Urea is a carbonic acid diamide (urea). This compound was first detected in urine, which gave it its name. It is the final product of protein processing and takes part in many processes in our body. Urea is also of great value in cosmetology. On the one hand, it is hygroscopic and can hold large volumes of water.
On the other hand, the molecule is quite small and can penetrate into the deeper layers of the skin through the dermis. Cream with urea for the face in the pharmacy gives a pronounced moisturizing effect: the component penetrates the barrier of the skin, absorbs liquid in the dermis and retains it. Products containing urea are marked Urea.
The concentration of this component is also usually indicated, since the effect of the cosmetic product depends on it. You will find the best products containing urea in this article.
What is urea cream
This is a cosmetic product designed to actively moisturize and soften the skin. Urea is used to create many different products, including creams. Such cosmetics are very useful for the face, hands, legs and body, since they not only provide high-quality care for the dermis, but also improve its health, penetrating into the deeper layers and helping to restore its structure.
Urea - this is the name of the component in Latin - is often found in skin care cosmetics. It is a solid compound of organic substances similar in structure to sugar crystals. The tissues of the human body also contain urea: without it, the most important processes in cells are impossible. This component can often be found in moisturizing cosmetics, since its key purpose is to regulate the water cellular balance.
Effect of urea in face cream
Urea is an organic compound called solid urine. The substance is present in the body. It is involved in protein synthesis. In addition, urea is also found in the upper layers of the epidermis. Here she is responsible for maintaining normal moisture levels. In cosmetics, carbamide is found in creams. This is the name of urea obtained in the laboratory - from ammonia and carbohydrate dioxide. That is, you don’t have to worry: solid urine of animal origin is not used in cosmetics.
Why should you choose a cream with urea for your face? This tool has many advantages. It has a powerful anti-inflammatory effect and effectively fights pathogenic microorganisms. In addition, cosmetics with urea:
- prevents moisture loss;
- moisturizes the skin;
- helps ensure that more nutrients enter the epidermis;
- protects the skin with a special film;
- helps accelerate cell recovery and renewal;
- removes the stratum corneum (exfoliation will be more effective if urea is combined with lactic acid);
- eliminates pain during inflammatory processes and minor injuries;
- accelerates healing processes;
- relieves irritation and itching;
- restores skin elasticity.
Like any other product, cream with synthetic urea for the face has a number of contraindications. For example, if there are bleeding wounds, acne and severe inflammation on the skin, the use of urea will only worsen the situation. It is not recommended to use products with urea for those with very oily skin. If you have sensitive epidermis, before applying cosmetics to your face, it is advisable to do an allergy test.
It is better to choose a remedy with a specialist. The benefits of urea cream for the face vary depending on the concentration of the substance:
- 2% is the minimum amount of urea.
This is usually found in lotions, balms, tonics, and aftershave creams. Urea is added to such products to speed up healing and soothe the skin. - 5%-10% is the optimal concentration for moisturizing the skin, smoothing it and increasing elasticity.
Products with such an amount of urea provide reliable protection of the epidermis, and they also effectively exfoliate dead skin particles and have a powerful antibacterial effect. - 10%-50% is a medical concentration.
Urea in this quantity is used to treat dry dermatitis, psoriasis, and mycoses.
The benefits and harms of urea in cosmetics
Urea is often used in the production of cosmetics to moisturize and soften the skin. The natural component is found in the tissues of living organisms (in humans, it is part of the “moisturizing factor” responsible for maintaining the hydrobalance of the dermis, in an amount of 7%). The pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries use synthetic urea, which is formed by combining nitrogen dioxide with ammonia. The substance may be in solid or liquid form.
