Urea is a key ingredient in many skincare products. In fact, urea is naturally produced by your skin as a way to stay moisturized. As a keratolytic agent, urea works to soften and remove dead skin cells.
Urea creams come in a variety of strengths, usually ranging from 2% to 50%. Lower concentrations are typically used as moisturizers. Higher concentrations are used to exfoliate rough or thickened skin.
You can find urea creams over the counter (OTC) at your local drugstore or online. Higher-strength urea creams are available by prescription. But what’s the difference between prescription and OTC urea cream 40? What are they used for, and how can you be sure they’re safe for you?
This article will explore the differences between prescription and OTC urea creams, their uses, and safety considerations.
What is urea and how does it work?
Urea is a chemical compound that occurs naturally in our bodies. It’s a byproduct of protein metabolism. Urea is also found in skincare products.
Now, here’s a myth buster for you: While urea is a component of urine, the urea in your skincare products is not extracted from urine. Instead, it’s created synthetically in a lab.
How urea works
Urea can break down the bonds that hold dead skin cells together. This helps your skin exfoliate. When a product contains 10% or more urea, it is said to have keratolytic properties, meaning that it helps to dissolve the thickened outer layer of skin.
Urea is also a humectant. Humectants attract moisture and bind it to the skin. This helps your skin stay hydrated and supple. As a natural moisturizing factor (NMF), urea helps the skin retain water.
Urea Cream Concentrations: OTC vs. Prescription
Urea creams are available in a wide range of concentrations. You can purchase some over the counter (OTC), while others require a prescription from a healthcare provider.
Over-the-Counter (OTC) Urea Creams
OTC urea creams generally have lower concentrations, typically under 10%. You can even find some with doses as low as 2%.
These creams are primarily used for moisturizing dry skin. Because the concentration of urea is low, you can use these creams daily on larger areas of your body. They’re great for mild dry skin, eczema, and everyday skin hydration.
Prescription Urea Creams
Prescription urea creams often contain much higher concentrations, such as 40% or more. These high-dose creams (typically around 30% or higher) are used for treating more severe skin conditions and promoting significant exfoliation.
If you need intense exfoliation and softening of thickened areas of skin, a prescription-strength urea cream may be right for you. It’s a good choice for conditions like psoriasis, hyperkeratosis, calluses, and severely dry or cracked skin.
What skin conditions can urea cream help with?
Urea cream has a lot to offer as a treatment for skin conditions. It’s important to remember that everyone’s skin responds differently, and you should always consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice.
Dry skin
Urea is a humectant. That means it attracts moisture and binds it to the skin. It also helps the skin hold onto that moisture for longer. Urea cream can help with:
- Rough skin
- Flaky skin
- Itchy skin
Psoriasis
Urea cream can help with psoriasis symptoms such as:
- Itchiness
- Redness
- Scaly skin
Urea cream softens and helps remove scales, but it’s often best when used along with other prescription medications or topical corticosteroids.
Keratosis Pilaris
Keratosis pilaris (KP) is a common skin condition that causes tiny, rough bumps, usually on the upper arms, thighs, cheeks, or buttocks. It’s caused by a buildup of keratin. Urea cream can exfoliate the skin and reduce the buildup of keratin, which helps to smooth the skin.
Cracked heels and calluses
High doses of urea in cream are best for intense exfoliation and softening of thickened skin, such as calluses; urea cream on feet can be particularly effective for dry, cracked heels. Urea promotes the shedding of dead skin cells and softens tough skin. It’s important to use urea cream consistently to see results.
Choosing the Right Urea Cream: A Guide
With so many urea creams available, how do you choose the right one? Start by considering a few key factors.
Know your skin
First, you need to know your skin type. Is it dry, oily, sensitive, or a combination? Then, think about how severe your skin condition is. Do you just need a little extra moisture, or are you dealing with some serious scaling and cracking?
Understand urea concentrations
The percentage of urea in the cream matters a lot. Higher percentages mean more intense exfoliation, which is great for really rough, cracked, or dead skin. But if you want something gentle for your face, stick with a lower dose – no more than 10% urea.
Here’s a quick guide:
- Lower concentrations (2-10%): Best for general moisturizing and sensitive skin.
- Higher concentrations (20-40%): Ideal for targeted exfoliation and thickened skin, like calluses.
Consider the other ingredients
Urea creams often include other helpful ingredients. Look for things like:
- Salicylic acid: Another exfoliant that can help remove dead skin cells.
- Ceramides: Help to restore the skin’s natural barrier and lock in moisture.
- Vitamin B3 (niacinamide): Can help to reduce inflammation and improve skin tone.
Always read the product label carefully before using any new skincare product. It’s the best way to know exactly what you’re putting on your skin!
How to Use Urea Cream Safely and Effectively
Whether you’re using a prescription-strength or over-the-counter urea cream, here’s how to use it safely and effectively.
Patch Testing
Before applying a new urea cream to a large area of skin, it’s a good idea to do a patch test.
This will help you check for allergic reactions or irritation. To do a patch test, apply a small amount of the product to a small, discreet area of skin. Wait 24 to 48 hours to see if any adverse reactions occur.
Application Techniques
To apply urea cream correctly, start by cleaning and drying the skin. Then, gently massage the cream into the affected area.
Depending on the dosage and the area of skin you’re treating, some urea products can be used daily.
Potential Side Effects and Precautions
Like all medications, urea cream can cause side effects, such as itching, burning, stinging, or redness.
See a healthcare professional as soon as possible if you experience signs of an allergic reaction, such as a rash, hives, or swelling. Also, be sure to speak to a medical provider if any side effects become alarming.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take for urea 40% to work?
The time it takes for 40% urea cream to show results varies depending on the severity of the skin condition. You might start noticing improvement within a few days, but it can take several weeks of consistent use to see significant changes. Patience and diligent application are key!
Why is urea cream so good?
Urea cream is a fantastic moisturizer because it’s a humectant, meaning it draws moisture from the air into the skin. At higher concentrations, like 40%, it also has keratolytic properties, which help to soften and shed dead skin cells, making it especially effective for thick, calloused skin.
Is urea a prescription?
Urea creams with lower concentrations (typically under 20%) are often available over-the-counter. However, 40% urea cream usually requires a prescription from a doctor or podiatrist due to its higher potency and potential for skin irritation.
What is the price of 40% urea cream?
The price of 40% urea cream can vary quite a bit depending on the brand, the size of the tube, and where you purchase it. Because it’s typically a prescription medication, the cost will also depend on your insurance coverage. Check with your pharmacy for the most accurate pricing.
What happens if you use too much urea cream?
Applying too much 40% urea cream can lead to skin irritation, redness, itching, and even peeling. It’s important to follow your doctor’s instructions and apply a thin layer only to the affected areas. If you experience any adverse reactions, discontinue use and consult with your healthcare provider.
To Conclude
The main differences between prescription and over-the-counter urea creams are the concentration of urea, the intended use, and how you get them. Over-the-counter creams have lower concentrations and are used for general moisturizing, while prescription creams have higher concentrations and are used to treat specific skin conditions like psoriasis and eczema.
If you’re not sure which type of urea cream is right for you, talk to your doctor or other health professional. They can assess your skin condition and recommend the best treatment. They may know what strength of urea cream is best for your particular needs.
When used correctly, urea cream can be a beneficial way to manage a variety of skin conditions and keep your skin healthy.