Did you know that urea occurs naturally in the human body? It is produced by the liver and is also found in the skin as a natural moisturizing ingredient. However, in cosmetology, you can encounter its synthetic replacement, which is not sensitizing and is not harmful.

What are the effects of urea?

Urea has the ability to absorb water and is responsible for moisturizing the skin. It also has anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial effects. Unfortunately, its level in the body decreases with age, which can be noticed after the dryness and roughness of the skin. If we do not take care of proper skin hydration, it may lead to diseases, including psoriasis.

Urea in cosmetology 

In cosmetology, two types of urea are used. The first has the ability to retain water in the epidermis, the second is a preservative in cosmetics. Urea is a by-product excreted from the body along with urine and sweat. In contrast, urea used in skin care products has many properties that positively affect the condition of the skin.

The properties of urea-based comsetics 

Urea, which is used in cosmetics is responsible for:

• regenerating – it rebuilds the hydro-lipid barrier, improves the process of skin cells reconstruction,
• moisturizing – it hydrates the epidermis and deeper layers of the dermis,
• exfoliating – it removes dead cells from the skin surface and accelerates cell division in the epidermis,
• soothing – it soothes inflammation, accelerates skin regeneration, soothes irritated and allergic skin,
• nutritious – it improves the absorption of ingredients contained in cosmetics.

The use of urea in cosmetology 

Urea is used in cosmetics intended for the care of the face, body, feet and hair. The product is perfect for people with sensitive, atopic and dry skin. It will also help people struggling with dandruff and acne. If you are going through menopause, you have a problem with cracking heels, dry skin on the elbows and knees, or if you have sunbathed too long, you have stretch marks or dandruff, then the treatment with urea products is just for you. In addition, urea will come in handy in the following situations: whenever you have very dry and dehydrated skin, if your skin care routine is not perfect, and your skin dries out very quickly due to the small amount of fat tissue.

What concentration of urea should you choose?

The effect of urea depends on the concentration. Therefore, the following concentrations:

• 2% accelerate cell division and skin regeneration,
• 5-10% moisturize and retain water in the skin,
• 10% have an antibacterial effect,
• 10-30% soften the epidermis and facilitates the penetration of nutrients into the skin,
• 30-40% exfoliate and smooth out the skin,
• 40-50% strongly exfoliate the skin; urea in this concentration is available only when prescribed by a doctor.