Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS) and Skincare: What Helps, What Doesn't

If you're living with hidradenitis suppurativa, you already know that most skincare advice isn't written for you. The articles about "body acne" don't quite fit. The "sensitive skin" recommendations don't go far enough. And the products that promise to clear everything up? They often make it worse. HS is not regular acne. It's a chronic, inflammatory condition that requires its own approach — and it deserves to be talked about honestly, with the respect and sensitivity that people living with it rarely get.

This article isn't going to promise a cure. There isn't one — not in skincare, and we won't pretend otherwise. What we can talk about is how to care for HS-affected skin in a way that reduces irritation, helps manage dark marks and scarring, and makes your skin feel a little more comfortable day to day. Because you deserve that.

What is hidradenitis suppurativa (HS)?

Hidradenitis suppurativa — often shortened to HS — is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that causes painful, recurrent lumps (nodules and abscesses) to form in areas where skin rubs together. The most common sites are the underarms, groin, inner thighs, under the breasts and buttocks. These lumps can be deeply painful, may burst and drain, and often leave tunnels (sinus tracts) under the skin that connect flare sites.

HS affects an estimated 1 to 4% of the population, and it disproportionately affects women and people of colour. Despite being relatively common, it remains widely underdiagnosed — many people with HS go years before receiving a correct diagnosis, often being told they have "just boils" or "ingrown hairs."

The condition ranges from mild (occasional nodules) to severe (widespread, interconnected abscesses and scarring). It tends to follow a cycle of flares and remission, and its impact goes far beyond the physical. HS affects what people wear, how they move, whether they exercise, and how they feel about themselves. It is, for many, an isolating and emotionally exhausting condition.

How HS affects the skin beyond flare-ups

Even between active flares, HS leaves its mark on the skin — literally. The most common lasting effects include:

Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH). The intense inflammation caused by HS flares triggers excess melanin production, leaving dark marks that can persist for months or years. This is especially prominent on medium and deep skin tones, where PIH is more visible and more persistent. For many people with HS, the dark marks are just as distressing as the flares themselves.

Scarring. Repeated flares in the same area can cause hypertrophic scars (raised, thickened skin), atrophic scars (indented skin) and rope-like scarring from sinus tracts. Over time, scarring can limit mobility in affected areas.

Uneven skin tone and texture. The combination of active lesions, healing wounds, PIH and scarring creates a patchwork of different textures and tones that can make people feel self-conscious about their bodies.

What mainstream skincare gets wrong for HS skin

Most skincare — even "acne" skincare — is not designed for HS. Here's where mainstream products and advice fall short:

Treating HS like acne. HS is not caused by clogged pores in the traditional sense. It originates in the hair follicles and involves the immune system. Acne-focused ingredients like benzoyl peroxide and high-concentration salicylic acid can be too harsh for HS-affected skin, causing irritation that triggers more flares.

Using products with harsh chemicals. SLS, synthetic fragrance, alcohol and strong exfoliating acids can all irritate the fragile, inflamed skin around HS lesions. When the skin barrier is already compromised by active flares, these ingredients can cause burning, stinging and further inflammation.

Ignoring dark marks. Mainstream HS content focuses almost entirely on managing flares. Very little is written about addressing the dark marks and scarring that HS leaves behind — despite this being one of the biggest concerns for people living with the condition, particularly those with deeper skin tones.

Ingredients that help HS-affected skin

While no topical product can treat the underlying immune dysfunction that drives HS, the right ingredients can help manage symptoms, soothe inflammation and address the dark marks and scarring that come with it:

• Turmeric (curcumin) — a potent natural anti-inflammatory that calms redness, reduces swelling and has been shown to inhibit excess melanin production. Turmeric can help soothe the skin around healing lesions and gradually fade dark marks.
• Gentle physical exfoliants (demerara sugar, cane sugar) — help remove the build-up of dead skin cells that can trap bacteria and worsen follicular occlusion. However, exfoliation should only be used on calm, non-flaring skin — never on active lesions.
• Avocado oil — deeply nourishing and rich in vitamins A, D and E. Helps repair the moisture barrier and softens scarred or thickened skin.
• Vitamin E — an antioxidant that supports skin repair and can help improve the appearance of scars over time.
• Aloe vera — cooling, soothing and hydrating. Helps calm inflammation without irritating sensitive or broken skin.

