Diabetic Skin Care Routine: What to Do Daily (and When to Call a Doctor)
Skin issues affect roughly one-third of people with diabetes at some point, according to the American Diabetes Association. The good news: most problems are preventable with a simple daily routine. This guide walks you through exactly what to do each morning, evening, and after showering—plus how to spot warning signs early.
This article is for educational purposes only and does not replace the guidance of a qualified clinician or dermatologist. Do not change your care routine, medications, or treatment plan without consulting your healthcare provider.
Quick Answer
People with diabetes are more prone to dry skin, slow-healing wounds, and skin infections because elevated blood sugar can reduce moisture, impair circulation, and weaken immune response. A consistent daily routine—gentle cleansing, fragrance-free moisturizing, and daily skin checks—can prevent most complications. If you notice wounds that won't heal, spreading redness, or new skin changes, contact your clinician promptly.
Why Diabetes Affects Your Skin
Before diving into the routine, it helps to understand what's happening beneath the surface.
Moisture Loss and Dry Skin
High blood sugar pulls water from cells and increases urine output, both of which reduce skin hydration. Over time, the skin's natural barrier weakens, leading to cracking—especially on the feet, hands, and lower legs. These cracks may seem minor, but they create entry points for bacteria.
Reduced Circulation
Diabetes can damage small blood vessels, particularly in the extremities. When blood flow decreases, the skin receives fewer nutrients and heals more slowly. This is why a small cut on the foot of someone with diabetes can become a serious concern if not addressed quickly. For more on how blood sugar affects the body, explore our metabolic health guide.
Weakened Immune Response
Elevated blood sugar can impair the immune system's ability to fight off bacteria and fungi. This makes skin infections—including yeast infections, bacterial folliculitis, and fungal conditions—more likely and harder to resolve.
Your Daily Skin Care Checklist
A good diabetic skin care routine doesn't require expensive products or a lot of time. Consistency matters more than complexity.
Morning Routine
- Wash with a gentle, fragrance-free cleanser. Avoid hot water, which strips natural oils. Lukewarm is best.
- Pat dry thoroughly. Don't rub—especially between toes and in skin folds where moisture can linger.
- Apply a fragrance-free moisturizer to arms, legs, hands, and torso while skin is still slightly damp. This locks in hydration.
- Apply SPF 30+ sunscreen to exposed areas. Diabetes medications like some sulfonylureas can increase sun sensitivity.
- Do a quick skin check. Glance at your hands, arms, and any visible skin for new spots, rashes, or changes.
After Showering
- Keep showers short (5–10 minutes) and use lukewarm water.
- Use a soap-free or pH-balanced body wash. Traditional bar soaps tend to be alkaline and can disrupt the skin barrier.
- Dry skin folds carefully. Under breasts, between toes, behind knees, and in groin areas—these are prime spots for fungal growth.
- Moisturize immediately. The first few minutes after bathing are the best time to seal in moisture.
Evening and Foot Care
- Inspect your feet daily. Check the tops, bottoms, sides, heels, and between each toe. Use a mirror or ask someone to help if flexibility is limited.
- Wash feet with lukewarm water and dry thoroughly, especially between toes.
- Apply moisturizer to the tops and bottoms of feet—but not between the toes. Excess moisture there encourages fungal infections.
- Check for cuts, blisters, calluses, color changes, or swelling. Any change is worth noting.
- Wear clean, moisture-wicking socks if your feet tend to sweat overnight. Learn more about choosing the right socks in our guide to diabetic socks vs. compression socks.
Choosing the Right Products: Ingredient Guidance
Not all moisturizers and cleansers are created equal. Here's what to look for—and what to avoid.
Ingredients That Help
- Ceramides – Restore the skin's natural barrier and lock in moisture.
- Hyaluronic acid – Draws water into the skin for deep hydration.
- Glycerin – A gentle humectant found in many drugstore moisturizers.
- Colloidal oatmeal – Soothes irritation and supports the skin barrier.
- Urea (10–20%) – Effective for very dry, rough patches on heels and elbows. Start with a lower concentration to test tolerance.
- Dimethicone – A silicone-based ingredient that forms a protective layer without clogging pores.
Ingredients to Avoid
- Fragrance and parfum – Common irritants that can worsen dry or sensitive skin.
- Alcohol (denatured or isopropyl) – Strips moisture and disrupts the skin barrier.
- Harsh exfoliants – Physical scrubs with sharp particles can create micro-tears, especially on fragile skin.
- Retinoids (without guidance) – Effective for some skin concerns, but can cause excessive drying and peeling. Use only under clinician supervision.
The American Academy of Dermatology recommends fragrance-free, hypoallergenic products for people with diabetes-related skin concerns.
Common Skin Care Mistakes to Avoid
Even well-meaning habits can backfire. Here are the most frequent missteps:
- Soaking feet in water. Long soaks soften skin too much, increasing the risk of cracks and fungal infections. Quick washes are better.
