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

Balneum plus cream contains two active ingredients, urea and lauromacrogols. It is a powerful moisturiser that not only deeply hydrates the skin but also works as a local anaesthetic to soothe irritation and settle itching. With just one application you can expect comfortable, moisturised skin for up to 24 hours, even for those who suffer from dry skin conditions such as eczema or dermatitis.

Balneum Plus Cream is manufactured by Almirall Limited. It is a smooth gentle cream that can be used by both children and adults as well as pregnant and breastfeeding women.

How does Balneum Plus Cream work?

Balneum Plus Cream contains two important active ingredients. Urea is a substance that is found naturally in the skin, which by its nature is very attracted to water improving the water content that is absorbed and held within the skin. It is used to help rehydrate dry, scaly skin.

Lauromacrogols have the properties of local anaesthetics and soothe and relieve itchy skin. When they are applied together in Balneum Plus Cream they help to lock in moisture and improve the feel and appearance of dry, irritated and itchy skin.

Moisturisers, including Balneum Plus Cream, are helpful for all dry skin conditions, particularly eczema and dermatitis, which get worse when the skin is allowed to dry out. Used regularly they help restore the skin's smoothness, softness and flexibility by helping the skin retain moisture.

What causes dry skin?

Dry skin results from a lack of water in the outer layer of skin cells known as the stratum corneum. When this layer becomes dehydrated it loses its flexibility and becomes cracked, scaly and sometimes itchy. The stratum corneum contains natural water-holding substances, including urea, which retain water seeping up from the deeper layers of the skin. Water is also normally retained in the stratum corneum by a surface film of natural oil (sebum) and broken-down skin cells, which slow down the evaporation of water from the skin surface.

The skin dries out when too much water evaporates from its surface. This increases as we get older, and is made worse by washing because hot water and soap remove the layer of natural oil on the skin surface.