Living with hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) can feel like an endless cycle of flare-ups, pain, and frustration. Even on the good days, there’s often worry about when the next bump will appear.

So when people hear that a chemical peel, which is a treatment usually linked to spa facials, might help calm HS, it’s natural to feel both curious and cautious. Could something meant to smooth fine lines really ease painful skin inflammation?

Let’s take a closer look at what chemical peels do, how one ingredient called resorcinol might actually help with HS, and what doctors say about safety.

What Is a Chemical Peel?

A chemical peel is a skin treatment that uses a mild chemical solution to remove the top layers of dead or damaged skin. When that outer layer sheds, fresh, smoother skin grows underneath.

These treatments are usually done to brighten dull skin, treat acne scars, or even out skin tone. But recently, researchers have begun studying whether certain gentle peels might help unblock pores and reduce inflammation in people with HS. There are three main types of chemical peels:

• Light (superficial) peels — Remove only the epidermis (top skin layer)
• Medium peels — Go a little deeper into the top of the dermis (the second skin layer)
• Deep peels — Reach the middle or lower part of the dermis and are used for serious skin issues

How Chemical Peels Work

Chemical peels act like a reset button for your skin. The solution gently removes old skin cells, unclogs pores, and helps new, healthy cells form.

For someone with HS, a chemical peel could have an impact because HS flare-ups often start when hair follicles become inflamed. That inflammation can lead to painful nodules (bumps), tunnels, and draining sores.

A gentle peel can help reduce that buildup, make pores less likely to clog, and sometimes even calm inflammation. However, not every chemical peel is safe for HS, and that’s where resorcinol stands out.

Current guidelines for HS do not recommend chemical peels in the traditional spa-oriented sense. Instead, guidance focuses on the use of a 15 percent resorcinol cream, described as a chemical-peeling agent in clinical literature. The distinction is important: while resorcinol is indeed a component often used in skin-resurfacing peels, standard chemical-peel formulations frequently include additional acids or ingredients that may be too harsh or unsafe for skin affected by HS.

Resorcinol: The Star Ingredient for HS

Resorcinol is known for being antiseptic (fights germs), keratolytic (breaks down thick skin), and antipruritic (helps with itching). When applied as a cream, resorcinol helps to:

• Unclog blocked pores
• Reduce pain and size of HS nodules
• Control breakthrough flares

In a 2022 study, researchers found that using 15 percent topical resorcinol helped reduce pain and swelling in HS lesions, especially during flare-ups.

The cream works by breaking down keratin plugs (the material that clogs pores) while also reducing inflammation and bacteria on the skin.

For many people with HS, resorcinol feels like a small but meaningful breakthrough: something that’s gentle, accessible, and backed by real science.

What the Research Says

Research into HS treatments is still growing, but resorcinol has consistently shown positive results. In several small studies, people using 15 percent resorcinol cream reported:

• Faster healing of HS nodules
• Reduction in length of flare-ups
• Less pain during outbreaks

While this is exciting, resorcinol isn’t a cure; it’s a management tool. HS is a complex condition and often needs multiple treatments working together, like antibiotics, anti-inflammatory medications, and lifestyle adjustments. Resorcinol just adds another helpful layer to that plan.

Other Chemical Peels Sometimes Used

While resorcinol is the standout for HS, a few other peel ingredients are sometimes discussed in dermatology:

• Glycolic acid — This helps exfoliate dead skin and smooth texture. There is currently no data supporting its use in HS.
• Salicylic acid — Often used for acne, it reduces oil and unclogs pores, but may sting on inflamed HS areas.
• Lactic acid — A milder exfoliant that also hydrates the skin, it may be suitable for gentle maintenance between flare-ups.

It’s important to remember that what works for acne or sun damage doesn’t always work for HS. Because HS lesions can be open or draining, harsh peels can worsen irritation or delay healing.

That’s why it can be dangerous to use do-it-yourself peels or spa treatments for HS. Always ask your dermatologist before using any acid-based product on affected areas.

Are Chemical Peels Safe for HS?

Chemical peels can help refresh skin, but for someone with HS, they must be used with great care.

Even mild peels can cause burning or peeling on healthy skin, and HS skin is already sensitive. All peels carry a risk of redness, swelling, and temporary skin color changes. If your dermatologist recommends a peel, they may test it on a small area first. For HS, this often may mean applying resorcinol cream directly to lesions instead of treating the entire area. This targeted approach could help heal nodules while avoiding unnecessary irritation.

Possible Side Effects and Precautions

Most side effects from resorcinol or mild peels are temporary. These can include:

• Light redness or peeling
• Itch
• Skin discoloration or hyperpigmentation

But if the product is too strong or used on open HS wounds, it can lead to chemical burns or infection. Here’s how to stay safe:

• Use only dermatologist-approved treatments
• Start with low concentrations (10 percent to 15 percent resorcinol)
• Avoid using peels that are not recommended for HS or by your dermatologist

When To Talk to a Dermatologist

If you’re considering a chemical peel for HS, start with a conversation, not a product. A board-certified dermatologist can evaluate your skin, the severity of your HS, and any medications you’re already using.

They may prescribe resorcinol cream for mild lesions or use it alongside other treatments like antibiotics or biologics. In many cases, the best results come from combining gentle topical care with internal treatments that calm inflammation from the inside out.

Join the Conversation

On myHSteam, people share their experiences with hidradenitis suppurativa, get advice, and find support from others who understand.

Have you thought about using a chemical peel to help treat your HS? Let others know in the comments below.