Aravia - professional volumes at home and how I applied “labogadar” to my face instead of heels Elena Malysheva

Urea is carbonic acid diamide (urea). The compound was first discovered in urine, which is how it got its name. Urea is the end product of protein processing in mammals, but is involved in many processes in the human body.

For cosmetology, the compound is of great value. On the one hand, this substance is very hygroscopic and can hold a considerable volume of water. On the other hand, the urea molecule is very small in size and can actually penetrate through the pores of the skin into the dermis. Cream with urea has a noticeable moisturizing effect: the substance passes through the skin barrier, absorbs water trapped in the dermis and retains it.

The urea ointment label contains the abbreviation Urea. Usually the concentration of the substance is also indicated, since this value determines the purpose of the cosmetic product.

What is urea cream

By body moisturizer we mean a composition that includes hygroscopic ingredients. The latter are capable of holding a mass of water that significantly exceeds the mass of the molecule itself. The leader in this area is considered to be hyaluronic acid, as well as glycerin. Read about face masks with glycerin here.

Only substances that can penetrate the skin barrier can have any effect on the dermis. The rest can only affect the epidermis.

The effectiveness of urea cream is much higher than conventional formulations for the face and body. The molecule of the substance is very small and easily penetrates deep into the skin. In terms of moisture retention efficiency, urea is inferior to hyaluronic acid, but this compound breaks down much more slowly, and ultimately has a much stronger effect.

The skin on the heels quite often becomes very rough and thick, cracks and bleeds, causing a lot of discomfort. You can get rid of it only with the help of urea-based ointments. And if the substance turns out to be effective in such severe cases, then it works real miracles with the skin of the hands and face.

The creams do not use natural urea, but a compound obtained artificially. In order not to cause unpleasant associations, the substance is called urea. This name is often indicated in the composition.

Useful properties and indications

As a cosmetic product, urea ointment is used to saturate the skin with moisture. It is also used to protect the face and body from cold, wind, and dry air. Urea is also contained in external products that dermatologists prescribe to patients for skin pathologies. These are ichthyosis, seborrhea, neurodermatosis, vitiligo, acne, eczema, trophic ulcer. And all thanks to the numerous beneficial properties of urea:

  • moisturizing the deepest layers of the skin;
  • strengthening local immunity;
  • reliable protection against ultraviolet rays;
  • relief from uncomfortable sensations of dryness, burning and tingling.

The benefit of urea cream for the face and body also lies in maintaining optimal water and electrolyte balance. Thanks to this, blood and lymph circulation in the skin is activated, it is cleansed of toxins and tissue breakdown products.

Urea is included in many external products intended for the care and treatment of skin with dermatological diseases.

The benefits and harms of urea in cosmetics

Carbonic acid diamide is used in ointments for the face, for the body, for areas with very rough skin - when caring for heels.

The compound is used to produce not only cosmetics, but also medicinal creams against psoriasis and eczema. Read about nourishing hand creams in this article.

Urea has antiseptic properties and ensures a long shelf life of the ointment. At the same time, it is not a dangerous preservative.

Diamide provides the following properties of caring compositions:

  • the epidermis loses a large amount of moisture due to natural evaporation. Urea forms a hydrophobic film on the skin that retains moisture in the cells;
  • urea binds water deep into the skin, providing deep-level hydration;
  • urea serves as a kind of conductor for other components of the ointment;
  • the compound restores the protective epithelial barrier by normalizing water balance and maintaining acidity levels. This ensures not only the softness of the skin, but also quality that is more important for the treatment of eczema: protection against pathogenic microorganisms;
  • urea acts as a light acid on the upper layer of the epidermis: promotes the separation of keratinized skin flakes, removes deep impurities, softens roughness, calluses, corns;
  • the substance accelerates the healing of cracks and wounds, which is actively used for scars and scars on the face;
  • urea has a mild analgesic effect and is used to suppress itching and burning in psoriasis, dermatitis, and rashes.

It is quite difficult to point out the disadvantages of Urea ointment. The substance does not cause allergies - this is impossible, but it still has some restrictions on use:

  • the composition should not be used in the treatment of acne in adolescents, especially with pustules, since the substance irritates inflamed skin;
  • for the same reasons, you should not apply cream to your face if there are open wounds and scratches. They are quite sore and inflamed, although they heal faster.

