My sister is a nurse, and here’s the handcream she says soothes her dry hands better than any other

  I am sure you are familiar with Avène, the cult, French pharmacy brand with the minimal design and almost medicinal packaging. This hand cream is, in fact, not only a firm favourite with nurses and other medical staff prone to dry and cracked hands, but also one of the best selling products across French pharmacies – and for good reason. Hand cream with cold creams particularly recommended for dry or damaged hands, as it moisturises and protects your hands, and this smooth, non-greasy hand cream offers your hands an immediate feeling of soothing comfort. The science bit? The cream works by having three active ingredients which work together to prevent 'transepidermal water loss', meaning; even if you expose your hands to water frequently by washing them often, your hands will still stay hydrated and protected, meaning less dry skin and less painful cracks and tears. A star buy right now, we think – and while you're at it, for €7.99, you might as well pick up a tube for a friend too – a little kindness go along way these days.