Ingredients and products to avoid with HS

• Sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS) — strips the already compromised moisture barrier and can trigger irritation in affected areas.
• Synthetic fragrance — a common irritant that can cause burning and stinging on HS-affected skin, particularly in areas where skin folds trap product.
• Alcohol-based products — drying and irritating. Avoid toners, sprays or wipes containing denatured alcohol.
• Heavy, comedogenic creams — thick lotions with mineral oil or petroleum can trap heat and moisture in skin folds, worsening the conditions that contribute to flares.
• Rough scrubs or loofahs on active lesions — physical friction on flaring skin can cause pain, spread bacteria and worsen scarring. Exfoliate only on calm, healed skin.
• Tight, non-breathable clothing — synthetic fabrics increase friction and trap sweat. Wear loose, breathable cotton wherever possible, especially over affected areas.

A gentle daily body care routine for HS skin

This routine is designed for the skin between flares and on calm, non-active areas. During active flares, minimise product use on affected areas and follow your dermatologist's guidance.

Daily:

• Wash with a gentle, sulphate-free body wash or natural cleansing bar using your hands — not a loofah or rough cloth. Use lukewarm water. Hot water increases inflammation.
• Pat skin dry gently. Don't rub.
• Apply a lightweight, non-comedogenic body oil or moisturiser to keep skin hydrated and comfortable.

Two to three times per week (on calm, non-flaring skin only):

• Use a gentle body scrub to exfoliate areas prone to follicular occlusion — but avoid any active lesions, open wounds or tender areas. Focus on surrounding skin to prevent build-up of dead cells.

Always:

• Wear loose, breathable fabrics over affected areas.
• Change clothing after sweating.
• Avoid shaving over or near active lesions — use an electric trimmer if hair removal is needed.

Managing dark marks and scarring left by HS flares

For many people with HS — especially those with medium and deep skin tones — the dark marks left by flares are a major concern. Here's how to address them:

Be consistent with anti-inflammatory care. Regular use of turmeric-based products on healed skin can gradually fade PIH by calming residual inflammation and inhibiting excess melanin production.

Exfoliate gently and regularly. Gentle exfoliation on healed skin promotes cell turnover, helping to lift pigmented cells and reveal more even-toned skin underneath.

Protect from UV. Sun exposure darkens existing dark marks. If affected areas are exposed to sunlight, apply SPF to prevent marks from deepening.

Be patient. HS-related dark marks, especially on deeper skin tones, can take three to six months to fade noticeably. Progress is slow but real — and consistency is what makes the difference.

One of our customers, who lives with moderate HS, shared this: "I suffer from moderate HS and this soap has faded the dark spots that I have. It's helping me feel less insecure and I am so thankful."

That review stayed with us. Because for so many people with HS, it's not just about clearer skin — it's about feeling a little more at home in your body.

The emotional side of HS — you are not alone

If you're living with HS, there's something we want you to hear: this is not your fault. You didn't cause this. You don't deserve this. And you are not alone.

HS is a medical condition — not a hygiene issue, not something caused by "not washing properly," not something you can simply fix by "trying harder." The shame and stigma that so many people with HS carry is a failure of education and empathy, not a reflection of who you are.

Living with a visible, painful, chronic skin condition takes an enormous emotional toll. It affects relationships, intimacy, confidence and mental health. If you're struggling, please know that support exists — HS support communities, understanding dermatologists and people who truly get it because they're living it too.

Skincare won't cure HS. But it can help you manage symptoms, reduce dark marks, and take a small daily action that says: I'm looking after myself. I deserve gentle care. And that matters more than any product ever could.

Gentle skincare for HS-affected skin

If you're looking for natural, gentle products to use as part of your HS skincare routine, Raw (body bar cleansing protection) is a natural turmeric cleansing bar that gently exfoliates and helps fade dark marks without harsh chemicals. Polish (body scrub protection) offers gentle physical exfoliation with turmeric and demerara sugar — use only on calm, healed skin between flares. Browse the full Body Acne collection for more options. All products are handmade, natural and vegan — formulated to be gentle on sensitive skin.