Being newly diagnosed with diabetes can feel overwhelming — there’s so much to learn about managing your blood sugar, diet, and lifestyle.
But one area that often gets overlooked is your diabetic skin care health..
Diabetes can make skin more vulnerable — drier, slower to heal, and more prone to infections. The good news? With the right daily care, you can keep your skin healthy, hydrated, and resilient.
Here are 10 things every newly diagnosed diabetic should know about diabetic skin health — and how to protect it from day one.
1. Your Skin Is an Early Warning System
Your skin often shows early signs of diabetes-related changes before other symptoms appear. Dryness, itching, redness, or cracks — especially on your legs and feet — can signal circulation issues or nerve damage.
Tip: Regularly check your skin from head to toe. If you notice unusual dryness, sores, or colour changes, talk to your GP or diabetes nurse. Early attention can prevent complications.
2. Hydration Is Everything
High blood sugar can draw moisture out of your skin, leading to tightness, flaking, and discomfort. Drinking plenty of water helps your skin stay supple from within.
Tip: Aim for 6–8 glasses of water a day and pair that with a daily moisturiser (more on that next).
3. Moisturising Daily Isn’t Optional — It’s Essential
When you have diabetes, your skin barrier can weaken, making it harder to hold onto moisture. A good moisturiser helps restore this barrier, keeping your skin hydrated and protected.
What to look for in a diabetic moisturiser:
- Barrier-supporting ingredients such as ceramides and panthenol.
- Hydrating agents like glycerin and hyaluronic acid.
- Non-greasy, fast-absorbing texture that doesn’t clog pores
- Fragrance-free and hypoallergenic formulations to reduce irritation.
Try: Barrier+ Cream — formulated to strengthen and protect diabetic skin with intensive hydration and long-lasting comfort.
4. Feet Deserve Special Attention
Your feet carry you through life — and they’re also one of the first areas affected by diabetes. Poor circulation and nerve damage (neuropathy) can reduce sensation, making it easier for minor cuts or blisters to go unnoticed.
A good diabetic foot balm should:
- Contain urea to soften dry, cracked skin
- Include antibacterial and antifungal ingredients for protection
- Be rich in emollients like shea butter to seal in moisture
- Absorb quickly without leaving a slippery residue
Try: Foot Shield Balm — developed to soothe, hydrate, and protect vulnerable feet while supporting skin recovery.
5. Use a Gentle Cleanser — Never Harsh Soap
Traditional soaps can strip away natural oils and disrupt your skin’s pH, leading to irritation. For diabetics, this can mean dryness, tightness, or micro-cracks that increase infection risk.
What makes a good gentle face and body wash:
- Soap-free and pH-balanced
- Sulfate-free (avoid SLS and SLES)
- Enriched with aloe vera or chamomile for calming benefits
- Designed to cleanse without stripping moisture
Try: Gentle Wash — a mild, soothing cleanser that respects sensitive diabetic skin while keeping it fresh and balanced.
6. Check Your Skin Daily
A quick daily scan can prevent major issues. Look for redness, cuts, dry patches, or blisters — especially on your feet, ankles, and between toes.
Tip Use a hand mirror or ask for help checking areas you can’t easily see.
7. Avoid Hot Showers and Harsh Towels
Hot water can dehydrate your skin, and rough towels can create micro-tears.
Tip: Use lukewarm water and pat (don’t rub) your skin dry, then apply moisturiser while it’s still slightly damp to lock in hydration.
8. Don’t Ignore Small Cuts or Cracks
Even a small nick can become a serious problem if blood sugar is high. Clean gently with mild antiseptic, keep it covered, and monitor closely. If it’s not healing, seek medical advice.
Tip: Use a Repair Mist or healing spray designed for diabetic skin to support faster recovery.
9. Keep Your Environment Skin-Friendly
Low humidity, heating, and air conditioning all dry out your skin.
Tip: Use a humidifier in your bedroom, wear soft cotton fabrics, and keep your moisturiser handy — reapply as needed.
10. Consistency Is the Secret
Healthy skin care for diabetes isn’t about one-off treatments — it’s about building daily habits. Cleanse gently, moisturise regularly, check often, and protect always. Over time, these small steps can make a big difference to your comfort, confidence, and overall health.
Final Thoughts
Diabetic skin needs a little more care — but with the right approach, it can stay strong, hydrated, and healthy.
Start with three essentials: a gentle cleanser, a protective moisturiser and a foot balm — then build your routine around prevention and protection.
Source:
The Diabetic Skin Care Company: Skin Protection. Redefined for Diabetes.
