Yes, urea can contribute to skin's glow by improving hydration and overall skin health.
Here's a more detailed explanation:
Urea is a humectant, meaning it helps the skin attract and retain moisture. Dry, dehydrated skin often appears dull and lacks radiance. By drawing moisture into the skin, urea helps plump up the skin cells, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and creating a smoother, more even surface that reflects light better, resulting in a "glow."
Specifically, urea:
- Hydrates the skin: It's a natural moisturizing factor (NMF), meaning it's naturally found in the skin and helps maintain its moisture balance.
- Exfoliates gently: At higher concentrations (10% or more), urea has a keratolytic effect, meaning it helps to break down the bonds between dead skin cells, promoting gentle exfoliation. This removes dull, dead skin cells, revealing fresher, brighter skin underneath.
- Improves skin barrier function: By maintaining hydration, urea helps strengthen the skin's natural barrier, protecting it from environmental stressors that can contribute to dullness.
Therefore, the improved hydration and gentle exfoliation provided by urea can contribute to a more youthful and radiant appearance. It allows the skin to absorb and retain water, increasing its capacity to hold moisture.