Read about the treatment of dermatitis on the face in this material.

Beneficial properties of urea in face creams

The substance carbamide is called urea. Today, the use of urea in cosmetology is approved by the best dermatologists in the world. The component is designated on the label by the abbreviation Urea, and in its pure form it looks like a white compound, hard to the touch, consisting of dense grains (outwardly it is somewhat reminiscent of refined sugar).

Urea significantly improves the composition of all skin care products and brings exceptional benefits to it: without this substance, cell regeneration and maintaining optimal PH balance are impossible. It has also been proven that urea increases the shelf life of creams and improves its consistency. But it is not a dangerous preservative in itself.

Products with urea:

  • moisturize well. This is one of the main advantages of the component, which penetrates into the deep layers of the skin, renewing its structure from the inside;
  • promote renewal at the cellular level;
  • stop aging;
  • reduce the evaporation of moisture from the upper layers of the epithelium, which prevents the skin from drying out even in summer;
  • increase the immunity of the facial skin. It becomes resistant to external irritants - UV rays, frost, winds;
  • heal minor abrasions and wounds on the surface of the skin;
  • exfoliate dead particles of epithelium, and along with them accumulated dirt and dust disappears.
  • have a slight analgesic effect. When itching and burning, the painful sensations go away almost immediately, as soon as you apply a little product to your face.
  • soften the skin and make it velvety.

Despite the fact that cosmetic companies usually use urea obtained synthetically, even the “artificial” version can adapt to the characteristics of the epithelium and brings a quick healing effect. The main thing when choosing a product is to be careful: the higher the concentration of urea, the greater the risk of an allergic reaction and irritation. For home use, purchase products with a concentration of 5%. Not higher.

For which skin to use products with urea:

Skin typePercentage of uric acidMode of application
Normal1-5%For normal skin, it is better to apply creams with uric acid periodically and/or when necessary (for example, after frost, sun, when there is a lack of moisture in the skin, etc.). Apply 1% cream in the morning, under cosmetics. 5% cream - before bedtime and/or immediately after harsh exposure to heat or cold.
Age/with the first signs of age-related changes5% for deep wrinkles. 1% or 5% for the first signs of age-related changes. Aging skin - apply cream with urea 5% morning and evening. It is also recommended to supplement the cream with lotion with uric acid 5-10%. For the first wrinkles - 1% cream in the morning and 5% product in the evening.
Dry/Rough/Flaky5%A 5% product is used until dryness and flaking of the skin gets rid of: in the morning, before bed, and also during the day if necessary. For very dry skin, it is recommended to combine the use of urea with products containing hyaluronic acid.
Oily/Combination1%1% product is used for oily and combination skin in the morning. If the use of cream causes accelerated sebum secretion, then it is better to use the product only before bed.

Which to choose

Cosmetic and medicinal formulations contain different amounts of urea. The higher the concentration, the higher the risk of irritation. On the other hand, a high proportion of the substance provides a very strong effect.

For various purposes, ointments containing different concentrations of urea are used.

  • For normal skin without noticeable age-related changes, it is recommended to use a cream with 1–3% urea. It is used in courses - over the course of a month, and also as needed: in case of excessive exposure to frost, sun, wind, which leads to severe dehydration of the dermis. It is recommended to use the 1% composition in the morning and under makeup, and apply 3–5% ointment in the evening. For frostbite or severe chapping, the 5% option is also used.
  • Age-related wrinkles are formed due to the destruction of collagen and a decrease in elastin. However, loss of moisture noticeably worsens even the finest wrinkles. To actively moisturize aging skin, 5% formulations should be used. 10% is recommended only for severe skin conditions and only after consultation with a dermatologist. The best anti-aging creams are described at this link.

For severe peeling and dry skin, use a 5% product in the morning, evening, and throughout the day. The course lasts until the skin is restored, but not more than 30 days. It is recommended to combine products with cosmetics containing glycerin and hyaluronic acid.

  • For oily and combination skin , 1% cream is sufficient, since sebum reliably protects the dermis from moisture loss. It will also be useful to familiarize yourself with caring for oily skin.
  • If not only hydration is required , but also healing and regeneration, then medicinal ointments with a urea proportion of up to 40% are used. Such compositions, for example, are prescribed for the treatment of corns and rough heels. Find regenerating face creams here.
  • The maximum proportion of urea is contained in antifungal compounds - 50%. Thanks to the antiseptic and antimicrobial properties of urea, creams relieve mycoses and other fungal diseases.

