Ask The Expert
Daily Care

Dry skin can have many causes:

• Dehydration due to poorly controlled diabetes
• Diabetic neuropathy (nerve damage) that can cause decreased sweating, especially in the lower extremities. Sweating helps to keep your skin moist, so the loss of sweat can cause dry skin that cracks easily
• Other medical conditions - Vitamin deficiencies causing dry skin are rare in most countries so you would need to discuss these issues with your physician
• Winter weather-where you rely on indoor heating, which can dry out your skin
• Outdoor activity-exposure to sun and wind

How to increase moisture:

• Make sure you drink at least eight glasses of water or sugar-free liquids a day to provide your body with adequate fluid. Liquids containing caffeine don't count, as they have a diuretic effect causing water loss.
• Avoid creams or lotions that contain perfume or fragrance, as they contain alcohol, which has a drying effect.
• Avoid harsh soaps-including deodorant or heavily fragranced soaps. Consider mild cleansing lotion soaps, such as Oil of Olay or Dove body washing soap, Aveeno, Keri or Basis.
• Apply lotion, cream or oil to your skin right after bathing, while the skin is still damp.
• Suggested lotions or oils are those without heavy fragrance:
  • Neutrogena body oil
  • Alpha-Keri
  • Lubriderm
  • Nivea
  • Or, check with your doctor or pharmacist for further recommendations.