Looking after your skin when living with diabetes
Dryness, sensitivity and the little things that make a difference. A practical look at everyday skincare, and why living with diabetes can sometimes call for extra attention.
Some people can use almost any shower gel, forget to moisturise for weeks and barely give their skin a second thought.
For others, it’s a little more complicated.
Skin that feels tight after a shower. Hands that become dry in colder weather. The frustrating experience of finding a moisturiser that works, only to discover that another product leaves your skin feeling irritated.
These are familiar concerns for plenty of people, whether they live with diabetes or not.
But diabetes can introduce additional considerations. Persistently high blood glucose levels may contribute to dryness, while changes to circulation and nerve function can sometimes make skin problems harder to notice or slower to heal.
That doesn’t mean every patch of dry skin is caused by diabetes. Nor does it mean looking after your skin requires an elaborate collection of products.
Often, it’s about understanding what your skin needs and making a few thoughtful adjustments to everyday routines.
The connection between diabetes and skin health
Our skin does considerably more than influence how we look.
It’s the body’s largest organ, providing a protective barrier against the outside world, helping regulate temperature and playing an important role in sensation.
For people living with diabetes, maintaining that protective barrier can be particularly important.
High blood glucose levels can contribute to fluid loss, sometimes resulting in dry or itchy skin. Over time, diabetes-related changes to blood vessels and nerves may also affect circulation, sensation and wound healing.
Certain bacterial and fungal skin infections are more common among people with diabetes, particularly when glucose levels remain elevated.
But it’s important to distinguish between skin problems that can be associated with diabetes and those that simply happen to someone who has diabetes.
Dryness, sensitivity, eczema and irritation have many possible causes. The weather, bathing habits, skincare ingredients and other skin conditions can all play a part.
Rather than assuming diabetes explains every symptom, it’s worth paying attention to changes and seeking advice when something doesn’t seem right.
Sometimes, the bath is part of the problem
There’s something wonderfully comforting about a hot bath, especially after a long day.
Unfortunately, our skin doesn’t always appreciate the temperature quite as much as we do.
Hot water can strip away some of the skin’s natural oils, leaving it feeling dry, tight or irritated. Spending a long time soaking can make matters worse.
It’s a familiar conversation in our household.
My partner has lived with type 1 diabetes for more than 30 years and has particularly dry, sensitive skin. Whether diabetes contributes to that sensitivity isn’t something we’ve established, but it’s certainly something we’re mindful of.
He also loves a bath. Preferably a very hot one.
A while ago, we bought a bath thermometer to make it easier to keep the water at a more skin-friendly temperature. It’s a small addition to our bathroom, but one that makes it easier to be consistent.
And perhaps that’s the point: caring for sensitive skin doesn’t always require a complicated solution.
Sometimes, it starts with turning the temperature down.
For people with diabetes who have reduced sensation, particularly in their feet, checking bathwater temperature is also an important safety consideration. Water that feels comfortable to one person may be hot enough to cause injury to someone who cannot sense temperature normally.
Warm rather than hot water, shorter baths and gentle drying are sensible starting points.
Finding skincare that works for you
Skincare shelves can be overwhelming.
There are products promising hydration, repair, radiance, renewal and just about everything in between.
But when skin is dry or sensitive, the most useful product may be the least exciting one.
A simple, fragrance-free moisturiser can help support the skin barrier and reduce moisture loss. Creams and ointments are often more effective for very dry skin than lightweight lotions.
Ingredients such as glycerin, ceramides and urea can be useful in appropriate formulations, although not every ingredient suits every person.
It’s also worth remembering that products labelled natural aren’t automatically gentler. Fragrances and botanical extracts can sometimes irritate sensitive skin.
In our household, we’ve gradually become more conscious of choosing products that suit my partner’s skin.
Even my mum has taken an interest. She now occasionally buys him skincare designed for sensitive skin, simply because she knows it’s something he needs.
It’s a small gesture, but rather lovely.
And it’s a reminder that looking after someone doesn’t always involve grand acts of care. Sometimes, it means remembering which moisturiser they can comfortably use.
The best routine is often one that’s uncomplicated enough to maintain.
A few habits worth keeping
If your skin tends to become dry or irritated, there are several practical habits that may help.
Choose gentle cleansing products
Strong soaps and heavily fragranced shower gels can aggravate dry or sensitive skin.
Consider a mild, fragrance-free cleanser or an emollient-based wash if ordinary soap leaves your skin feeling uncomfortable.
There’s rarely a need to scrub aggressively. Gentle cleansing is usually enough.
