Do you have dark elbows, cracked heels or dry skin in the colder months? Urea cream might just help. This dual-action product helps with both hydration and softening hardened skin depending on the concentration. This is why you should consider adding it to your skincare routine permanently.
ALSO SEE: DIY under-eye patches using natural ingredients
We’ve all heard the hype around ingredients like retinol, vitamin c and hyaluronic acid. But there’s one ingredient that’s quietly earned a following among dermatologists: urea. This is a multitasking ingredient that helps with replenishing moisture while smoothing rough and flaky patches. It’s found in many moisturisers formulated for dry and sensitive skin. If you’ve overlooked it until now, maybe this is the time to give this unsung hero a closer look.
What is urea?
Urea is naturally found in the skin as part of the skin’s Natural Moisturising Factor (NMF) and this helps to protect the skin barrier and maintain hydration. The urea in skincare, however, is synthetic and made in a laboratory.
As we age, natural urea levels decline, as well as with conditions like eczema or psoriasis. This leads to dryness, roughness and overall skin sensitivity. So topical urea creams can restore lost moisture.
The benefits of urea cream
What makes urea cream such a gem is that it’s both an exfoliant and a humectant. At a lower concentration, it attracts and retains water in the skin, so it stays hydrated for longer. It also reduces moisture loss and strengthens the skin barrier.
At a higher concentration, urea can soften hardened skin, breaking down the bonds between dead skin cells. This makes it great for rough elbows, cracked heels, dry hands, knees and feet. Skin feels smoother and softer after consistent use.
Why concentration matters
Bear in mind that products containing around 2% to 10% urea are suitable for daily use and mainly designed to hydrate dry or sensitive skin.
Concentrations of 10% to 20% will provide both hydration and mild exfoliation – ideal for rough patches. If a formula contains 30% or more, it’s intended for very thick, hardened skin, like severely cracked heels. Use according to product recommendations.
How to use it
Apply urea cream to damp skin to lock in that moisture. Depending on your skin’s needs, you can apply it once or twice daily, but be aware of the concentration. To treat rough areas on your feet, apply the cream before bed and wear cotton socks to enhance the moisturising effects overnight.
The bottom line
It might not be the trendiest, but urea’s ability to hydrate, soften and support the skin barriers makes it one of the most hard-working products out there. Add urea cream to your skincare routine and watch your skin become noticeably smoother.
ALSO SEE:
How stress shows up on your face (And what you can do about it)
Featured image: Pexels