The higher the urea concentration, the stronger the exfoliating effect the composition has. Accordingly, in case of inflammation and irritation, you can use cosmetics only with a minimal proportion of urea.

What percentage to choose and for what skin to use products with urea

Face cream with urea is effective depending on the percentage of active substance content. Moreover, the presence of more than 10% in the composition can lead to the development of severe allergies.

PercentSkin typeThe resulting impact effect
1 %Oily skinFor very oily skin, it is necessary to use cosmetics with a minimum content of urea, which should be applied immediately before bed.
From 1 to 2%Normal skin without obvious imperfectionsSuch products are good to use for preventive purposes to protect from the sun and wind.
Up to 5%Normal skinThe cream effectively eliminates microtraumas on the skin surface that can occur when exposed to dry air, air, or frost.
5 %Dry and problematic skinCreams with this concentration should be applied several times a day. It is best if the composition contains additional hyaluronic acid.
From 5 to 10%Aging skinThe cream is good to use for aging skin and apply it in the morning and evening.
More than 10%Any skin typeGels and creams that contain large amounts of urea are used for various dermatological diseases when prescribed by a dermatologist and cosmetologist.

Rules of application

To get maximum results when using a composition with urea, you must follow a number of recommendations. Particular care should be taken when using concentrated ointments for heels or medicinal ointments for psoriasis.

  1. The cream must be applied to damp skin - this is a prerequisite. It’s even better to carry out the procedure after a shower or hot bath, so that the skin is not only moist, but also warm and steamed.
  2. The composition is selected - both medicinal and cosmetic, taking into account the type. For dry but not sensitive aging skin, a 5% composition is suitable, but for oily or dry and very delicate skin, you should choose a cream with 1% urea.
  3. When caring for your face in the morning, use an ointment with a lower concentration. At night, apply a composition with a higher proportion of urea.
  4. When caring for your hands, it is recommended to apply the ointment in the evening and wear cotton gloves at night.
  5. When caring for heels, use a highly concentrated cream. It is applied only to damaged areas, avoiding healthy skin. The procedure is performed with gloves. At night, put cotton socks on your feet.
  6. The instructions should be strictly followed, especially when using medicinal ointments. Do not exceed the dosage or arbitrarily prolong treatment. If necessary, it is better to repeat the course after 3-4 weeks.

Urea can be very irritating to the crust. Before using any product in this category, you must conduct a skin test.

How to use the cream

To get maximum results from the cream, it is important to know some rules for its use:

  • Particular care should be taken when using concentrated medicinal ointments. It is better to consult a doctor first.
  • Apply the composition to damp skin. It is better to do this after a hot bath or shower, when it should be steamed.
  • When choosing a composition, both cosmetic and medicinal, it is necessary to take into account your skin type. If it is dry but not sensitive, use a 5% formulation. If the skin is delicate, too dry or oily, limit yourself to 1% concentration. Larger values ​​are acceptable if you plan to use the cream for the body or legs.
  • In the morning, you should apply a cream with a lower concentration of urea to your face; at night, it is recommended to use a product with a higher concentration.
  • If you use hand cream, it is better to do it in the evening, and then wear cotton gloves.
  • For heels, you need to use a high concentration cream and apply it only to the affected areas, and then put on cotton socks at night.
  • When using products, especially medicinal ones, it is important to strictly follow the instructions. Do not increase the recommended dosage or prolong the course of treatment on your own.

Please note that urea is quite strong, and it is better to first test for its skin tolerance.

Rating of the best funds

You can only compare creams with approximately the same concentration of urea and the same intended use. At the same time, the purpose is also taken into account: medicinal ointment for feet differs in its properties from caring cream and is used in different cases.

The rating of cosmetic compositions takes into account not only the effectiveness of the composition, but also ease of use and cost.

For legs

This category includes creams designed to eliminate corns, rough skin on the heels, and treat cracks and wounds. The compositions occupy an intermediate position between medicinal creams and caring creams.

Price: 155-250 rubles

The concentration of urea in them does not exceed 10–15%. It is applied to both healthy skin and damaged skin and does not require special safety measures.

