Eucerin urea cream is a hydrating agent for dry skin conditions, but it can also be effective for the symptoms of acanthosis nigricans and hyperpigmentation (conditions that affect your skin’s pigment).
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Eucerin urea cream is a hydrating agent for dry skin, but evidence shows it can work to improve your skin’s pigmentation too, when it’s affected by conditions like hyperpigmentation or acanthosis nigricans.
Urea (the active ingredient in Eucerin cream) has been used topically for centuries. It’s an emollient that breaks down keratin (the protein that helps form your skin’s outer layer) and prevents and stops itching. By breaking down keratin, it can reduce discolouration, therefore treating the symptoms of acanthosis nigricans and hyperpigmentation (when some parts of your skin appear darker than others).
Acanthosis nigricans is a bit similar to hyperpigmentation, except a little more specific. It’s a skin condition characterised by darkening and thickening of the skin on your neck, armpit, elbow, behind the knee and near the groin folds. It's commonly seen in people with diabetes and obesity. It's not a treatable condition, but topical treatments (like urea) can temporarily decrease the hyperpigmentation.
How does Eucerin urea cream work?
Eucerin urea works in a few ways.
It’s an emollient that helps keep the skin moisturised by retaining water and improving your skin's barrier function.
It also has antimicrobial properties, as it can support the function of natural molecules found on your skin like cathelicidin, which kills microbes by disrupting their cell membrane.
As a keratolytic, it breaks down excess keratin on the skin and regulates skin cell growth by decreasing the DNA synthesis of your skin’s cells.
These mechanisms soften the skin and break down excess keratin, a common symptom of acanthosis nigricans. Furthermore, it can increase the drug penetration of other molecules into the skin, making it ideal to use in combination with other topical treatments.
What versions of Eucerin urea cream are there?
There’s a range of products by Eucerin that contain urea. This includes:
UreaRepair Plus 10% Urea Lotion
UreaRepair Plus 5% Urea Hand Cream
UreaRepair Replenishing Face Cream 5% Urea
Depending on the affected area, the product you use can vary. Eucerin UreaRepair 10% cream is thicker, making it better for extremely dry skin and smaller areas. However, if the affected area is larger, the lotion might be better because it’s thinner and easier to spread.
When we present you with stats, data, opinion or a consensus, we’ll tell you where this came from. And we’ll only present data as clinically reliable if it’s come from a reputable source, such as a state or government-funded health body, a peer-reviewed medical journal, or a recognised analytics or data body. Read more in our editorial policy.
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How to use Eucerin urea cream
To apply Eucerin cream, add a thin layer of cream to the affected area twice a day and rub it in. If too much is applied, your skin may become irritated, but this should improve once you stop using the cream.
How long does Eucerin urea cream take to work?
Urea cream works relatively fast to treat hyperpigmentation and moisturise your skin. Research has shown that patients who used 10% urea cream experienced significant improvement in hyperpigmented lesions on their necks within 8 weeks.
When we present you with stats, data, opinion or a consensus, we’ll tell you where this came from. And we’ll only present data as clinically reliable if it’s come from a reputable source, such as a state or government-funded health body, a peer-reviewed medical journal, or a recognised analytics or data body. Read more in our editorial policy.
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FAQ: Eucerin
Have something specific you want to know? Search our info below, or ask our experts a question if you can’t find what you’re looking for.
How effective is Eucerin urea cream compared with other treatments?
Answer:
10% urea was compared in a study with 10% salicylic acid over 8 weeks. A total of 39 patients were split into 2 groups. At the end of the 8 weeks, both groups showed improvement in neck hyperpigmentation, but the group using salicylic acid had better results.
And in another trial comparing urea with 0.025% tretinoin for neck hyperpigmentation, tretinoin showed better results. 63.2% of patients using tretinoin had more than 75% skin improvement, compared with only 36.8% of those using urea.
Although both trials showed urea is less effective than tretinoin and salicylic acid, it doesn't mean it's ineffective for everyone. Everyone’s skin is unique, so what works for some may not work for others.
How is Eucerin urea different from other treatments for hyperpigmentation?
Answer:
There are many other treatments available for hyperpigmentation and acanthosis nigricans. These include salicylic acid, tretinoin and azelaic acid.
Salicylic acid also has keratolytic properties that soften your skin. It helps prevent clogged pores by slowing down cell growth.
Tretinoin, the most active form of vitamin A, increases cell turnover and reduces hyperpigmentation. This means it replaces older skin cells with newer ones. It also disperses melanin granules, as uneven distribution of melanin causes hyperpigmentation.
Azelaic acid is another chemical that reduces hyperpigmentation by blocking the formation of melanocytes and inhibits the activity of tyrosinase (an enzyme that also produces melanin).
All four of these treatment options (including urea) can reduce pigmentation and treat the symptoms of acanthosis nigricans. So the option you choose is yours.
Why should I buy Eucerin urea cream with Treated?
Answer:
We give you the choice to pick the treatment that’s best for your life. By answering a few questions online, you can select your treatment and have it delivered to you the next working day.
We also provide aftercare. So if you have any questions throughout your treatment, simply log in online and send a message to our clinicians. We’ll be happy to support your skin’s journey.
Comparison of the efficacy and safety profiles of 10% salicylic acid and 10% urea creams in treating acanthosis nigricans in adolescents: a randomized double-blinded study. Arch Dermatol Res. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00403-023-02605-6
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have any questions or concerns about your health, please talk to a doctor.
