Hidradenitis Suppurativa: My Story, Symptoms, and Treatments That Help Me

As the owner and lead esthetician at Smoothe & Co, skin health is not just my profession. It is my passion. But there is one skin condition I know on a deeply personal level: hidradenitis suppurativa (HS).

I have lived with hidradenitis suppurativa for many painful years. Also known as acne inversa, HS is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that causes painful, boil-like lumps under the skin. These lesions often appear in areas where skin rubs together. For me, that means flare-ups in my underarms, groin, and sometimes under the breasts. HS is not contagious, but it is life-changing, both physically and emotionally.

Chemical vs. Mineral Sunscreen: What’s the Difference and Why You Need Sunscreen in Your Skincare Routine

At Smoothe & Co., we offer a variety of high-quality sunscreens, including our very own Smoothe SHIELD, the SkinBetter Compact, and a range of ColorScience SPF products like FLEX, Brush-On, Color Balm, and Total Eye. But before you choose the best SPF for your needs, let’s break down the difference between chemical and mineral sunscreen, why sunscreen is essential, and how it benefits your skin.