Since urea is inexpensive and very effective, it can often be seen in both affordable cosmetics and professional, elite products. Urea in cream, due to the antiseptic properties of the substance, allows you to reduce the amount of preservatives used to preserve the beneficial qualities of cosmetic products. This component has the following effect on the skin:
- helps reduce the evaporation of liquid from the surface of the dermis (a large amount of liquid is released through the epidermis, especially in the summer, thanks to this property, moisture is retained in the cells, which prevents drying of the skin);
- hydration is provided (urea - another name for the substance - penetrates the layers of the integument and changes the structure of the amino acids needed to moisturize the dermis);
- restores the natural protective barrier of the epithelium, necessary to prevent the harmful effects of pathogenic microbes on the skin;
- helps other beneficial components contained in the cream to be absorbed;
- relieves pain, thanks to its analgesic properties, can be used to eliminate itching and burning;
- provides light peeling - has an exfoliating effect, removing keratinized cell scales on the surface of the face, removes dirt and dust accumulated throughout the day (under the influence of urea, the stratum corneum softens and is easier to remove, and “living” skin becomes smooth and silky);
- triggers cell regeneration, promotes wound healing.
Since urea has a small molecular size, this ensures its excellent penetration into the deep layers of the dermis, due to which the substance stimulates the formation of a protective lipid layer of the skin and improved absorption of other active substances. Urea is a very effective component, but it also increases the risk of negative reactions. People with:
- acne;
- bleeding damage to the dermis;
- inflammation, irritation of the skin.
Which to choose
Products with cosmetic and therapeutic effects may contain different concentrations of urea. The higher it is, the stronger the effect of the drug, and the greater the likelihood of irritation. The percentage will determine the purpose of using the cream:
- For facial skin in normal condition without obvious signs of age, it is better to use a cream with a urea content of 1-3%. The funds are used in monthly courses. If necessary, they can be applied when exposed to frost, wind or sun. In the morning, under makeup, it is better to use a cream with a 1% composition, in the evening - 3-5%. In case of significant chapping or frostbite, it is better to use a product with 5% of the active substance.
- The cause of age-related changes is the destruction of collagen and a decrease in elastin production. But loss of moisture makes even the smallest wrinkles more noticeable. To moisturize skin that has shown signs of aging and has lost its elasticity, moisturizing creams with 5% urea for the face are used. Face creams with 10% urea can only be used after consultation with a dermatologist.
- If your skin is very dry and flaky, you can use a five percent product in the morning, evening and throughout the day. The duration of the course is up to 30 days. It is recommended to supplement skin care with products containing hyaluronic acid and glycerin.
- If the skin is oily and combination, it is enough to use a 1% cream, since sebum itself provides reliable protection of the skin from moisture loss.
- Medicinal pharmaceutical ointments containing up to 40% urea are indicated if not only skin hydration is required, but also its healing and restoration. Creams sold in pharmacies can be used to combat corns and rough heels.
- The maximum percentage of urea, 50%, contains antifungal agents from the pharmacy. The antiseptic and antifungal properties of the substance make it possible to effectively eliminate mycoses and other fungal diseases.
The higher the concentration of urea, the stronger the exfoliating effect of the composition. Thus, in case of irritation and inflammation, it is better to choose a drug with a minimum content of urea.
Rules of application
To achieve maximum effect, it is better to apply the cream to warm skin (it is recommended to use the product immediately after a bath/shower). If it is necessary to treat mycoses, ointments with urea are applied directly to the affected area, since the concentration of the substance in such products is high. Urea is a non-toxic element, however, contact with eyes or damaged skin should be avoided. If itching or burning occurs, stop using the product, after which you should consult a dermatologist.
Concentration
Urea is found in creams in varying concentrations. The aggressiveness of carbonic acid and its purpose depend on the percentage.
- An indicator from 1% to 10% indicates that you have a good moisturizing product. It will help prevent peeling and give the skin elasticity;
- A concentration of 10 to 20% turns the drug into a light keratolytic. Indicated for those prone to hyperkeratosis and corns;
- From 20% to 50% - a powerful keratolytic that can cope with advanced cases. It can only be used in a salon and by a professional. Self-use can lead to serious burns and destruction of healthy epidermis.
