Body lotion with urea for rough skin

What does urea do for rough skin?

Dry skin feels rough because it lacks moisture. Urea is naturally present in healthy skin and draws and holds water within skin cells. It also softens the outer layer so dead skin can shed more easily. This second action is called keratolysis. Together, these actions help soften scaly skin rather than simply coating the surface.23

Which strength should you choose?

Examples include ImuDERM emollient with 5% urea and 5% glycerine, and Flexitol 10% Urea Cream for dry, scaly skin. Balneum Plus Cream contains 5% urea plus lauromacrogols, an ingredient that helps relieve itching; it is an option when an ordinary emollient has not helped the itch.456

Does it have to be a lotion?

No. Urea comes in lotions and creams. Lotions are lighter and useful on hairy areas, but they are less effective at sealing in moisture than creams, gels or ointments. A cream is a perfectly reasonable body moisturiser, even if the bottle aisle has appointed lotion to the role. For very dry skin, a greasier ointment is another option.135

Choose a fragrance free body moisturiser and check for ingredients you already know you cannot tolerate. The best moisturiser is one you will actually use, which makes an abandoned bottle a bathroom ornament with an impressive job title.12

How should you apply it?

1. 1Check the product directions for its application frequency. General dry skin care includes moisturising daily, after bathing while skin is damp, in the morning and before bed.
2. 2Smooth the moisturiser over the affected skin in the direction of hair growth.
3. 3Keep the product away from your eyes and wash your hands after applying it.
4. 4Once intensive treatment is no longer needed, use a standard emollient for maintenance, or 5% urea if continued softening is needed.

What should you expect?

The aim is softer, more supple skin with less dryness and scale. There is no fixed number of days to expect improvement. See a dermatologist if the dryness does not go away or keeps returning. Persistent roughness needs more than repeatedly buying a stronger moisturiser.23

When should you avoid urea?

Do not apply urea to broken, cracked or bleeding skin, infected or oozing areas, or severe widespread redness. Mild stinging, itching or a rash can occur. Stop using the product and seek medical advice if symptoms persist or become bothersome. Urea can increase the penetration of medicines such as topical corticosteroids, so check how to combine it with a prescribed skin treatment.3

Keep emollients and clothing or bedding containing their residue away from flames. The fire risk increases when products cover large body areas or soak into fabrics.1

Check the full ingredient name

Imidazolidinyl urea and diazolidinyl urea are preservatives, not the moisturising urea discussed here. If you have a diagnosed allergy to either preservative, check the full ingredient list and avoid the relevant ingredient. A 'hypoallergenic' label is not enough: products carrying that description can contain imidazolidinyl urea.7