What does urea do for skin?

What urea does in skin

Urea acts as a humectant, an ingredient that attracts and holds water, and as a keratolytic, which softens the outer layer so flaky skin can shed. It is naturally present in healthy skin, and dry skin conditions have lower amounts. Urea handles hydration and surface softening, a two item job description with unusually little overhead.1

Urea is used for dry, scaly and itchy skin, including skin affected by eczema, psoriasis or ichthyosis. Moisturizers with urea are also one home care option for dry skin. If dryness is linked to an underlying skin condition, treating that condition may be part of the plan too.123

How strength changes what it is for

A 10% urea preparation is used short term for very dry, thickened skin when softening the surface is needed. For maintenance, switch to a standard emollient, or use a 5% urea preparation if continued keratolytic care is needed. Some guidance also lists 5% urea cream for moderately dry skin. The 10% strength has a short term role before maintenance, which is a job transition skincare can explain without a flowchart.45

There is no single strength for every dry skin problem. The form and strength depend on the condition and its severity, and a care plan can include a selected moisturizer, treatment for an underlying condition and steps to protect skin. Follow the frequency on the product label or in your treatment plan.13

How to use urea cream

1. 1Wash with warm, not hot, water, then gently pat the skin dry.
2. 2Apply the cream to dry or scaly areas while the skin is still damp. General emollient guidance is to apply within three minutes of bathing or showering.
3. 3Use the product as often as its label or your treatment plan directs. Emollients without active ingredients can often be used as needed, but urea products vary in strength and purpose.
4. 4If you use prescription creams or other active skin products, follow your health care provider's instructions about which product goes on first.

When to be careful

Urea preparations are usually well tolerated, but mild stinging, itching or a rash can occur. If these continue and become bothersome, seek medical advice. Do not apply urea to broken, cracked or bleeding skin, or to skin that is infected or oozing.1

Keep urea products away from the eyes. If cream gets into your eyes, rinse well with water and seek medical advice. Emollients also carry a fire risk, so take that risk into account when using them.4

Urea cream for very dry skin

A 10% cream is used short term for very dry, thickened skin, including extremely dry or fissured hands and feet when surface softening is needed. If a fissure is broken, cracked or bleeding, do not apply urea to it.14