Gardeners and others with dry, cracked hands are finding relief with Nursem Caring Hand Cream, an £8 (after discount) formula developed by an NHS nurse. The cream, now available at Boots, has earned a five-star rating and praise for soothing severely dry skin.
Why Summer Also Causes Dry Hands
While winter is often blamed for dry skin, summer brings its own challenges. Air conditioning, sun exposure, frequent handwashing in healthcare and hospitality, swimming, and gardening can leave hands rough and painfully cracked. A reliable hand cream is essential year-round.
Nursem Caring Hand Cream was created by an NHS paediatric nurse who suffered contact dermatitis from constant handwashing. It is tested on nurses who wash their hands over 50 times a day, making it suitable for ultra-sensitive skin.
Price and Availability
The fragrance-free hand cream costs £9.99 for 75ml. Until July 28, Boots customers can use code NURSEM25 for 25% off, reducing the price to £7.49 (excluding £3.95 postage). The product appeared on Dragon's Den.
Ingredients and Benefits
The fast-absorbing, non-greasy formula contains medical-grade Manuka Honey NPA+15 and White Willow Extract to soothe redness and irritation. Passionflower, Pomegranate, and Grape Seed Oils, rich in Omega-3, 5, 6, and 9, moisturise damaged skin barriers. It is free from mineral oils, silicone, petrolatum, and fragrance. Allantoin and Pro Vitamin B5 relieve dryness. It is suitable for all skin types, including eczema and dermatitis.
Boots notes that for every Nursem product sold, a month's worth of free Nursem is given to an NHS healthcare professional.
Customer Reviews
Boots displays a five-star rating, and Nursem's website has 4.9 stars from over 400 reviews. One user said: "After trying many hand creams, I found that Nursem was the best I'd ever used." Another gardener and parent stated: "I have seen a difference... I would pay that for this product again." A potter and archaeologist added: "This is the first one that genuinely sinks in and stops my skin from cracking."
Some minor criticisms include a tacky texture; one reviewer plans to use it overnight only. However, most feedback is positive. A PE teacher shared: "After 2 days of using Nursem, there was already a noticeable difference. My hands are soft and no longer sore."
Alternatives
For those who prefer other options, CeraVe Soothing and Repairing Hand Cream (£8) contains ceramides and hyaluronic acid. Aveeno Daily Moisturising Hand Cream is reduced to £3.99 on Amazon.
The Nursem Caring Hand Cream Fragrance Free – With Manuka Honey NPA+15 is available at Boots.
