Your skin is thirsty - give it a drink!

The largest organ of our body – the skin – is a true superhero and has a very responsible task – to protect us from the "evil forces" of the external environment, ensuring the health of the entire organism. In winter, this mission becomes even more difficult because the combination of cold, wind, and low humidity is a serious challenge even for completely healthy skin. The results are not long in coming – dryness, flaking, itching, and discomfort. An interesting fact is that women suffer from dry skin more often than men, and blond ladies have it more often than brunettes.

Here is who will come to our aid:

Whether you were born with dry skin or it is dehydrated due to the season and environmental factors, there is a solution.
You have probably already come across the term "dermocosmetics." It is often also called "medical cosmetics" – the reason is that it is developed with special ingredients and formulas that allow certain dermatological conditions ("skin problems") to be successfully treated.
Deep hydration products are taking an increasingly important place in the offerings of dermocosmetic brands. Often their "common denominator" is an ingredient well known since biblical times –

Urea

Without resorting to complex chemical formulas, it can safely be said that urea is among the most effective and safe substances used in the cosmetic industry. It is one of the three natural moisturizers in the outer horny layer of our skin (the other two are lactic acid and amino acids).

What are the special powers of urea that make it so mighty?

First of all, urea is hygroscopic and provides intense hydration – in other words, it can capture and retain water in the skin. Its second power is keratolytic — it softens and removes dead cells of the epidermis (the skin surface), soothing irritation and itching.

If urea has already won your sympathies and is applying to be your new favorite cosmetic super-ingredient, we hurry to clarify that the minimum concentration guaranteeing optimal care for dry skin is 5%. However, do not be misled into thinking that the higher the urea content in a product, the deeper its moisturizing effect. Concentrations above 15% have a pronounced exfoliating effect, similar to that of cosmetic acids, and for this reason, urea is also part of the composition of products for feet and cracked heels.

What else can you do to help your skin:

As cliché as it may sound – drink enough water every day! To keep the skin of the body well hydrated, at least one and a half liters of water per day are needed. Additionally: do not turn the radiator or air conditioner "up to the max," but also do not expose yourself too long and often to cold and wind. Always wear gloves when using household chemicals.

And last but not least — keep your skin clean, but do not overdo long hot showers and baths. Hot water deprives the epidermis of the important protective fatty lipids by washing them away in the same way kitchen dishes are washed, for example. Without these valuable fats, bacteria and microorganisms penetrate the skin more easily. The damage increases if you have the habit of vigorously rubbing yourself with a towel after a bath. Replace this skin-damaging practice with blotting and gentle patting with a towel, after which be sure to apply a moisturizing body lotion, preferably with urea.

And so, to conclude, we will summarize that for the health and beauty of the skin – your personal superhero – three things are important: water, urea, and of course, attention.