Prequel’s Urea Advanced Relief Moisturizing Milk Review: My Experience with KP & Eczema-Prone Skin
In my previous post, I discussed my reasons for pursuing laser hair removal. A few of my reasons centered on my skin’s sensitivity to shaving and other hair removal methods, as well as on convenience. However, the biggest reason for my choice was “strawberry legs” and KP-like texture. This condition has bothered me for quite some time. I tried various treatments, including exfoliation, moisturizing, and different shaving methods, but honestly, I barely saw any improvement. This frustration ultimately led me to pursue laser hair removal. Ultimately, now that I have seen some progress with the treatment, I am confident that with continued time and consistency, I will see further improvements. However, my legs aren’t my only concern. Overall, I have quite sensitive skin prone to eczema, and more recently KP.
Why I Suspected Keratosis Pilaris
Over the past few years, I noticed that as my health and body changed — not for the better — these small brown bumps started to appear on my upper arms. Mostly my left arm. It’s slightly visible on my right arm, but very prominent on my left and, as described, it feels like chicken skin.
I inquired about it during a dermatology appointment where I was being seen for a pretty bad eczema flare. My provider mentioned that it appeared to be KP and prescribed Retin-A, which is apparently prescribed for conditions involving abnormal skin cell turnover and follicular plugging, including Keratosis Pilaris. I tried it for a few weeks but ultimately discontinued its use due to increased irritation and itching. I think that if my skin hadn’t already been impaired, I could’ve experienced better results.
After discontinuing Retin-A, I returned to my previous routine of exfoliating as needed and moisturizing the area along with the rest of my body. However, I could still feel and see the dark, bumpy texture.
Happy Accident
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I originally purchased the Prequel Urea Advanced Relief Moisturizing Milk to assist with improving my “strawberry legs” in between my laser appointments.
Surprisingly, I immediately noticed how moisturizing it was, so later I took it a step further and used it on my feet, focusing on my dry heels. The results were impressive compared to my other moisturizers.
Then… I tested it on my upper arms, and that deep itch I previously mentioned disappeared.
Finally, I decided to apply it to my upper back — another itchy area — and again… the itch disappeared.
I quickly incorporated it into my daily routine. In addition to relieving my sensitive skin, I also began to notice slight fading in the dark spots on my upper arms.
The Star of the Show
As I mentioned, I’ve seen improvements since inadvertently developing a new routine. My routine still includes varying types of exfoliation, depending on my skin’s overall condition, to consistently remove keratin buildup. However, I think the star of this new regimen is Prequel’s Urea Advanced Relief Moisturizing Milk.
It contains:
- 10% Urea
- Niacinamide
- Shea Butter
All in a lightweight lotion formula.
It’s super hydrating in ways that my other moisturizers fall a bit short.
Proceeding With Caution
Due to my sensitive skin and eczema, I have to be very careful about which moisturizers I use. I tend to run hot, so the wrong moisturizer on top of that is a disaster waiting to happen.
I typically use different moisturizers for different parts of my body, being extra careful with my:
- face
- neck
- upper back
- upper arms
- chest
Of course, my skin needs moisture and help maintaining that protective barrier. Still, if the moisturizer is just sitting on top of my skin without really hydrating it — coupled with everything else — it can easily trigger a skin flare-up.
For the rest of my body, I typically use a lighter lotion with a little oil, and it works fine because it’s just enough to keep my skin hydrated without making me sweat.
Before discovering Prequel, I tried to use my previous process everywhere except my face. However, while my skin could breathe and seemed moisturized, there would still be a deep itching sensation beneath the surface. One time, it got so bad that I had to apply hydrocortisone and Benadryl cream, which, of course, didn’t help much.
My Take on Why This Product Works for Me
After researching the ingredients, I believe most of the benefits come from the 10% urea in the formula.
From what I’ve learned, urea may help by:
- pulling water into the skin
- softening excess keratin and dead skin buildup
- improving skin barrier flexibility
- reducing tightness and micro-cracking
This combination appears beneficial for several skin concerns and is further supported by ingredients like niacinamide and shea butter.
Eczema-Prone Skin
For eczema-prone skin specifically, the skin barrier often struggles to retain moisture, causing water to escape too quickly. When that barrier is compromised, the skin can become:
- tight
- inflamed
- heat-sensitive
- intensely itchy
From what I understand, some of that discomfort may also be linked to increased nerve irritation beneath the skin during eczema flares, which can create a deeper burning or itching sensation that isn’t always relieved by thicker moisturizers that only sit on the surface.
This is why this product felt different to me.
Instead of merely coating the skin temporarily, it seemed to address deeper dryness and irritation beneath the surface while gradually softening rough or hardened areas.
Supporting Ingredients
Niacinamide appears to help support the skin barrier and calm irritation, while shea butter softens the skin and helps seal in moisture for longer-lasting hydration.
Together, these ingredients seem to hydrate, support the barrier, and gently soften buildup without being as harsh as stronger exfoliating acids.
This may also explain why it has been helpful not only for eczema-prone areas but also for:
- rough heels
- dry patches
- Keratosis Pilaris (KP) texture
where excess keratin buildup and dehydration may contribute to roughness and discomfort.
More From This Brand
I noticed that the brand has several other products tailored to:
- eczema
- psoriasis
- rosacea
- other skin concerns
While this product was more of a happy accident, I may give some of their other products a try in the future — even though I typically stick with what works once I find it.
At the time of purchase, this product was around $22. While that may seem expensive for a moisturizer, a little goes a long way, and for me, the relief it provides makes it worth the cost. I will continue purchasing it simply for the relief it provides. If you’d like to check it out for yourself, you can find it here.
Still A Work In Progress
As I always say, “it’s still a work in progress.”
That said, I still occasionally use stronger exfoliating products when I feel like my skin needs additional help. I don’t follow a strict schedule with it. Instead, I pay attention to how my skin feels.
If I notice the lotion alone is starting to plateau or roughness is building up again, I may lightly exfoliate the area. Otherwise, I mostly rely on:
- gentle physical exfoliation from an exfoliating glove
- consistent hydration
I definitely think this lotion is worth highlighting.
If you’re curious about the other products I use in my routine, let me know and I’ll do another post about them. Additionally, if you’d like to recommend a product, feel free to share it as well.
See ya in the next post!
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Interested In Why I Started Laser Hair Removal? If you haven’t read my previous post yet, check out: