If you’re looking for a foot cream that will soften your cracked heels and smooth your rough skin, you’ve probably noticed that many of them contain urea. Urea is a popular ingredient in foot creams because it both moisturizes and exfoliates.
But what is urea, exactly? Chemically speaking, it’s a naturally occurring substance in your body. The urea in your foot cream is likely created synthetically, and it’s considered very safe to use.
It’s important to note that the urea used in cosmetics is different from urea-formaldehyde, which has gotten some bad press over the years. So, if you’ve heard that urea is bad for you, be assured that what is urea in foot cream is not harmful.
Why is urea used in foot creams? The benefits
Urea is a superstar ingredient in foot creams for a few really good reasons.
Moisturizing properties: A humectant in action
First, urea is both a humectant and hygroscopic. That means it’s great at attracting and holding onto moisture. It pulls water from the deeper layers of your skin and even grabs moisture from the air around you. Urea also helps your skin maintain its ideal pH balance, which is essential for keeping moisture locked in.
Plus, urea gives a boost to your skin’s own natural moisturizing factors (NMFs). Think of it as a support system for keeping your skin hydrated and happy.
Exfoliating properties: Keratolytic action
Urea is an exfoliating agent, and if you’re looking for the best toenail softening cream, it’s a key ingredient to consider. It breaks down keratin, the protein that makes up the outer layer of your skin. This helps to get rid of dead skin cells, so your feet don’t get flaky or scaly. This is why urea is so useful for treating conditions like calluses and corns.
The concentration of urea in a cream matters when it comes to exfoliation. Creams with more than 10% urea are great at breaking down that extra keratin. If you’ve got really rough patches, calluses, or cracked heels, you might want to look for a cream with an even higher concentration, like 20%.
Healing and protective properties
Urea can help with healing and can soothe dry, itchy skin. It might even have some antibacterial and anti-inflammatory powers.
Urea helps strengthen your skin barrier, so it’s more protected from trauma. This is especially important if you have conditions like diabetes.
Urea concentrations and their effects
Urea foot creams vary in strength, with concentrations ranging from 2% all the way up to 40%. The concentration of urea in a foot cream determines its intended purpose and effect.
If a foot cream contains less than 10% urea, it’s primarily intended to moisturize the skin. Between 10% and 20%, urea begins to act as a keratolytic, meaning it can help to soften and shed the outer layer of skin. Creams with more than 20% urea are typically used for more severe skin conditions.
One additional benefit of urea is that it can enhance the absorption of other medications, such as topical corticosteroids and antifungal creams, similar to how lactic acid can help to achieve stronger, healthier nails. That’s why you’ll often find urea as an ingredient in prescription creams.
Is urea in foot cream safe?
Urea cream is generally considered safe to use. The World Health Organization (WHO) includes urea in its list of essential medicines, citing its safety, effectiveness, and affordability.
While side effects are rare, some people may experience mild skin irritation or an allergic reaction. As a precaution, urea products are typically not recommended for children under the age of two.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does urea cream do to feet?
Urea cream works wonders for feet by tackling two key issues: dryness and dead skin buildup. It’s a humectant, meaning it draws moisture into the skin, hydrating those dry, cracked heels. But it’s also a keratolytic, which helps to gently break down and shed those tough, dead skin cells that cause calluses and rough patches. Think of it as a double-duty moisturizer and exfoliant in one, leaving your feet feeling softer and smoother.
When should you not use urea cream?
While urea cream is generally safe and effective, there are a few situations where you might want to hold off. Avoid using it on open wounds, cuts, or actively infected areas on your feet, as it can cause irritation or potentially worsen the condition. Also, if you have a known allergy to urea or any other ingredients in the cream, skip it. And finally, while generally safe, pregnant or breastfeeding women should consult with their doctor before using urea cream, just to be extra cautious.
Summary
Urea is a great ingredient to look for in a foot cream. It moisturizes, exfoliates, and helps heal dry, cracked skin. It’s safe to use as long as you follow the directions, and it’s found in lots of skincare products. If you want to keep your feet healthy and soft, look for foot creams that contain urea.