More information about hyperkeratosis:
The best means
For certain skin diseases such as psoriasis, eczema, neurodermatitis, as well as for dryness, which is typical for people with diabetes, it is important to regularly soften the dermis to prevent cracks and create antimicrobial protection. Urea in cosmetics, where its concentration is 40%, copes well with these tasks. To moisturize the dermis, creams containing 10-20% urea should be used. The maximum amount of urea - about 50% - is included in antifungal ointments, which perfectly fight mycoses of the feet.
Foot cream with urea
The options below contain many different nutrients that are beneficial for the skin. These creams should be used daily after a shower or bath. The compositions are applied to the feet in a thin or thick layer, depending on the skin problems, after which they wait until the base is completely absorbed. The following foot creams with urea have proven themselves to be effective:
- DiaDerm "Intensive" (Avanta company). The product belongs to the medicinal group and is designed for people suffering from diabetes. The softening cream perfectly nourishes the dermis, helping to soften even very rough areas.
- Evo (Avanta company). The cream will help those whose skin on their feet is very chapped; in addition, the product eliminates corns and old calluses. Evo provides a therapeutic effect, fights mycosis and prevents its occurrence.
- Doctor. An effective emollient that provides a healing effect and, in addition, relieves fatigue from the legs. The medicine is used to treat dry calluses and cracked heels.
- Baehr. The cream actively moisturizes, nourishes, strengthens the skin barrier, while maintaining hydrolipid balance. Recommended for use by people with diabetes, well suited for those with sensitive skin.
- Glatte (Greppmayr company). It is considered one of the most effective urea products for feet, helping in the fight against dry calluses and various growths. Unlike its analogues, Glatte does not require pre-treatment of the feet with pumice. After treatment with the cream, socks are put on the feet, and after 7-8 hours, all softened areas on the feet can be removed with a brush. For cracks and wounds, it is recommended to use the drug at a concentration of 15%, for mild dry skin of the feet - a 5% product.
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For face
Urea-based products are often used to care for facial skin, and the formulations should be used with extreme caution. It is important to avoid getting the cream in your eyes. The composition is applied to the skin with light massage movements, thereby improving the absorption of its components. Some of the most effective urea creams for the face include the following:
- Doliva. The product, in addition to urea, contains various vitamins, natural oils, and other active substances that make the skin soft and moisturized. After applying the composition, it is quickly absorbed, leaving no greasy film on the surface of the epidermis. Doliva is suitable for any skin type.
- Bioturm. A product based on urea, sunflower oil, canola and various plant extracts. Bioturm perfectly moisturizes the dermis, making its surface smooth and velvety. Since the cream contains no synthetic ingredients, including fragrances, it can be used even for hypersensitive skin.
- AA Therapy. The product has excellent moisturizing properties and is indicated for those with sensitive skin prone to allergic reactions. In addition, the product perfectly protects the dermis from harmful environmental influences, be it low temperatures, drying sun or strong winds.
- Bioderma. Eliminates dryness, tightness, and any other discomfort associated with lack of moisture in the skin. The cream is suitable for any skin type and belongs to the category of hypoallergenic products. Bioderma, in addition, is able to soothe irritated areas of the dermis, returning it to its normal color.
For body
Thanks to cosmetic products with urea, you can get rid of excessive dryness in certain areas of the body. Such products are applied in small quantities, distributed over the skin in a thin layer. In case of abrasions or open wounds, the composition with urea should be discarded. The following urea-based products are recommended for the body:
- Topicrem. Indications for use: rough, dry skin. A cream with a pleasant consistency and neutral odor helps restore the water balance of the dermis, actively moisturizing it. In addition, the product perfectly softens the skin, while simultaneously removing flaking.
- Seni Care. Designed to care for sensitive skin, prevents irritation of the epidermis, spreads well due to its light consistency. Seni Care is able to prevent the negative effects of external factors on the skin.
- Dermika. Urea body cream contains 10% urea and milk lipids. Dermika saturates cells with the necessary elements, eliminating dryness and tightness of the epidermis. After using the cream, a feeling of comfort should remain.