  • DiaDerm Intensive from a Russian manufacturer is a therapeutic and cosmetic cream. Designed specifically for people with diabetes. There are 5 types of composition available, among which Intensive is distinguished by its speed of action. The cream not only softens the skin, but also improves the nutrition of skin cells, thanks to the vitamin complex included in the composition.
  • Medicine - in addition to urea, includes glycerin, olive oil and tea tree oil. The composition softens dry and rough skin. Thanks to oak bark extract, it perfectly heals cracks and prevents the growth of bacteria. The healer relieves fatigue as it helps improve lymphatic drainage. The product costs from 240 rubles. for 50 ml.
  • Avon Foot Work's emollient cream is a super moisturizing cream that contains not only urea - 10%, but also alpha hydroxy acid. Apply the composition only once a day. The ointment softens roughness, prevents their transformation into corns and calluses, and ensures smooth skin. The cost of 75 ml is only 69 rubles.
  • Natural relief with high concentration of urea for cracked heels. If cracks have already appeared on your heels, a regular caring cream will not be enough. Many microbes penetrate through the wound surface, which can cause inflammation and infection. To avoid this, ointments in this category include a higher concentration of urea in order to ensure disinfection.
  • Sofia - in addition to urea, contains enzymes obtained from medicinal leeches. The latter activate the growth of skin cells and promote accelerated regeneration. The composition also contains salicylic acid, which improves the antiseptic properties of the cream, and lanolin and beeswax reliably protect damaged skin. The cost is quite affordable - 145–230 rubles. for 75 ml.
  • Neutrogena Heel Cream is a series of 3 creams: Restoring, similar to conventional caring creams, Intensive Regenerating, designed to regenerate the skin on the feet, and For calluses. The latter is already classified as medicinal and contains 20% urea.
  • Fusscreme Urea from Balea - the effect of urea is enhanced by the addition of lactic acid. The ointment promotes active exfoliation of keratinized skin scales and noticeably softens the heels. One application per day is enough for the results to be felt around the clock. The cost of a 100 ml tube is 170–240 rubles.
  • Gehwol Med - although the cream is positioned as a product for sensitive skin, at the same time it contains 18% urea. The composition is designed to eliminate itching, rashes, neurodermatitis and even some fungi. This is a medicinal cream, but with certain cosmetic functions. Estimated at 1095–1415 rubles. for 75 ml.
  • Aquapeeling – eliminates corns and severe thickening of the skin. The ointment contains 25% urea, so the composition should only be applied to damaged areas of the skin. Price – from 260 rub. for 20 ml.
  • Faberlic Expert Pharma series softening cream-compress for feet - contains 10% urea and an oxygen complex for the skin. The ointment does not relieve the feeling of fatigue.

Costs 50 ml 89–109 rubles

For face

Facial products may also contain urea, but not more than 5%. The skin here is never so rough and dry that you need to use ointments with a higher content of the substance. Moreover, this is prohibited because urea in high concentration acts as an acid peel, which can cause inflammation.

The composition should be selected taking into account the skin type and only the appropriate category. Do not use hand composition for facial care.

  • Emolium cream is a pharmaceutical cream. In addition to urea, it includes liquid paraffin, shea butter and hyaluronic acid. The composition is used not only for healthy, but also for dry facial skin, and in the treatment of psoriasis, and to eliminate diaper rash in infants. Available in the form of cream and emulsion.
  • Night face cream Numis Med Urea 5% + hyaluronic acid – contains 5% urea in combination with hyaluronic acid. Used for dry aging skin, to eliminate dryness in psoriasis, diabetes, neurodermatitis. Used only in the evening, the composition is estimated at 460 rubles.
  • Doliva Moisturizing Cream – Includes Tuscan olive oil, shea butter and hyaluronic acid. The urea content is 2%, so the product can be used during the day under makeup and does not leave any greasy marks. 50 ml Doliva costs from 960 rub.
  • Bioturm – intended for sensitive and dry skin. Contains 5% urea, sunflower oil, canola, plant extracts. Used as a night cream. Issue price – 1490 rub. for 50 ml.
  • Bioderma Atoderm is a hypoallergenic composition designed to care for any skin. Enriched with tocopherol, glycerin and algae extracts. Recommended for skin damaged by prolonged exposure to the sun, frost, and wind. A 200 ml bottle with a dispenser costs from 839 rubles.
  • German cream Balea Urea Tagescreme - contains 5% urea. It has not only a moisturizing, but also a soothing effect and relieves itching, burning and rashes.

