The Benefits of Using Glycolic Acid and Urea Creams for Skin - 50 Character Title

The Benefits of Using Glycolic Acid and Urea Creams

Having smooth, even-toned skin is a goal for many people. However, issues like dryness, discoloration, and keratosis pilaris (also known as "chicken skin") can leave skin looking dull and uneven in texture. Glycolic acid and urea creams can be extremely effective in improving these skin concerns.

Glycolic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) derived from sugar cane. It is one of the most popular and effective AHAs used in skincare. Glycolic acid works as a chemical exfoliant, loosening the bonds between dead skin cells on the surface of the skin so they can be whisked away. This reveals the newer, brighter skin underneath. Glycolic acid also helps stimulate collagen production and increases skin's hydration.

Urea is a humectant, meaning it draws moisture from the dermis to the epidermis layers of skin. It also acts as a keratolytic agent, breaking down the proteins that hold dry, thick skin cells together. This helps exfoliate and smooth rough spots. Urea further hydrates by attracting water.

Targeting Specific Skin Concerns

Using glycolic acid and urea together in a cream provides both exfoliating and hydrating benefits that can improve common skin complaints like:

• Dry, flaking skin
• Rough texture and bumps from keratosis pilaris
• Accumulated dead skin cells, giving a dull tone
• Discoloration and dark spots from sun damage
• Clogged pores and acne
• Fine lines and wrinkles
• Dark patches on elbows, knees, and heels

The resurfacing effects of glycolic acid clear away dead cells, discoloration, and debris that cause uneven tone and texture. Urea hydrates to smooth and soften skin. Together, these ingredients provide powerful exfoliating and moisturizing action.

Using Glycolic Acid and Urea Creams

When selecting a glycolic acid and urea cream, look for a formulation with glycolic acid in the 5-10% range. Higher concentrations, while effective, may irritate sensitive skin. A 10-20% urea concentration provides excellent hydrating and keratolytic effects.

Because glycolic acid makes skin more sensitive to UV rays, be diligent about applying broad spectrum sunscreen in the morning when using these creams. Limit use to nighttime to avoid increased sun sensitivity.

After cleansing skin at night, apply a thin layer of the glycolic acid and urea cream. Use once or twice per week to start, gradually building up to daily use if skin tolerates it well. Reduce frequency if any stinging or redness occurs.

When first starting out, apply the cream to less sensitive areas like the legs to test for irritation. Discontinue use if excessivedryness, peeling, burning or itching occurs.

Glycolic acid and urea creams are generally well-tolerated. However, those with very sensitive skin may experience some irritation. Combining the two ingredients helps counteract this, with the urea providing soothing, hydrating relief.

Targeting Dark Elbows, Knees, and Heels

Glycolic acid and urea creams can be particularly beneficial for lightening and smoothing cracked, discolored elbows, knees, and heels. These areas tend to become much rougher and darker than other parts of the body.

The thicker skin on the joints and heels has an increased tendency to cling to dead cells. Those dead cells oxidize and cause darkening. The skin also dries out faster, becoming rough and flaky.

By exfoliating away built-up layers of dead cells, glycolic acid evens out skin tone and reveals fresher skin. Urea's hydrating properties smooth over any remaining dry patches. With continued use, the skin takes on a more uniform, brighter appearance.

Application Tips for Elbows, Knees, and Heels

Give your glycolic acid and urea cream time to work by applying it at night. Gently rub the cream into elbows, knees, and heels until fully absorbed. You may want to apply a thicker moisturizer on top to keep the area hydrated.

For additional softening, cover treated areas with socks, gloves, or plastic wrap overnight. This helps the creams penetrate more deeply.

In the morning, rinse off any remaining product. Use a pumice stone or foot file to gently buff off any loosened skin or calluses. Then apply sunscreen before getting dressed.

Be consistent and patient. It can take weeks or even months of regular use to see dramatic lightening and smoothing of hyperpigmented, roughened skin on the joints and heels.

Other Exfoliating Ingredients to Try

While glycolic acid and urea creams are very effective, they aren't the only option for improving skin texture and tone. Other exfoliating ingredients to consider include:

Salicylic Acid

Like glycolic acid, salicylic acid is a beta hydroxy acid that works to exfoliate the top layers of skin. It has larger molecules, so it penetrates oilier skin and clogged pores better than other AHAs. Salicylic acid makes an excellent choice for smoothing bumpy skin and clearing breakouts.

Lactic Acid

Derived from sour milk, lactic acid is an AHA that also provides mild exfoliation. It has larger molecules than glycolic acid, so it doesn't penetrate as deeply. However, lactic acid is even gentler than glycolic and helps boost skin's natural moisturizing factors.

Mandelic Acid

Mandelic acid is an AHA made from bitter almonds. It has the largest molecular size of the AHAs, so it is the gentlest on skin. Mandelic acid is effective for those who find other AHAs too irritating, such as those with dry or sensitive skin.

Kojic Acid

Kojic acid is a brightening ingredient derived from mushrooms. It works by inhibiting melanin production, reducing areas of pigmentation. Research shows kojic acid creams can help diminish dark spots and melasma.

Alpha-Arbutin

Alpha-arbutin is a naturally derived skin-lightening agent. It blocks the production of melanin. Alpha-arbutin is gentler than other lightening ingredients and safe for long-term use in improving uneven complexion.

The Takeaway

Glycolic acid and urea together provide a powerhouse combo of exfoliating, moisturizing, and skin-renewing benefits. Regular use can visibly improve a wide range of skin concerns for a healthier, more radiant complexion from head to toe.

Be diligent about using sunscreen when incorporating these exfoliating creams into your routine. Evaluate skin tolerance carefully and reduce use if any irritation occurs.

With continued use, glycolic acid and urea creams can make a significant difference in smoothing rough, discolored elbows, knees, and heels. Combine with other brightening ingredients like kojic or alpha-arbutin to tackle dark spots and pigmentation issues.

With the right combination of exfoliating and moisturizing ingredients, you can achieve beautifully smooth, even-toned skin.

FAQs

What percentage of glycolic acid should I look for in a cream?

Look for creams with glycolic acid concentrations between 5-10%. Higher percentages may be too irritating for many people's skin.

How often can I use a glycolic acid and urea cream?

Start by using it once or twice a week, then build up to daily use if your skin tolerates it well. Reduce frequency if you experience any stinging, redness or excessive dryness.

Should I apply a glycolic acid cream in the morning or at night?

These creams increase your skin's sensitivity to sunlight, so it's best to apply them at night. Be diligent about wearing sunscreen during the day.

Can I use a glycolic acid and urea cream if I have sensitive skin?

Glycolic acid can be irritating for some sensitive skin types. However, combining it with urea helps counteract this. Start slowly and discontinue use if any burning, stinging or itching occurs.

How long until I see results when using these creams on my elbows and knees?

It typically takes weeks or even months of consistent use before seeing significant improvement in discolored, roughened elbows and knees. Be patient and keep applying it regularly.