Urea: The Unsung Hero of Skincare - from skin barrier repair to intensive foot creams.

Urea. It might not sound like the most glamorous skincare ingredient, conjuring up images of, well, something you'd rather not think about. But trust us, this naturally occurring compound is an unsung hero in the world of skincare. It's already present in your skin, and adding more topically can offer a multitude of benefits.

We have incorporated urea in our best-selling Skin Fix Repair Creams. Using urea on your skin has a number of benefits.

Urea: A Natural Moisturizer

Urea is a humectant, meaning it attracts and retains moisture. It's actually a natural component of your skin's own moisturizing factor (NMF), which is responsible for keeping your skin hydrated, supple, and healthy. Think of NMF as your skin's internal hydration system, and urea plays a crucial role in its effectiveness.

But how does urea help your skin, exactly?

• Deep Hydration: Urea penetrates deep into the skin, drawing moisture with it. This helps to keep your skin hydrated from the inside out.

• Exfoliation: At higher concentrations, urea acts as a keratolytic agent, gently breaking down the bonds between dead skin cells. This exfoliating action helps to smooth rough skin and improve texture.

• Enhanced Penetration: Urea can also help other skincare ingredients penetrate deeper into the skin, making them more effective.

Benefits of Urea in Skincare Products

Adding urea to your skincare routine can provide a range of benefits, including:

• Increased Hydration: For dry, flaky skin, urea is a godsend. It provides intense hydration, leaving your skin feeling soft and supple.

• Improved Skin Texture:  Urea's exfoliating properties can help to smooth rough patches, reduce the appearance of fine lines, and even out skin tone.

• Relief for Skin Conditions: Urea is often used to manage conditions like eczema and psoriasis. It helps to soothe irritation, reduce itching, and promote healing.

• Strengthened Skin Barrier: By improving hydration and promoting healthy cell turnover, urea helps to strengthen your skin's natural barrier. This barrier is essential for protecting your skin from environmental aggressors and preventing moisture loss.

Urea and Your Skin Barrier

Barrier function is vital to keep your skin hydrated and in good condition. Using urea in your skincare routine helps boost your skin barrier.

Your skin barrier is like a protective shield that keeps moisture in and irritants out. When this barrier is compromised, your skin can become dry, sensitive, and prone to inflammation. Urea can help to repair and strengthen this barrier in several ways:

• Increases Ceramides: Urea stimulates the production of ceramides, which are essential lipids that help to maintain the integrity of the skin barrier.

• Reduces Water Loss: By attracting and retaining moisture, urea helps to prevent transepidermal water loss (TEWL), keeping your skin hydrated and healthy.

• Anti-Inflammatory Properties: Urea has anti-inflammatory effects, which can help to soothe irritated skin and reduce redness.

Incorporating Urea into Your Routine

Urea can be found in a variety of skincare products, including moisturizers, serums, and creams. We have 2 urea containing barrier repair creams & foot creams:

• Skin Fix 25% - contains 25% urea for intense hydration and moisturisation. Use on very dry skin anywhere on your body. Great to help combat the symptoms of eczema, plaque psoriasis and other very dry skin conditions.

• Skin Fix 50% - contains a whopping 50% urea. This is a super-strength skin softening, barrier repair cream & urea foot cream. Use on very dry, hard, cracked and calloused skin on areas like your feet, elbows and knees.

Our urea does not come from animal sources (despite the widespread belief, not all urea is extracted from animal urine!). We use a clean, plant-based urea and only use 100% pure urea - we do not dilute it or mix it with any nasties!

A Final Note: While urea is generally safe for most skin types, it's always a good idea to do a patch test before applying a new product to your entire face. If you have any concerns, consult with a dermatologist.

With its impressive hydrating and skin-strengthening benefits, urea deserves a prime spot in your skincare arsenal. So ditch the misconceptions and embrace this powerful ingredient for healthy, happy skin.