Created 2020 ~ Updated November 2022
Diabetic Skin Care
Getting into a skincare routine is even more important for your overall health if you're diabetic as elevated blood sugar can slow down wound healing and increase the risk of infections.
Skincare for diabetics is not that different to someone without diabetes, however extra precautions should be taken and there are some skincare products that are better for diabetics than others.
If you are diabetic, be sure you are taking extra care of your skin and here are a few ways you can.
Moisturize Frequently ✔
Diabetics wounds take longer to heal which can cause infections and lead to more serious problems, so it's important to moisturize regularly to prevent the skin from cracking, breaking and even bleeding.
Each time you wash, moisturize immediately after drying your skin - A great way to remind yourself this is to keep a hand cream next to your hand wash. Always keep a travel-sized moisturizer with you for when you're not at home too.
Avoid over-using topical steroid creams - Speaking from experience, I can tell you topical steroid creams really do thin your skin, which makes it prone to breaking and cracking. If you do have eczema or other dry skin conditions that do require steroid creams when inflamed, apply them 20 minutes after your moisturizer twice a day for 2 weeks only.
Gold Bond Ultimate Healing Skin Therapy Lotion, Amazon
Good Bond Ultimate Dry Skin Therapy Lotion is ideal for all over the body. Amazon have it available in different sizes including a family size for when you're at home and travel sized one for when you're on the go.
The ingredients contain Aloe Vera, Vitamin E, Vitamin A and Vitamin C making it great for dry, cracked and even bleeding skin.
Try to fuel yourself with high vitamin C foods to help improve your skin internally as well as externally too. Vitamin C supplements can be used to increase the vitamin C in our bodies as it isn't a vitamin the body produces itself.
Vitamin C strengthens blood vessels and helps improve our skin's elasticity.
Daily Exfoliation ✔
The key to help the skin on your body absorb the moisturizer in the first place is exfoliating the skin.
Removing this dead layer of skin cells on the surface will allow your skin to absorb your moisturizer better.
If you miss this step, you're wasting some of moisturizer as the dead skin cells are creating a barrier, blocking your skin from absorbing your moisturizer as well as it could.
As the skin on the body is thicker than the skin on the face, it requires daily exfoliation. Give the soles of your feet a harder scrub with it being the thickest layer of skin on the body for protection. A pumice stone after a good foot soak or bath is best for this.
Dry Body Detox Skin Brush, Amazon
The best way to exfoliate the body is using a dry body skin brush. Amazon have many to choose from, with and without pumice stones sides too.
If you struggle to reach your back, one with a detachable handle is best which is available in the Spa Shop for under £10.
A lot of people I've met already have a body brush but don't use it correctly or frequently enough. (It's that wooden brush in your bathroom that looks like an old school brush to scrub the floor with - it's meant to be used on dry skin.) It's easier to brush dirt from a dry surface than a wet surface as you can imagine.
Best to use before a shower, then you can wash off all the dead skin you have just brushed off in the shower.
How to use body brush:
1. Use on dry skin before a shower - then you can wash off all the dead skin you have just brushed off in the shower.
2. Start by brushing from your toes, towards the direction of your heart to increase circulation, which helps improve all the organ functions.
Please use carefully as diabetics have reduced sensitivity. DO NOT use on broken skin.
Drink More Water, Caffeine-free & Sugar-free drinks ✔
Keep the skin hydrated inside out! Add your favorite fruits if you like it flavored. Remember to remove the fruit after 4 hours.
Add slices of cucumber, lemon and lime for the most refreshing, infused detox water. 👌
Best ways to remind yourself to drink more water:
✔ Use a Motivational Water Bottle - I love QuiFit's colourful range available on Amazon
✔ For your 8 glasses a day - drink one glass in the morning. One before and after breakfast, lunch and dinner, and one before bed. Equals your 8 a day.
✔ Use a FitBit Charge 3 which allows you to set water reminders
✔ Refill your bottle every night and let it be the first thing you see in the morning to start early
The Good Guru Diabetic Supplements can also help to prevent Diabetic skin problems and has the following benefits:
- Supports normal blood sugar levels with fruit extracts
- Supports weight loss and energy
- Helps to maintain blood sugar concentrations
- Maintains blood glucose levels
- Vitamins B5, C, Niacin & Manganese help normalize metabolism
- Reduces Tiredness & fatigue
Like with all vitamins and supplements, please ensure you check with your GP to ensure they're suitable for you before you take them, especially if you're already on a lot of medication.
Eat foods rich in Omega-3 Fatty Acids ✔
Fish like Salmon, Sardines, Herring, Anchovies and Mackerel, as well as vegan alternatives such as Tofu, Soybeans, Walnuts and Flaxseed, are all good fatty acids to consume. The oils they contain are all great to nourish the skin.
Getting enough of these healthy fats on a regular basis is especially important for diabetics as they have an increased risk of heart disease and stroke.
Omega-3 Capsules are also available to ensure you get your daily dose good fats. I highly recommend Goddess Nutrition Essential Omegas if there any available in stock on Amazon they're that popular.
Avoid Very Hot Water ✔
Most of us love a nice hot bubble bath, it still surprises me when people say they don't enjoy a bath - shocking! But try not to stay in your bath for longer than 10-15 minutes if you're diabetic, as it can dry out your skin further, as well as lower your blood pressure.
As diabetes contributes to nerve damage, it makes your feet less sensitive to hot or cold temperatures. Stepping into hot water could scald your skin before you even feel it doing so. To prevent this, keep the water temperature at 105°F (40.5°C) or lower, and/or dip your elbow in first to test the temperature.
Amazon have a choice of bath thermometers for you to choose from to make sure the temperature of your bath is safe. You could even get a cute little rubber duck bath thermometer.
Keep an extra close eye on any areas affected by neuropathy (nerve damage) and make sure to seek medical advice at an early stage.
Take Care of your Feet ✔
Adults with diabetes have a much greater chance of being hospitalized for non-traumatic lower limb amputation than adults without diabetes. Remind yourself of that to encourage you take care of your feet.
See a foot doctor to remove corns or calluses, or if you have persistent dry skin. If your doctor has given you permission to treat corns or calluses on your own, then gently use a pumice stone to remove corns and calluses after a shower or bath when your skin is soft.
Air dry your skin and dry it thoroughly, including in between the toes to prevent fungal infections.
O'Keeffe's Healthy Feet Foot Cream, Amazon
Amazon's best-selling foot cream relieves, and repair cracked heels within days.
SpaPLUS Skin Care Tip: Apply lots of moisturizer to your feet and put a sock over it for a quick, moisturizing foot mask.
Stay Hydrated Inside & Out
The key to dry, sensitive skin isn't just moisturizing and exfoliating, it's consistently keeping your skin hydrated from within too.
Consuming the right food & drinks is important for your skin as well as keeping on top of your skincare routine of exfoliating and moisturizing.
Share this post with anyone you know who has diabetes to help them improve their skin health.