Behind the science – Of Eucerin Urea Repair

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Eucerin has more than 100 years of expertise in developing products that care for dry skin. This expertise was confirmed in the 1990s, when Eucerin skin scientists discovered how to include a Natural Moisturising Factor (NMF) in a dermocosmetic product. They created a product was not only effective in terms of results, but also pleasant to use. The NMF they used was Urea, and it has gone on to become one of the most respected and widely used ingredients in the treatment of dry skin symptoms, which range from roughness to extremely dry, itchy and flaky skin.

Eucerin continues to be a leader in innovative and effective care for dry and very dry skin. In this article, Dr Alexander Filbry (Head of product development for Body Care at Eucerin) looks behind the science at the causes of dry skin and explores how best to address symptoms and replenish skin.

All Eucerin UreaRepair PLUS products are developed with a unique combination of ingredients. They are clinically proven to replenish lipids and moisture in the skin to give immediate relief as well as delaying the symptoms of dry skin for up to 48 hours. 

Eucerin continue to lead innovation in skin care

“When we took a deeper look at dry skin, we realised that it needs more than just a couple of natural moisturising factors like urea and lactate.

We discovered how Aquaporins, the moisture networks in the deeper dermis skin layers, can become ineffective when the skin is dry.

That led to the discovery of Gluco-glycerol, the molecule that stimulates Aquaporin function, and restores the natural upward flow of moisture towards the skins surface.”

Eucerin Aquaporin Technology centres on Glyceryl Glucoside, or Gluco-glycerol, a novel humectant (water-binding) conjugate of glycerol and glucose, which has been shown to stimulate the epidermal moisture network that is formed by Aquaporin water channels, resulting in improved skin hydration.

“Gluco-glycerol is biologically identical to the molecules that stimulate the skin’s Aquaporin water channels. The Aquaporin network is responsible for the moisture distribution in the deeper epidermal layers and also the natural upward flow of moisture to the outer layers, ensuring long-lasting hydration.”

“Then we added in our extensive research natural moisturising factors, in the form of the Urea Repair NMF Complex. The skin naturally contains molecules that regulate moisture content, called “natural moisturising factors”. These are hygroscopic substances that attract and absorb water from the deeper skin layers into the upper layers, vastly increasing water retention in the upper stratum corneum skin layer. However, when skin is dry there is a deficiency of these vital molecules, and this needs to be replenished before the skin can function properly again.”

The Eucerin Urea Repair NMF Complex consists of the original Urea and Lactate, plus new Carnitine, Amino Acids, Pyrrolidone Carbonic Acid (PCA), Inorganic Salts and Saccharides, and closely matches the ratio of key natural moisturising factors found in healthy skin.

See how the formular of Eucerin Urea Repair works in the video.

“And to top it off, with our knowledge of surface barrier function, we had to include Ceramide-3, the lipid that directly restores the surface barrier, and locks in moisture. Ceramides are naturally produced by the skin to create a protective barrier that prevents moisture loss due to evaporation, and also blocks out irritants that can cause inflammation and itching. We know that when the skin’s ceramide levels fall, dryness and irritation can result.”

Regular use of Eucerin Urea Repair improves skin´s moisture.

“When all these actives come together, our Urea Repair Moisture Lotions work at the surface, upper and deeper epidermal skin layers to fight the cause of dry skin at each level.”

“Regular use helps to re-establish the skin’s natural moisture-control process, ensuring long-lasting relief from signs of dry skin, leaving the skin feeling soft and silky smooth.”

"These outcomes have been clinically proven in dermatological studies - when the moisturising effects of Eucerin Complete Repair Lotions were tested in 87 women aged between 60 and 80 years, skin hydration, as measured by corneometry, was improved by 37% as soon as 48 hours after a single application."

Eucerin Complete Repair Lotions are fast becoming the most popular dry skin solutions Eucerin has to offer, which is not surprising as they embody years of expert research, and are dermatologically proven to be more effective than their predecessor products.

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