For hands
Urea is found in human skin and is responsible for its hydration, helping to deliver fluid to the cells of the epidermis and retain it there. In addition, urea has antimicrobial, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory effects, promoting tissue regeneration. The most popular products with urea are:
- Doctor. A composition with a pronounced regenerating effect, having a light texture, thanks to which it easily and quickly penetrates into the dermis without leaving an unpleasant film on its surface. The medicine has a neutral odor and a yellowish color. Its big advantage is its low price.
- Forethal. The cream is intended for hands and feet, indicated for dry skin, diseases such as psoriasis, eczema, etc. The composition is practically odorless and has a light consistency. According to the instructions, it is optimal to use Foretal twice a day - morning and evening.
- Dulgon UREA. The German-made product is suitable for winter use, when there is increased dryness of the skin due to cold weather. Panthenol and urea in cosmetics provide a moisturizing and nourishing effect, promote the healing of microtraumas and reduce the severity of wrinkles.
Question answer
Do I need to use urea-based drugs regularly?
It is not recommended to abuse the effects of the active component - a course lasting a month is enough to get rid of problems, and can be repeated after a break.
Can I use 10 percent urea cream on my face?
Theoretically it is possible, but be careful. If the composition does not contain any acids, except uric and lactic, and their percentage does not exceed 10%, then you can use this cream on your face once. But such a scheme can only be used as a last resort, when you need to soften very rough skin or exfoliate (make smooth) textured skin.
Can a urea-based product be used to improve the appearance of the skin?
Yes, the drug perfectly moisturizes, increases elasticity, evens out tone.
Is a facial product suitable for getting rid of problems on the body?
If there are no preparations recommended for the body, you can use face cream, but try to select a composition with a high concentration of urea.
How often do products containing urea cause allergies?
If you choose the right composition, irritation on the face or body will not appear.”]
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Discussion:
- Svetlana says:
The cosmetologist advised using urine cream against peeling. At first I was afraid, I thought that this substance was natural. Thanks to your article - now I know that it is produced synthetically, I will definitely start getting rid of the defect - Veronica says:
I use urea-based products to get rid of corns - walking in high heels led to the appearance of this defect. I didn’t know that facial problems could be dealt with with such an effective substance.
- Nadezhda1990 says:
I use Bioderma cream against dry dermis, I’m happy with the results - my face is constantly moisturized, I’ve long forgotten about peeling. Even to the touch, the skin became more tender and elastic, the shade evened out, and pimples disappeared.
- Olka says:
I agree with Nadezhda - despite the low price, Bioderma copes well with skin problems. Over the course of use, my flaking and dry patches disappeared. The sebaceous glands work evenly, I don’t notice a greasy film either)
- Alena says:
I use creams with urea only in winter - the skin reacts too painfully to frosty air, unpleasant dryness appears, the dermis resembles parchment. I apply the composition once a day - this is enough for protection; if necessary, I repeat the application before leaving the house.
- krasoto4ka says:
On the contrary, I use preparations with urea only in the summer, and I use not only face cream, but also body care products. Ultraviolet light is destructive for me - it’s enough to get tanned for the skin to start peeling off in shreds. Now I don’t even remember the problem!
- Vika says:
I used Evelyn's balm for almost two months and did not notice any improvement. Maybe this is not for my sensitive skin?
- Someone says:
I use body milk, it contains this wonderful ingredient. After use, you feel freshness, the dermis is pleasant and velvety to the touch. I’m going to buy more face cream, because I feel a little uncomfortable in the cold season...
- Ekaterina says:
Recently, after dermatitis, peeling appeared on the face; following the recommendations of a cosmetologist, I tried to cope with the defect with Doliva cream. The results are impressive - skin hydration remains on the face all day, the defect has disappeared, and rashes have almost disappeared.
- Voloshina says:
I used a product with a concentration of 20% active substance on my face, but I didn’t like the results - my pores got bigger. The cosmetologist then explained the mistake - it turns out that this concentration is recommended only for serious defects.
Contraindications
Urea is present in the human body and is an important element in many physiological processes. However, despite the positive effects, in certain cases the synthetic component may be contraindicated. Urea is not suitable for skin if there are:
- inflammation;
- wounds;
- abrasions;
- rash of unknown etymology.
