Maybe it’s ‘cos it’s the cold… maybe it’s because I’m getting old and drying up like a faded wet suit forgotten in the sun; either way, I’m deffo reaching for hand cream a lot more often than I used to. This is why I’ve really enjoyed using Mavala MAVA+ Extreme Care for Hands hand cream.

This stuff’s the business ‘cos it treats your hands to an intensive dose of moisture but doesn’t leave them feeling greasy or gross, even though it’s aimed at people with very dry, irritated skin in need of serious TLC. In fact, I read some rave reviews online from people who had super chapped, bleeding hands (tres miff, I know) and they say it definitely helped them soothe and smooth.

Ingredients-wise you’re looking at nourishing shea butter, bisabolol and antioxidant vitamin E to soothe and reduce redness as well as a botanical complex that forms a ‘protective shield’ that isn’t greasy in the least. I also rather like that this is fragrance-free so it doesn’t compete with my perfume.

If you’ve got super dry hands; are feeling the effects of a harsh climate or perhaps have OCD and wash your mitts ten zillion times a day, perhaps give this baby a bash. Initially, I initially balked at the price – R199,95! – but then realised my usual must-have hand cream, Crabtree & Evelyn’s Gardener’s Hand Therapy, isn’t too far off at R140 a pop.

To find a stockist near you, check out Mavala’s SA website over here.

Love, love

Leigh