Insulin resistance refers to a pathological condition in which cells fail to respond sufficiently to insulin,leading to impaired glucose uptake and utilization. In recent years,some skin diseases have been found to be associated with metabolic syndrome,and insulin resistance is considered to be the most important pathophysiological feature of the metabolic syndrome. Recent literatures have described the role of insulin resistance in the pathogenesis of these skin diseases. This article elucidates the mechanisms of insulin resistance involved in skin diseases.