Introduction

Although experts in the field of skincare are still battling with what causes dry skin and eczema, it is understood that a lack of Urea plays a vital part. Extensive research carried out by skincare experts at Beiersdorf has proved that very dry skin sufferers lack the natural Urea needed to maintain healthy hydrated skin. Eucerin is a unique range of skincare that actually contains Urea to prevent, care and treat extreme dry skin conditions and eczema by replacing and maintaining Urea levels in the skin.

What is Urea?

Along with epidermal lipids and proteins, our skin contains three Natural Moisturising Factors: Urea Lactic Acid and Amino Acids. These are produced during the keratinisation process which occurs as skin cells become flatter and eventually die. One of the most effective natural moisturisers is Urea, which the skin makes from protein and represents 7% of the natural moisturising factor in the outer layer (stratum corneum). It is found in the surface layer of the skin (epidermis), and plays a vital role in maintaining the skin's moisture balance and the suppleness of the skin. Urea is non-toxic, non-allergenic, colourless and odourless.

Urea is naturally present in healthy skin, but when the skin is dry, and in some skin conditions, such as eczema, psoriasis and dermatitis, the level of urea in the skin is reduced. In the epidermis of healthy skin there is approximately 28 micrograms of Urea per 2.5 square centimetres. In dry skin Urea concentration is diminished by 50%, in skin affected by Psoriasis urea is reduced by 40% and in skin affected by Atopic Eczema urea is reduced by 85%.

As a result of the reduced levels of urea, the water binding capacity of the skin is decreased and moisture is lost. This leads to roughness, tightness, scaly or flaky skin and irritation.

Main advantages of Urea

Applying urea directly to the skin increases the moisture binding capacity of the skin, thus rehydrating the skin, softening it and reducing cracking and roughness. It also helps reduce the cycle of itching and irritation, producing a localised anesthetic affect, as well as the likelihood of flare-ups.

Urea penetrates and re-hydrates the Corneum. Also, the addition of urea to dermatological preparations increased the penetration of other substances, such as cortcosteroids, which is attributed to urea's ability to increase skin hydration after application.

The proteolytic characteristics of urea are well recognised, where, depending on the concentration, urea modifies the structure of amino-chains as well as of polypeptides. This is significant for skin moisturising since a correlation exists between water content and amino acid content in skin- the dryer the skin, the lower the share of dissolved amino acids.

How does Urea penetrate into the skin?

Penetration of Urea is dependent on the vehicle in which it is contained. It has been shown that the penetration is much deeper in the layers of the stratum corneum (which contains around 30 layers of flattened cells) when the Urea is applied in a water and oil emulsion, such as Eucerin. When the Urea is applied to the skin in a water/oil emulsion the stratum corneum is able to retain water for longer, plus water loss through evaporation is also slowed down.

Where does the Urea in Eucerin come from?

The Urea in Eucerin is synthetically produced and therefore does not come from any animals or humans. (July 2002)

More here
http://www.dermaltherapy.com/urea-natural-moisturizer.htm
http://dermnetnz.org/treatments/urea.html

Do a search on google, keywords : urea skin

Other nutrients for the skin : gelatin, collagen (extracted from gelatin). Bone broth or supplements used as food will help.