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Emollient and Moisturizing, Keratolytic, Skin Barrier Enriching and Antimicrobial Actions of Urea

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Emedinexus    21 April 2023

Urea is a hygroscopic molecule that colonizes the epidermis as an element of the natural moisturizing factor (NMF). It maintains adequate hydration and integrity of the stratum corneum. 

 

Urea is famed for improving skin barrier function, including antimicrobial protection, by regulating gene expression in keratinocytes pertinent to their differentiation and antimicrobial peptide production. It also has a key role in regulating keratinocyte proliferation. Urea was initially employed in modern medicine for the topical treatment of wounds, given its proteolytic and antibacterial properties. Currently, it is widely used in dermatology to enhance skin barrier function and as one of the popular moisturizers and keratolytic agents. 

 

Urea-containing formulations are available in a myriad of formulations and concentrations. Multiple clinical trials using urea-containing formulations have shown substantial clinical improvement in numerous dermatoses showing scaly and dry skin, like atopic dermatitis, ichthyosis, xerosis, seborrheic dermatitis, psoriasis, etc. 

 

Furthermore, urea increases skin penetration and optimizes the action of topical drugs. Urea-based products are well accepted, have mild side effects and are often at high concentrations.

 

Lastly, the effects of urea on gene expression predict a relevant role for urea-containing formulations for skin barrier therapy shortly.

 

Source: Piquero-Casals J, Morgado-Carrasco D, Granger C, et al. Urea in dermatology: a review of its emollient, moisturizing, keratolytic, skin barrier enhancing and antimicrobial properties. Dermatol Ther (Heidelb). 2021;11(6):1905-15. 

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