Everything from skin creams to body lotions contains urea. Why is urea so beneficial for dry skin? And should you start using it? Learn more.
What is Urea?
Urea is a common ingredient in skincare products. Often considered a miracle moisturizer, it’s renowned for its ability to soften dry, rough, or thickened skin. Unlike some moisturizers, which are thick and greasy, urea offers a non-greasy texture and fast results.
You find urea in all kinds of skincare products. These include:
- Body Lotions for deep hydration and softening
- Face Creams to improve moisture and skin texture
- Hand Creams for rough or cracked hands
- Foot Creams for dry, calloused areas
- Scalp Serums to relieve flakiness and dryness
- Moisturizing Gels for lightweight hydration and soothing
How Urea for Dry Skin Works
Urea isn’t overhyped. It really does deliver impressive results in a short space of time. Most people notice skin softening within 2-3 days of application (sometimes even sooner). How does it achieve this sudden turnaround?
Urea has three primary effects:
1. It acts as a humectant. This means it retains and attracts moisture in the skin. Urea is hygroscopic, meaning it pulls water towards itself. When applied to the outer layer of skin, it can pull water from the dermis (deep in the skin) or the air if humidity levels allow it. This water is then retained within the skin.
2. It acts as a keratolytic. Urea is used for dry skin because it breaks down thick areas of stubborn calluses. Whenever an area experiences repeated friction, e.g., heels or hands, the body protects itself by producing keratin. It’s the same protein used in nails. Urea degrades the bonds holding keratin together, letting you shed dry skin cells.
3. It assists the skin’s protective barrier function. Your skin is designed to be a barrier against the environment. Urea supports the lipids within your skin that stop your skin from becoming irritated or damaged. Doing so prevents inflammation, dryness, and further damage, giving your skin a chance to heal.
Top Reasons to Try Urea Body Lotion
How to Use Urea Body Lotion in Your Skincare Routine
You might think that urea body lotion is reserved for people with non-sensitive skin. You’d be wrong. Our Very Dry Skin Cream, for example, contains 12.5% urea and is specifically designed to tackle severely dry, cracked, or itchy skin in everyone, from menopausal women to people with eczema. It’s clinically proven to boost skin moisturization by 52% within two weeks.
Follow these tips to soothe your dry skin with urea body lotion:
- Always apply urea body lotion after a shower or bath when your skin is slightly damp. Your skin is already moist, letting the urea hold onto the water and keep your skin hydrated.
- Start by applying the lotion once per day. Focus on dry, rough areas like elbows, knees, and heels. If your skin shows improvement, you can apply it to other areas of your body (if necessary).
- Urea body lotion doesn’t have to be your only skincare product. Pair it with any emollients or thicker creams you’re using. Just apply the urea lotion first to maximize absorption. If your skin is a little sensitive, test a patch first to avoid irritation.
- Urea is known for being gentle. However, if you select a product with a higher concentration (>15%), you might want to avoid heavy usage. It’s best to start at a lower concentration (5-10%) and gradually increase your skin’s tolerance.
Read our guide to urea in skincare including the benefits of urea for skin hydration, urea vs. other moisturizers and using urea for specific skin conditions: eczema and psoriasis.
We also debunk common myths about urea in skincare and how to incorporate urea in your skincare routine.
