Who needs urea cream

Urea cream doesn’t sound as glamorous as gold or black caviar cream, but the name may be a very effective skin-transforming formula. And we will prove it.

The effect of urea cream on the skin

Urea in the composition of the cream is a synthetic analogue of the component of the same name, which is naturally present in the skin. Urea plays a very important role in the life of the skin, being part of the NMF – a natural moisturizing factor.

Urea performs two functions at once: it moisturizes and stimulates cell renewal, and therefore is responsible for the softness, smoothness and hydration of the skin.

The percentage of urea in the cream depends on the purpose of the product. In general, urea face and body cream is recommended for dry, rough, rough skin.

The percentage of urea in the cream

A base moisturizer or gel with urea usually contains a small concentration of the substance – up to 3%, which is enough to maintain the skin’s moisture level and cell renewal cycle.

An average concentration of 5-15% is already used for a more intensive course: in foot creams, for rough skin areas of the body (for example, elbows).

A cream with a urea content of 20 to 50% is used as prescribed by a dermatologist for xerosis, eczema, ichthyosis, and even fungal infections. However, there is a 30% cream with urea for home use – for rough skin of the feet, heels, against corns.

To summarize, urea at a concentration of up to 10% has a moisturizing effect in the composition of products, above 10 – keratolytic, that is, exfoliating. Keep this in mind when you go looking for a urea-based cream.

How to choose the right cream containing urea

In the composition of the cream, urea is designated as Urea. A cream containing urea can be useful if the skin of the face or body suffers from dryness, there are rough areas, roughness, unevenness, that is, the consequences of delayed exfoliation of dead cells are obvious.

Face cream

Urea face cream is suitable for daily care of dehydrated as well as dry skin, especially if there is peeling, the skin looks dull due to dead cells accumulated on the surface. Usually in face creams, urea is supplemented with other moisturizing, and often exfoliating components (acids), as well as lipids that help strengthen the skin barrier and prevent moisture from evaporating.

Urea is also present in home peels as an auxiliary peeling agent, which also moisturizes the skin.

For the body (arms and legs)

Dryness and roughness of the skin of the body, especially on the shins and feet, hands and elbows, is a common and understandable phenomenon. To care for these areas, cosmetics manufacturers include urea in their formulas – both to moisturize and to renew the skin. So body cream with urea is quite common, and not only in the assortment of professional cosmetics.

Cream with urea smoothes and softens the skin.

How to use a face cream with urea in the composition?

Any cosmetic product must be used according to the instructions.

Urea face cream for daily care is applied in the same way as any other: on clean skin, twice a day, with massage movements, avoiding the eye contour – unless there are other instructions and recommendations from the manufacturer on the package.

Body cream is also applied after cleansing 1-2 times a day.

Contraindications for use

The main rule is to use the product for its intended purpose and in compliance with the manufacturer’s recommendations. With highly reactive skin, it always makes sense to test the product on a small area. And definitely do not use body products on the face.

The best urea products: our rating

Want to know which creams contain urea? We have put together a small collection of effective products with this ingredient. And it’s not just cream!

SA Emollient cream for dry, rough and uneven skin, Cerave

Cream with 10% urea, as well as salicylic acid and LHA, is designed to intensively moisturize and renew rough and uneven skin. Can be used on any part of the face (except the area around the eyes) and body.

Intensive moisturizer for normal to dry sensitive skin Hydraphase Intense Riche, La Roche-Posay

A face cream with urea (a small percentage), hyaluronic acid, shea butter, vitamin E and glycerin successfully fights signs of dehydration: a feeling of tightness, peeling, dull skin.

Renewing moisturizing serum for the skin of the face, neck and decollete Retexturing Activator, SkinCeuticals

The formula of this serum, the purpose of which is to renew and moisturize the skin, perfectly fits urea, which has these properties. Concentration – 20%, optimal for the peeling effect.

Body fluid Skin Fitness Instant Smoothing & Moisturizing Body Treatment, Biotherm

Instantly smoothing fluid softens and moisturizes the skin, perfectly absorbed. Apply all over the body, concentrating on dry areas of the skin.

Nightly Refining Micro-Peel Concentrate, Kiehl’s

The list of acids and other effective exfoliating ingredients also includes urea, which undoubtedly contributes to the gradual and delicate renewal of the skin. Read more about night peels here.

Leave a Reply