Skincare Guide - Urea
Urea – The highly effective moisturizer
Urea, also known as carbamide, is a natural component of the skin, responsible for hydration and the skin barrier. In skincare, urea is used to treat dry skin, smooth the skin's texture, and stabilize its moisture balance. Urea has a particularly regenerative effect on dry skin and helps to care for it in the long term.
What is urea and how does it work?
Urea is a natural component of the skin's moisturizing system. It attracts moisture from the air and stores it in the skin, resulting in intense hydration. In dry skin, the urea content is often reduced, making the skin more susceptible to moisture loss. Urea can compensate for this deficiency and helps strengthen the skin barrier and minimize water loss. ( AOK – Skincare with Urea )
Effects and benefits of urea
- Moisture retention: Urea binds water and keeps it in the skin, resulting in visibly smoother and plumper skin. ( NetDoktor – Urea in skincare )
- Barrier strengthening: Urea supports the regeneration of the skin barrier, thus protecting against moisture loss and external environmental influences.
- Keratolytic effect: In higher concentrations, urea has a gentle exfoliating effect by loosening the stratum corneum of the skin, thus treating rough, dry skin areas. ( German Pharmacists' Journal – Urea for dry skin )
- Soothing for skin irritations: Urea has a calming effect on irritated and sensitive skin, especially in cases of eczema or other skin conditions. ( PTAheute – Urea Concentration )
Different concentrations of urea
The application of urea depends on the concentration and the skin condition:
- 2-5%: Suitable for the daily care of slightly dry skin on the face or body.
- 5–10%: Particularly effective for dry, flaky skin, suitable for face and body. ( Bio-Naturel – Urea as a moisturizer )
- 10-20%: A higher concentration is recommended for very dry, calloused skin (e.g., on elbows or feet).
This is how urea is used correctly
Urea is particularly effective when used regularly. Apply it to the affected areas of skin after cleansing, making sure to choose the concentration according to your skin type and condition. For sensitive skin, it is advisable to start with lower concentrations and gradually increase the frequency of use. ( CeraVe – Skincare with Urea )
In combination with NATURFACTOR® care
The Porcelain Skin Serum is an ideal complement to urea skincare: The moisturizers and regenerating ingredients it contains support the effect of urea and ensure long-lasting hydrated skin.
Conclusion
Urea is an excellent active ingredient for dry skin, helping to regenerate and nourish it. With its ability to bind water and strengthen the skin barrier, urea is an essential component in skincare, especially for dehydrated or sensitive skin.
Sources
- AOK – Skincare with urea
- NetDoktor – Urea in skincare
- German Pharmacists' Journal – Urea for dry skin
- PTAheute – Urea Concentration
- Bio-Naturel – Urea as a moisturizer
Tags: urea, urea, moisturizing care, dry skin, skin barrier, lipids