Living with diabetes means paying extra attention to your skin. High blood sugar levels can lead to dryness, slow healing, and an increased risk of infection — especially on the feet and lower legs. The good news? With the right daily habits and specialist skincare, you can keep your skin healthy, comfortable, and resilient.
Here are 10 essential tips for caring for diabetic skin — simple steps that make a big difference.
1. Moisturise Daily — Don’t Wait for Dryness
Dryness is one of the most common skin issues linked to diabetes. High glucose levels can pull moisture from your skin, leaving it tight, rough, or flaky.>Use a fragrance-free, dermatologist-approved cream (not a lotion) at least once a day, ideally after bathing when skin is still slightly damp. Look for ingredients like ceramides, urea, shea butter, and glycerin to help strengthen the skin barrier and lock in hydration.
Tip: Avoid applying cream between your toes — excess moisture there can encourage fungal growth.
2. Be Gentle When Cleansing
Many soaps and body washes strip away your skin’s natural oils, worsening dryness. Choose mild, pH-balanced cleansers formulated for sensitive or diabetic skin. Wash with lukewarm, not hot water, and avoid scrubbing. After washing, pat skin dry with a soft towel instead of rubbing.
3. Check Your Feet Every Day
Your feet are one of the most vulnerable areas if you have diabetes. Nerve damage (neuropathy) can make it harder to feel small cuts, and reduced circulation can slow healing.Inspect your feet daily for cracks, redness, swelling, blisters, or sores. Use a mirror or ask a loved one to help if needed. Report any wounds or colour changes to your GP or podiatrist immediately.
4. Keep Your Blood Sugar Under Control
Healthy skin starts from the inside. Keeping blood glucose within your target range helps prevent dryness, itching, and delayed healing. Consistent blood sugar management supports your skin’s ability to regenerate and stay supple — it’s one of the best “skincare products” you can invest in.
5. Stay Hydrated
Hydration isn’t just about moisturiser — it starts internally. Drink enough water throughout the day to help your body (and skin) stay balanced. Dehydration can make dryness worse and slow down the body’s natural healing processes.
6. Protect Your Skin from Cuts and Irritation
Even small injuries can become serious if left untreated. When gardening, cleaning, or doing DIY, wear protective gloves. Choose soft, breathable fabrics (like cotton) to avoid chafing. Always treat minor cuts promptly with gentle antiseptic and cover them with a sterile dressing until healed.
7. Don’t Ignore Itching or Redness
Persistent itching, rashes, or red patches can signal dryness, infection, or poor circulation. Avoid scratching — it can break the skin — and use a fragrance-free moisturiser or cooling mist for relief. If symptoms don’t improve within a few days, seek professional advice.
8. Care for Your Feet — But Skip Moisturiser Between Toes
Moisturising your feet daily helps prevent cracking, but avoid the spaces between toes where trapped moisture can lead to fungal infections. Keep toenails neatly trimmed, wear breathable shoes, and change socks daily. For best results, consider a specialist foot cream designed for diabetic skin, such as our Foot Balm.
9. Shield Your Skin from the Sun
Diabetic skin is more prone to dryness and damage, so sun protection is essential year-round. Use a broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen on exposed areas, even on cloudy days. Reapply every two hours if outdoors for long periods. Sunburn can increase infection risk and make blood sugar harder to control.
10. Build a Simple, Consistent Routine
Consistency is key to healthy skin. A simple routine done daily is far more effective than occasional intensive treatments. Your daily ritual could look like this.
- Morning: Gentle cleanse + SPF moisturiser
- Evening: Cleanse + rich, repairing cream or serum
- Weekly: Check skin thoroughly and exfoliate gently with a mild, non-abrasive formula
Small habits, repeated daily, protect your skin — and your health — long-term.
Final Thoughts
Caring for diabetic skin isn’t complicated — it’s about awareness, prevention, and the right products. When you treat your skin as part of your diabetes care routine, you’re not just improving comfort — you’re helping prevent complications and protecting your overall well-being.
At The Diabetic Skin Care Company, our mission is simple: to redefine skin protection for diabetes through dermatologically tested formulas designed to hydrate, repair, and protect vulnerable skin.
Because healthy skin starts with daily care — and you deserve products that understand yours.
