Behind the science – Of Eucerin UreaRepair PLUS

Eucerin is a leader in innovative and effective care for dry, very dry and extremely dry skin with more than 100 years of expertise in developing products that care for dry skin conditions.

In this article Dr Alexander Filbry, Head of Product Development for Body Care at Eucerin, looks at the causes of dry skin and the science behind Eucerin’s UreaRepair PLUS range. He explains how the unique ingredient combinations in the range work to deliver immediate + 48h dry skin relief.

“Dry skin is a very common condition and often results in visits to dermatologists,” explains Dr Filbry. “Symptoms vary according to the severity of dryness, but skin can be tight and rough and/or prone to itching, scaling, flakiness and redness. In extreme cases, skin is pathologically dry”.

The main reason for skin dryness is an impaired skin barrier function which results from:

• A lack of lipids that help to protect skin from moisture loss. 
• A deficit of Urea and Natural Moisturizing Factors (NMFs) which bind moisture into the skin.

“In the 1990s, Eucerin skin scientists were the first to discover how to include a Natural Moisturizing Factor in a dermo-cosmetic product”, says Dr Filbry. They created a product which was not only effective in terms of results but also pleasant to use. The Natural Moisturizing Factor (or 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.

“People who suffer from dry skin need more than just immediate relief,” explains Dr Filbry. “They need a long-term solution which will prevent symptoms such as roughness, itchiness and flakiness from returning.” Dr Filbry and his team set out to create an effective range of products that would deliver both immediate and long-lasting relief for dry, very dry and extremely dry skin.

All the 5% and 10% Urea Eucerin UreaRepair PLUS moisturizers are clinically and dermatologically proven to replenish both lipids and moisture, delivering immediate + 48h dry skin relief. They leave skin looking and feeling smooth, soft and supple.

Research on Eucerin UreaRepair PLUS 5% Urea Body Cream indicates: 

• A significant improvement in moisturization both immediately and 48 hours after a single application.¹
• A significant decrease in itchiness after two weeks of regular use.¹ 
• 95.9% of patients scored the cream as "very good" and "good" in terms of tolerability.²

Research on Eucerin UreaRepair PLUS 5% Urea Body Lotion and Eucerin UreaRepair PLUS 10% Urea Body Lotion indicates a significant reduction of dry symptoms with daily use³

Eucerin’s UreaRepair PLUS 5% Urea Hand Cream scored equally well in research with the sample reporting: 

• An immediate and significant decrease in skin dryness and roughness after a single product application.¹
• A significant decrease in skin dryness and roughness even after six hand washings.¹
• 97.2% of patients scored the hand cream as "very good" and "good" in terms of tolerability.²

While Eucerin UreaRepair PLUS 10% Urea Foot Cream showed: 

• An immediate and significant increase in moisturization 24 hours after a single application.⁵
• A significant decrease in skin dryness 48 hours after the last treatment.⁵
• 91.5% of patients stated that the general condition of their feet had improved.²
• 100% of patients scored the foot cream as "very good" and "good" in terms of tolerability.²
  

The cleanser in the range, Eucerin UreaRepair PLUS 5% Urea Washfluid, is soap-free and enriched with Urea and Lactate, so it cleanses skin effectively without stripping its natural protective barrier. The treatment product, Eucerin UreaRepair PLUS 30% Urea Cream, offers intensive care for localized patches of extremely dry, rough and scaly skin.

“Research proves the effectiveness of our products,” concludes Dr Filbry. “Clinical and dermatological studies have also shown that UreaRepair PLUS products are suitable for mature skin and for those with Psoriasis, Keratosis Pilaris and Diabetes.”⁴

1.  Clinical grading & Corneometer measurements – Data on file BDF 
2. In vivo efficacy and tolerability study ¬– Data on file BDF 
3. Treatment of Xerosis with a topical formulation containing Gluco Glycerol, Natural Moisturizing Factors and Ceramide; Weber et al., JCAD 2012 
4. Not all products are suitable for all conditions. Please refer to the information on pack. 
5. Vehicle-controlled treatment of Xerosis with a topical formulation containing Natural Moisturizing Factors and lipids. EADV publication, 2016.