- Using heating pads or hot water bottles on feet. If you have neuropathy, you may not feel a burn until damage is done.
- Ignoring minor cuts or dry patches. Small issues can escalate quickly with diabetes. Address them early.
- Applying lotion between toes. This creates a moist environment ideal for fungal growth.
- Walking barefoot. Even at home, shoes or slippers protect feet from cuts, splinters, and burns. If you're exploring foot care options like pedicures, the same principle applies—protection first.
- Skipping moisturizer because skin "feels fine." Prevention is easier than treatment. Consistent moisturizing maintains the skin barrier even before dryness appears.
When Something Goes Wrong: Symptom → First Step → Escalate
Knowing what to do when you notice a skin change can prevent small issues from becoming serious ones.
| Symptom | First Step | When to Escalate |
|---|---|---|
| Dry, flaky patches | Apply fragrance-free moisturizer twice daily | If cracking occurs or skin doesn't improve in 1 week |
| Small cut or scrape | Clean with soap and water, apply antibiotic ointment, cover with bandage | If redness spreads, wound doesn't start healing in 2 days, or pus appears |
| Itching without rash | Moisturize, switch to fragrance-free products | If itching persists more than a few days or worsens |
| Red, warm, swollen area | Keep area clean and elevated; monitor closely | Same day if spreading, or if you develop fever |
| Dark or thickened skin patches | Note location and size; mention at next visit | If patches grow rapidly or become painful |
| Blisters (no known cause) | Don't pop; cover with a clean bandage | Contact clinician within 24 hours |
| Fungal-looking rash (red, itchy, ring-shaped) | Keep area dry; avoid scratching | See clinician for diagnosis and treatment |
Red Flags: When to Call a Doctor
Some skin changes need prompt medical attention. Contact your clinician or seek care right away if you notice:
- A wound that has not started healing within 48 hours
- Redness that is spreading outward from a wound or skin break
- Warmth, swelling, or pus around any wound
- Fever or chills, especially with a visible skin issue
- A foot ulcer, no matter how small
- Sudden blistering without known cause
- Skin that turns dark, blue, or black—this may indicate tissue damage
- New numbness or tingling near a wound, which may signal nerve or circulation problems
The CDC recommends that people with diabetes check their feet daily and report any changes to their healthcare team without delay.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best moisturizer for diabetic skin?
Look for fragrance-free moisturizers containing ceramides, hyaluronic acid, or glycerin. Drugstore options like CeraVe, Vanicream, and Eucerin are widely recommended by dermatologists. For very dry feet, a urea-based cream (10–20%) can help soften rough patches. Avoid products with fragrance, dyes, or alcohol.
How often should someone with diabetes moisturize?
At least twice daily—after your morning wash and again in the evening. If you shower or bathe during the day, apply moisturizer within a few minutes of drying off. Feet, hands, and lower legs tend to need the most attention.
Can high blood sugar cause itchy skin?
Yes. Elevated blood sugar contributes to dehydration and dry skin, both of which can cause itching. Poor circulation and yeast overgrowth—both more common with diabetes—can also trigger itchiness. If itching persists despite moisturizing, talk to your clinician to rule out other causes.
Should diabetics avoid certain soaps?
Traditional bar soaps are often alkaline, which can disrupt the skin's natural pH and strip moisture. Choose soap-free, fragrance-free cleansers or body washes labeled as pH-balanced or "for sensitive skin." Avoid antibacterial soaps for daily use unless your clinician specifically recommends them.
How does diabetic skin care differ from regular skin care?
The basics are similar—gentle cleansing, consistent moisturizing, sun protection—but people with diabetes need to be more vigilant about daily skin and foot inspections, avoiding irritating ingredients, and responding quickly to any cuts, dryness, or changes. The stakes are higher because healing is slower and infection risk is elevated.
When should I see a dermatologist vs. my primary care doctor?
Start with your primary care doctor or endocrinologist for general skin concerns related to diabetes. See a dermatologist if you have persistent skin issues that aren't improving, unexplained rashes or lesions, or concerns about skin changes that could indicate something more serious. For foot-specific issues, a podiatrist may be the best first call.
Building Skin Care Into Your Wellness Routine
Daily skin care may seem small compared to managing blood sugar, planning meals, or staying active—but it's one of the most practical ways to protect your body and catch problems early. Think of it as another layer of your overall metabolic health strategy: simple, daily habits that compound over time.
If you're working on building sustainable daily routines, nutrition choices, and lifestyle habits, the Done With Diabetes™ protocol offers structured support across all of these areas. When you're ready to take the next step, get started with a personalized plan.
Healthy skin starts with consistent care—and you don't need a complicated routine to make a real difference. A few minutes each morning and evening can help you stay ahead of problems and feel more confident in your body every day.
This article is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. It does not replace the guidance of a qualified clinician, dermatologist, or diabetes care team. Do not change your care routine, medications, or treatment plan without consulting your healthcare provider. If you have concerns about your skin health, please reach out to a licensed professional.