50 ml cost only 470 rubles

For body

On other parts of the body, the skin also becomes very dry and rough at times. This is especially true for elbows and knees, as well as areas of the back that are subject to constant friction. Special formulations with urea solve this problem.

  • Topicrem is an excellent product for softening and moisturizing rough areas. Includes not only urea, but also beeswax, that is, it moisturizes and protects the skin.
  • Dermika - contains 10% urea, so it is not suitable for facial care. However, in damaged areas, Dermika quickly eliminates tightness, dryness and promotes active exfoliation. Packaging price – 1500 rub.
  • Evelyn – 10% urea provides an excellent moisturizing effect. Shea butter and D-panthenol soften and soothe. Designed for dry and sensitive skin. 350 ml of Evelyn is priced at 295 rubles.
  • Uroderm ointment for eczema and psoriasis is a medicinal composition containing 30% urea. Uroderm provides accelerated exfoliation of dead cells and preparation of the dermis for further treatment. It is used only as prescribed by a doctor in the treatment of psoriasis, ichthyosis, and hyperkeratotic forms. 10 g of ointment costs from 150 rubles.

For hands

The skin on the hands is exposed to the strongest influence of external factors. In addition to the usual cold or heat, contact with a variety of household chemicals is added, which greatly contributes to irritation, allergies, and relapses of skin ailments. Urea is simply irreplaceable for hand restoration.

After applying the composition, it is recommended to wear thin gloves.

  • Foretal is a utilitarian composition based on petroleum jelly and also includes macrogol ester. having strong antibacterial properties. The ointment is prescribed for the treatment of psoriasis, eczema, ichthyosis, and dermatitis. Contrary to popular belief, you cannot use the cream to care for your face or dry skin on your hands.
  • Dulgon UREA is a cosmetic product that softens and moisturizes the skin, especially recommended for use in winter when hands become rough due to dry air.

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:

  1. 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
  2. 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.

  3. 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.

  4. 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)

  5. 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.

  6. 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!

  7. 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?

  8. 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...

  9. 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.

  10. 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

There are few direct contraindications for urea cream:

  • Do not use the composition if there are open wounds in this area, including scratches. Urea irritates damaged skin;
  • The recommended concentration is not allowed to be exceeded. Urea rarely causes allergies, but it does cause severe irritation, especially with sensitive skin;
  • Do not allow the cream to come into contact with mucous membranes. If this does happen, you must immediately rinse your mouth, eyes, and nose with plenty of water.

Although urea penetrates deep into the dermis, it does not enter the bloodstream; accordingly, diseases of the internal organs do not require abandoning its use.

Contraindications for use

As you know, this component is part of the human body and is the main component of organic liquids, so its benefits for people are undeniable. But despite this, there are situations where urea may be contraindicated.

In what cases should drugs containing this substance not be used?

For damaged skin . If there are redness, wounds that bleed or an inflammatory rash. In this case, using urea will only increase skin irritation.

If the skin is too oily and there are a lot of acne formations, then products with this component can increase the appearance of acne, as sebum begins to be produced even more actively.

This substance is also contraindicated for overly sensitive skin prone to allergic reactions. In this case, you will have to first conduct an allergy test.

Results

  1. Urea is a hygroscopic substance that can hold a volume of water significantly exceeding its own weight. Thanks to this property, the substance provides intense hydration to the skin.
  2. Care compositions moisturize and soothe the skin, relieve itching and burning. Special creams relieve calluses, thickening, and roughness of the skin. Therapeutic ointments are used to eliminate psoriatic plaques, neurodermatitis, and eczema.
  3. Urea creams may contain varying amounts of the compound. The concentration determines the purpose of the composition. Thus, ointments containing 1–5% urea are intended for facial care. Creams with a substance concentration of up to 10% are used for body care. To get rid of corns and cracked heels, you will need formulations with 10–20% urea.
  4. Creams containing 40–50% urea are medicinal and are used only as prescribed by a doctor.
  5. When choosing a product with urea for care, it is necessary to take into account not only the concentration of urea, but also the type of skin.
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