Verified by Kiera Powell, R.N. and written by Sophie Bebeau on Wed Jan 01 2025.
Medically Verified
Fighting a battle with aging skin can feel neverending, especially if you have diabetes. Diabetes adds an extra layer of difficulty to taking care of your skin as you’re more likely to develop skin disorders. Shifting blood sugar levels can lead to rough, dry, and itchy skin. Long-term high blood sugar can also cause poor circulation and nerve damage, which can result in loss of feeling so you can’t tell if you have a cut, crack, or ulcer (open sore). Without proper care, this can lead to infection and further complications.
Luckily, with good skincare management, the common skin issues seen in diabetic patients are treatable and preventable. Below are our top recommendations for the best creams and lotions for diabetic skin based on research and reviews from real people with diabetes who have found what works for them. We've included both diabetes-focused products (those made specifically for diabetic skin) and other moisturizers that effectively target many of the skin issues people with diabetes face.
Caregiver Tip
Like a lot of other products, there isn't a "one size fits all" for lotions and creams. It may take trying a few different products out to find out what works best for you or your loved one.
If you've been researching the perfect lotion or cream to relieve your dry diabetic skin, you've likely stumbled upon Gold Bond Diabetics Dry Skin Relief. This lotion is considered the gold standard when it comes to diabetic-focused skincare. It has been developed specifically for diabetic skin with soothing aloe, vitamins B, C, & E, and a blend of moisturizing and hydrating ingredients. One dermatological study found that 90% of diabetic users of Gold Bond Diabetics Dry Skin Relief saw noticeable skin improvement within one hour of use.
★★★★★
"Love it! The cracks in my fingers which constantly give me trouble healed in two days and my skin is now amazingly much much better! It's more supple and smooth, "normal" — not dry! I am so grateful and truly relieved!" - Victoria B.
Hear it from a caregiver
If there was a 10 star review, I would give it that. I have suffered with scaly dry legs for years. My legs have been so bad at times they hurt and would bleed from all the scratching. I have tried EVERYTHING! Yes really everything. I applied this lotion after a bath at night and scales and itchiness is now gone and it has been over a week. My legs are no longer scaly, they don't itch and my skin looks great now! Only one application and it has lasted over a week. I thought I would have to reapply it every night after my bath (and I take really hot baths) but I haven't had to. This product is AMAZING and I will be ordering it for my diabetic father and aunt for sure!
- Junie M.
Price: $14.85
Borage DiabetiCare Foot Cream is a foot cream formulated with Omega-6. Borage Oil is a powerful source of omega-6 fatty acids, and is great to use for dry skin on feet. This particular product is formulated to help with dry and cracked skin on the feet and legs due to diabetes.
★★★★★
"It worked immediately! Didn't have to use that much either. Love it." -Doris B.
★★★★★
"The dryness on my feet has been an issue for many reasons and nothing has really helped the problem. I was ready to give up but decided to try the Borage. After 3 days the severe dryness is almost 100% better. I will continue to use this product as it is the best out there." - Helene S.
Price: $15.01
The Diabetic Foot Care Kit offers three basic elements: Socks, Skin Cream, and Soap. These elements will combine forces to heal, sooth and comfort feet, the area of the body to which diabetics need to pay careful attention.
Price: $32.25
There’s no cure for diabetes, but you can take steps as a caregiver to reduce your loved one’s risk of more serious health problems. One of the easiest ways to do that is by keeping your care recipient’s blood sugar in check.
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According to the American Diabetes Association, more than 14.3 million Americans aged 65 and older have diabetes, a group of diseases that affect the body’s ability to regulate blood sugar.
Medically Reviewed by Kiera Powell, R.N.
Sophie Bebeau is a writer, graphic designer, poet, and multidisciplinary artist living in Green Bay, Wisconsin. When she’s not writing or making things for the internet, she can be found cross-stitching, writing poetry, and snuggling on the couch with a cup of tea and her husband, son, and dog, Buttercup.