Method and compositions are provided for treating or preventing a skin pathologyor disorder associated with diabetes and/or aging, by topical administrationof at least one agent capable of restoring an impaired physiological conditionof the skin associated with said skin pathology or disorder. Examples of suchagents include PKC modulating agents, various adipokines and insulin signalingrelated molecules. In particular, restoration of the subcutaneous adiposetissue can overcome many of the diabetic skin pathologies and aging skin disordersand conditions.