There’s urea in my body lotion?

Over the holidays a friend of mine asked me why I recommend creams containing urea for very dry and eczema-prone skin. I was reminded of a post I wrote on the subject for Beauty Bulletin a couple of years ago and thought it wise to repost it here; in case you have ever wondered exactly what urea is and why you may see this ingredient on the packaging of some of your favourite body creams and lotions.

What is urea and why is it in my body cream?

There’s urea in my body lotion?

Most people cringe when they see this ingredient on their body lotion/cream packaging. Not to worry ladies. The urea in your cream is a manufactured chemical. Its chemical name iscarbonyldiamide.

Urea is naturally present in healthy skin cells and it helps to maintain the skin’s moisture level. When your skin is dry, a cream containing urea can increase the water content of the skin whilst preventing water loss – thus your skin will become plumped up and supple. Urea also helps to get rid of dead skin cells. Because of this particular benefit, an urea cream can work like a charm on those very rough areas like your elbows and heels.

Both my daughter and I have eczema, and our dermatologist has recommended that we use body creams containing urea.

In my research for this post, I have found out exactly why it is recommended:

‘Urea has been medically proven in various clinical studies to have extraordinary anti-fungal and anti-microbial properties that promotes fast healing of dry cracked split skin, eczema, psoriasis, rashes, acne, burns and other types of problem skin.’ – www.skinremedies.com

Creams containing urea really does give my extremely dry skin some relief.

My favourite is Epi-max Plus (see my review on this brand HERE) which you can find it Clicks and big pharmacies. Also check out the Eucerin body range. Many of their products contain urea.

If you suffer from dry skin (or dry skin conditions) I suggest that you try an urea cream. It may just turn out to be the solution that you have been looking for.

I really hope that you have found this post informative and useful.

xoxo

Image source: www.thegloss.com

Dermaceutic Foamer 5 Gentle Exfoliating Cleansing Foam

Dermaceutic is a brand that has not ceased to impress. I recently finished a bottle of their Dermaceutic Foamer 5 Gentle Exfoliating Cleansing Foam and I am so happy with the product.

Dermaceutic Foamer 5 Gentle Exfoliating Cleansing Foam

'Skin is encouraged to renew itself faster making it look fresher, keeping it hydrated and looking younger.'
‘Skin is encouraged to renew itself faster, making it look fresher, keeping it hydrated and looking younger.’

Foamer 5 is an exfoliating cleanser that is recommended for dry and sensitive skins with dull complexion, irregular texture and skin imperfections. It contains 5% Glycolic Acid to exfoliate and remove impurities, and Enoxolone which is an anti-inflammatory agent known for its soothing and calming properties.

The cleanser is a very light and airy foam which comes in a simple pump bottle (win!).

Foamer 5 leaves my skin beautifully clean and soft and after a couple of uses I noticed that my skin was smoother and more radiant. I was worried (even though I love me some acids) that the Glycolic Acid could be a bit drying and harsh on my sensitive skin, but it proved to be anything but. I never experienced any stinging or sensitivity and it didn’t ever leave my skin feeling dried out or stripped. And I used it daily. My skin was just clean, smooth and radiant.

Foamer 5 retails for R450 and I highly recommend it.

Whilst getting all my facts straight about Foamer 5, I noticed that Dermaceutic also has a Foamer 15. This cleanser (obviously) contains 15% Glycolic Acid and is recommended for oily, congested and acne prone skins. This also sounds like a winner and I would recommend acne sufferers give it a try.

A product that I am very keen to try is the Mask 15 which also contains 15% Glycolic Acid.  It is also recommended for oily, congested and acne prone skin and can be used once or twice a week. It can also be used for normal skin once a week or once a fortnight. I need it as it is said to be a skin refining mask that helps to reduce pores and blackheads (I hate my pores). Keep this one in mind next time you are mask shopping.

Contact Conquest to find a stockist near you.

You can have a look at previous posts on the brand HERE, HERE and HERE.

xoxo

*Disclaimer: This product was supplied for review purposes. I have not received compensation for this post and the opinion on the product is my own.