Moisturise after bathing
Applying an emollient after a bath or shower can help reduce moisture loss.
Pat the skin dry rather than rubbing vigorously, then apply a suitable moisturiser while the skin is still slightly damp.
For particularly dry areas, a richer cream or ointment may be more comfortable than a light lotion.
Pay attention to your hands
Frequent handwashing, cold weather and household cleaning products can all contribute to dryness.
Keeping a moisturiser near the sink or using protective gloves for cleaning can make it easier to look after your hands throughout the day.
Protect your skin outdoors
Sun protection remains important for people with and without diabetes.
Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with appropriate UVA protection and at least SPF 30 when needed, and remember that UV exposure isn’t limited to hot summer days.
During colder weather, gloves and suitable clothing can help protect exposed skin from wind and irritation.
Give your skin time to respond
If a product causes stinging, burning, redness or worsening irritation, stop using it and ask a pharmacist or healthcare professional for advice.
Sometimes, finding a comfortable routine involves a little trial and error.
And that’s perfectly ordinary.
What about drinking more water?
Hydration is another subject that tends to attract rather ambitious skincare promises.
Drink enough water, we’re told, and our skin will become softer, clearer and more radiant.
The reality is more nuanced.
Staying adequately hydrated is important for general health, and dehydration can affect how the skin looks and feels. High blood glucose can also cause increased urination and fluid loss.
But drinking extra water beyond what your body needs isn’t a guaranteed solution for dry skin.
For someone whose skin barrier is irritated or losing moisture, topical skincare may be more directly helpful.
That said, remembering to drink regularly can be its own challenge.
It’s something we’re still working on at home. My partner isn’t particularly good at keeping up with fluids throughout the day, and gentle reminders have become part of our routine.
There’s no magical skincare trick involved.
Just the rather unglamorous business of making sure a glass of water doesn’t sit untouched for hours.
Why your feet deserve particular attention
While much of everyday skincare focuses on the face, hands and body, foot care deserves special consideration for people living with diabetes.
Over time, diabetes can affect the nerves and blood supply in the feet.
Reduced sensation may make it harder to notice a blister, small cut or pressure injury. Changes to circulation can also affect healing.
That’s why regular foot checks are recommended as part of diabetes care.
Look for changes such as cuts, blisters, cracks, swelling, changes in colour or areas that feel unusually warm.
Moisturising dry skin on the feet can help prevent cracking, but avoid applying cream between the toes, where excess moisture can encourage skin problems.
It’s also important not to attempt to remove corns or hard skin with sharp tools or over-the-counter acid treatments without professional advice.
And if you notice a new wound, unexplained redness, swelling, discharge or another concerning change, contact your diabetes foot care team or GP promptly rather than waiting for your next routine appointment.
People with diabetes should also have their feet assessed as part of their regular diabetes reviews.
These precautions might seem separate from everyday skincare, but they’re part of the same principle: protecting the skin before small problems become more serious.
When to ask for advice
Most people experience occasional dryness or irritation.
But some skin changes deserve professional attention, particularly when living with diabetes.
Speak with a pharmacist, GP or appropriate healthcare professional if you notice persistent itching, recurrent rashes, painful cracks, unusual skin changes or irritation that doesn’t improve with gentle care.
Seek prompt medical advice for signs of infection or wounds that aren’t healing normally. New foot wounds or signs of infection require particular urgency.
And remember that not every skin condition can be resolved by switching moisturisers.
Sometimes, identifying the underlying cause is the most useful step.
Care doesn’t have to be complicated
There’s a tendency to think of skincare as something elaborate.
A carefully arranged shelf of products. A morning routine. An evening routine. Several steps devoted to achieving a particular result.
But for many people, particularly those managing a long-term condition, another complicated routine is the last thing they need.
Sometimes, looking after your skin is much simpler.
A bath that’s comfortably warm rather than scalding. A moisturiser that doesn’t irritate. Remembering to drink regularly. Taking a moment to notice a change that wasn’t there before.
None of these habits is especially glamorous.
But they can make everyday life a little more comfortable.
And perhaps that’s a better way to think about skincare in the first place.
Not as another thing to perfect, but as a small, practical way of looking after ourselves — and occasionally, the people we love.
This article provides general information and is not a substitute for personalised medical advice. Skin symptoms can have many causes, and not all skin problems experienced by people with diabetes are diabetes-related. Seek professional advice for persistent symptoms, suspected infections or changes affecting the feet.
Further reading
American Academy of Dermatology — Skin care for people with diabetesTaking proactive steps to care for it can lead to a healthier, more vibrant you.