering from dry and flaky skin, as they help to restore the skin's natural moisture balance.

 

In addition to providing hydration, urea in concentrations greater than or equal to 10% has a keratolytic action, i.e. it helps to promote skin surface cell renewal.

 

Who is urea suitable for?

Urea creams are especially formulated for dry, dehydrated skin

 

Urea incorporated as an ingredient in a cream has a moisturising and exfoliating function, with keratolytic properties. It's also beneficial for dry, dehydrated skin conditions that cause flaking and discomfort, such as itching associated with dry skin. By moisturising the skin, flaking is reduced, itching is attenuated and the skin feels soft.

 

With regular use, urea creams can help improve the natural skin barrier and improve moisture levels, so the skin remains soft and hydrated.

 

What are the benefits of urea moisturisers?

Moisturising creams with urea provide multiple benefits for the skin. Mainly, they provide intense hydration and nourishment to dry skin. This active ingredient is a humectant, which means that it traps moisture in the epidermis, helping it to remain there, thus preventing dryness, flaking, and roughness.

 

In addition, urea has exfoliating properties at high %’s. It removes dead skin cells and promotes cell surface renewal. By restoring the skin's barrier function and preserving water levels, urea creams can improve texture and tone.

 

Benefits of urea foot creams

Our feet are often overlooked when it comes to daily skincare, but using a specialised foot cream with moisturising properties can have numerous benefits.

 

Moisturisers containing urea can be incredibly helpful in keeping the feet hydrated and soft, preventing cracks and fissures from forming.

 

In addition, these creams help to soften the skin, thanks to the inclusion of a keratolytic agent, which gently exfoliates the skin, eliminating dead skin cells and promoting cell surface renewal, resulting in smoother skin.

 

This comes with the aesthetic benefit of healthy looking feet, especially desired in the summer!

 

Differences between urea creams and moisturising creams

The main difference between a moisturising cream and a urea cream is that the urea cream contains urea as the active ingredient, while the moisturising cream may contain a variety of moisturising ingredients, such as glycerin, hyaluronic acid, ceramides, etc.

 

Urea is a compound found naturally in the skin and is used in many moisturisers because of its ability to hydrate and soften the skin. Urea can also have mild exfoliating properties and can help soften and smooth rough, flaky skin. Moisturisers are primarily intended to provide an extra layer of hydration to the skin to keep it soft and supple.

 

Another difference is that urea also has keratolytic properties when used at a high %, i.e. urea helps to break down the skin's corneodesmosomes that hold together dead cells in the outermost layer of the skin, making it a useful ingredient for if you have rough skin and flaking. Moisturisers, on the other hand, tend to focus on providing hydration and protection to the skin.

 

In summary, while urea is a specific ingredient that can have exfoliating and skin-softening properties, a moisturiser can have a variety of moisturising ingredients that work together to keep the skin hydrated and soft.

   

How to include a urea cream in your routine

A body care routine that includes a urea cream product alongside a moisturising product is ideal.

 

1.After showering, apply the urea cream to the driest and roughest areas of the skin, such as elbows, knees, and heels.

 

2.Wait a few minutes for the cream to be completely absorbed into the skin, as urea is an active ingredient that needs time to be absorbed.

 

To keep your skin soft, hydrated, and looking healthy, repeat this routine daily.

 

The benefits of combining urea creams with other ingredients

Urea creams can be combined with many other ingredients to enhance the effect of urea. For example, combining it with salicylic acid helps to enhance the shedding of dead skin cells, and can be beneficial for those with thickened skin in the foot and elbow area.

 

Including essential ceramides in the formulation will help maintain the integrity of the skin barrier function and improve skin hydration. These naturally occurring lipids can help keep the skin barrier in good condition, prevent moisture loss, refine skin texture, and reduce the impact of external aggressions.

 

Finally, the combination of moisturising ingredients, such as glycerin and hyaluronic acid, with urea, can provide additional hydration. These ingredients attract and retain moisture, leaving the skin soft, supple and luminous. By combining these components, their effects can be optimised, helping to achieve smoother-looking skin.

 

CeraVe Cream with Urea, Salicylic Acid, and Ceramides

An ideal urea cream for skin prone to dryness or roughness due to hyperkeratosis is CeraVe SA Smoothing Cream. This is designed to reduce roughness and reinforce the skin's protective barrier, with 10% urea, three essential ceramides, LHA, and salicylic acid.

 

It is also hypoallergenic, dermatologically tested, and fragrance free, making it suitable for all skin types, including sensitive.

   

Discover CeraVe moisturisers with Urea today!