Whilst that is the advice given on-ward, we wanted to share the products that will help hydrate skin, to be used in the all-too-short period of time frontline workers are at home.

Whilst no cream is going to entirely prevent marks on the skin when it’s under such intense pressure for long periods, (although the NHS recommends wearers removing PPE masks every two hours, this isn’t always possible in the current circumstances.) Using what little time workers have between shifts to ensure skin is soothed and hydrated will prevent skin becoming as dry or irritated as going without.

If you usually undergo a skin-care routine that treats existing conditions like acne, ceasing using ingredients like benzoyl peroxide and retinol is advised for a short period, as these could irritate the skin further.

When it comes to extremely dry or irritated skin, pharmacy derived brands commonly used to treat skin conditions like eczema are a blessing, as they don’t contain fragrance or chemicals that can further inflame the skin.

We’ll share our picks of the best available. If you’re an NHS worker however, The Beauty Banks charity has pledged to send free products wherever they are needed. They have stated: “If you would like beauty products for yourself and your co-workers please drop us an email at beautybankscharity@gmail.com from your NHS email account with location, contact number, number of staff, wishlist and we’ll reply as quick as we can.”

Alternatively, if you’re a friend or family member of a healthcare worker, consider the below suggestions a practical thank you that you could gift. We’ll also be sharing the many beauty brands offering free products to healthcare staff, and those shifting their production practises to support the COVID-19 pandemic.

Kiehl’s Ultimate Strength Hand Salve

This super-rich cream is formulated with a blend of botanical oils and natural wax to protect against moisture loss. Kiel’s Ultimate Strength Salve is the best hand cream we’ve found to repair dryness in a gentle yet effective formula that’s non-greasy. If you’ve been using hand sanitiser more often, or are constantly washing, this hydrating cream will help replenish the skin.

Vaseline Intensive Care Body Lotion Cocoa Radiant

To ensure your body gets a boost of moisture, Vaseline have added micro-droplets of their world-famous, nourishing jelly into their Cocoa Radiant Body Lotion. This lotion is clinically proven to deeply hydrate and heal from the first application, thanks to the rich cocoa butter formula. For thirsty skin, there’s no better affordable buy.

La Roche-Posay Nutritic Intense Rich 

The best break your skin gets is overnight, when it can replenish and heal. Picking a night cream that works to intensely moisturise as you sleep is a must. The reason La Roche-Posay’s is a superior pick for irritated, sore skin is that it’s 100% hypoallergenic, contains no parabens, is non-comedogenic (meaning it won’t clog pores) and uses minimal ingredients and fragrance in its formula. It has been proven to reduce sensations of tightness and help to reinforce the skin’s natural barrier function. As you catch forty winks, it’s working to repair and regenerate.

Bio-Oil Dry Skin Gel 200ml 

Bio Oil has long been the go-to brand to help scarring, stretch marks and hyperpigmentation. In this specialist formulation, their Dry Skin Gel has been made to absorb easily and help the skin to retain moisture. Clinically proven to improve dry, flaky or itchy skin, 82% of users reported that they saw a difference in just two days. You only need a small amount of this restoring formula, less than if you were using a regular cream. Able to be used on both the face and body, simply massage in in circular motions until fully absorbed.

Egyptian Magic All-Purpose Skin Cream

Egyptian Magic is a legendary, multi-purpose natural balm that can be used to calm dry skin from head to toe. A real all-rounder, this gentle yet intense moisturiser can be used as a face cream, eye cream, a scar treatment, a hair mask, a baby cream, a shaving balm and as pretty much anything else you can think of. You only need a small amount, as a little does a lot. To apply, rub the cream in your palms until it becomes an oil.

Eucerin Dry Skin Relief Face Cream 5% Urea 

For lasting hydration, apply Eucerin Dry Skin Relief Face Cream after cleansing. Proven in extensive clinical studies to be suitable and effective for very dry and eczema-prone skin, this cream is rapidly absorbed and supports the regulation of the skin’s moisture content. To fight dry, tight, rough and flaky skin, this wonder cream contains 5% Urea. Urea is naturally present in healthy skin, but in many dry skin conditions these levels are reduced, leading to further moisture loss. This face cream actively helps replenish the Urea lost, whilst being fragrance and colourant free – further minimising the risk of allergies or irritation.

This Works has created a wonderfully heart-warming scheme, opening its customer service line to support anyone who is feeling lonely during the lockdown period.

Pai has begun a ‘Buy One Give One’ campaign, where you can purchase a hand sanitiser and your order means an NHS frontline worker, care home, homeless charity or beauty bank will receive a donation of one, too. So far they have donated over 3000 units. 

L’Occitane en Provence was one of the first brands to donate to the NHS, they have gifted thousands of hand creams and toiletries to healthcare workers – with over 10,000 units donated so far.

Filorga has donated its nourishing beauty products to a local NHS team, to help combat the dry skin caused by PPE face masks and frequent hand washing.

The Body Shop has donated over 255,000 toiletry items to frontline NHS workers, with the aim to help workers having to shower onsite in between long shifts. A further 100,000 bars of soap and 1000,000 hand creams are being sent to the temporary hospitals currently being created, including the Nightingale at London’s Excel Centre.

Revlon, through its brand Elizabeth Arden, has donated over 4000 of its soothing Eight Hour Cream® products to the NHS.

Boots has partnered with The Hygiene Bank and FareShare to give both NHS staff and vulnerable people access to the toiletries they desperately need. Over 200,000 essentials are being donated by the retailer from the brand’s best-selling N07, Soap & Glory ranges and more.

Avon meanwhile is campaigning to the government to act now in order to protect the vulnerable under lockdown, especially the women and children who are more likely to be victims of abuse. They have donated £150,000 to the UK national domestic abuse charity, Refuge, helping them keep their 24-hour helpline operating. The brand has also announced a $1 million commitment to support frontline services tackling the issue.