Urea cream can aggravate skin irritation, so it is better to avoid it. In addition, you should not use a composition with urea if the sebaceous glands are overactive. A large number of acne formations is also a contraindication. The use of cosmetics with urea provokes the appearance of even more acne and pimples. People prone to allergic skin reactions use urea-based cosmetics with caution.
How to use uric acid cream correctly?
Each of the urea-based products has its own characteristics and requirements for use, so it is better to carefully study the instructions first. Strict adherence to the rules will allow you to achieve good results and cope with defects.
It would be a good idea to consult a cosmetologist. The specialist will explain in detail the features of the application, determine the number of procedures per week, and recommend additional actions.
Frequency of use
It is recommended to use the drugs in accordance with the instructions. Some products need to be used several times a day (depending on the problem), others only once a week. You should not exceed the recommended dosage or number of applications to the dermis - this will not affect the effectiveness, but can cause allergies or irritation.
In the morning or evening?
It is better to apply the composition in the morning. Some drugs are used as a base for applying cosmetics. If the instructions for the product indicate double use, it is better to carry out the procedures immediately after washing your face in the morning and in the evening, before going to bed.
What products can be used together with creams containing urea?
Urea goes well with other substances, so it is recommended to use the composition in different combinations - with lotions, tonics, masks. It is allowed to use the cream with makeup, the main thing is that the cosmetics must be of high quality.
If you use a cream with urea 20 percent, it is advisable not to combine it with other products - lotions or tonics can reduce the effectiveness of the drug. At 30% it is also better to avoid the use of additional drugs.
How to make urea cream with your own hands
You can purchase a finished product in a store or pharmacy, but if desired, a product with urea can be easily prepared at home. In addition to urea, the main component will be natural oil. Cream recipe:
- In a water bath, melt a little beeswax and fatty lanolin (about 5 grams each);
- add 15 ml of any anti-aging oil here - sesame, jojoba, wheat germ;
- Separately dissolve several urea crystals in 15 ml of mineral water, pour ½ tsp into this mixture. aloe and chamomile extract;
- add ylang-ylang essential oil (a couple of drops), liquid vitamins A and E (the contents of two capsules) to the oil-wax mixture;
- combine the composition with the urea solution and mix with a mixer.
Moisturizing and nourishing cosmetics with urea
Products containing urea usually have the following composition of components:
- Urea is the second name for urea. An organic substance that can capture water molecules and hold them in the skin. Small molecules carry the nutritional and healing elements of the product into the deep layers of the skin. Destroys intercellular connections and exfoliates dried skin cells.
- Glycerin is an effective moisturizing ingredient. It has the property of active penetration into the epidermis. Accumulates and retains moisture, providing a quick moisturizing effect.
- Sunflower oil is rich in vitamins and valuable substances. Nourishes the skin, improves elasticity. Antioxidant action prevents cell aging by stimulating the regeneration of new ones.
- Collagen foundations - when applied, create a protective film on the skin that attracts moisture and prevents its evaporation. When broken down, it forms amino acids. Has a leveling effect.
- Hyaluronate is an organic compound. The hyaluronic acid molecule is capable of retaining an amount of moisture a thousand times greater than its weight. Characterized by rejuvenating, smoothing and anti-inflammatory properties.
- Plant enzymes are a complex of enzymes that participate in the biological reactions of skin cells. They stimulate the acceleration of the metabolic process in the skin and trigger regeneration at the cellular level. Restore energy balance and protective mechanisms, transport and break down nutrients.
Price
Skin care cosmetics based on urea are presented in cosmetic stores and pharmacies in different price segments. In addition, compositions for the body, hands, face or feet can be purchased in the online store by selecting suitable products in the virtual catalog and ordering home delivery. The table shows the average cost of popular products in Moscow:
Name | Price (rubles) |
Doctor | 90 |
NutriExtra Mains Nutri-repair creme | 315-330 |
Handwunder "Plus" | 800 |
Dulgon UREA | 160 |