What is Balneum Intensiv Cream and what is it used for?

Containing 5% urea and ceramide, Balneum cream is used for the treatment of eczema, dermatitis and other dry skin conditions. Tests have shown that even after short-term use of Balneum cream, the skin stays hydrated up to four times longer than when using other creams. Apply the cream twice daily, particularly after bathing, as it will keep the skin moisturised.

This treatment may not be suitable for people who are allergic to soya or peanuts, or to any of the ingredients contained in Balneum cream. Always give your doctor full details as to your health and to any allergies, so that they can assess how suitable this treatment is for you.

How does Balneum Intensiv Cream work?

The main active ingredient is urea and this helps to clear dry skin in three ways. It hydrates the skin, removes dead skin (keratolytic) and helps stop any itching. Ceramide builds up the skin’s barrier function and, as this cream contains no fragrances, artificial colourants or preservatives, it is also suitable for people with delicate skin.

Why do people get dry skin?

It is a lack of water in the outer layer of skin cells (stratum corneum) which leads to dry skin. Dehydration causes the skin to lose its flexibility and so it becomes scaly, cracked and sometimes itchy. This outer layer has the ability to retain water that comes up from the deeper layers. This top layer also has a film of sebum, natural oil that holds skin cells that have broken down. Together, they reduce evaporation and therefore help retain the water from the skin’s surface.

Drying out increases with age and the situation is exacerbated by bathing with hot water and soap, as these remove the sebum from the skin’s surface.

Alternative treatments for dry skin

Dry skin conditions such as eczema and dermatitis can be greatly helped by the use of moisturising bath oils, regular use helps to restore and maintain the smoothness of the skin. This helps reduce redness, itching and the scaling of the skin and, after using these moisture products, it is a good idea to pat the skin dry, as rubbing will remove some of the moisture layers that have been built up from the product. In the case of eczema, regular use can prevent flare-ups.