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.
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