GLP-1s in Dermatology: New Potential for Psoriasis, Hidradenitis Suppurativa, and Acne Treatment

The rapid rise of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor antagonists has caught the attention of the dermatology community. While these medications were originally designed for Type 2 diabetes and obesity, many clinicians are noticing a secondary benefit: significant improvement in chronic inflammatory skin conditions.

For patients with psoriasis, hidradenitis suppurativa (HS), and acne, weight and metabolic health often act as fuel for skin inflammation. In 2026, the clinical conversation is shifting toward using GLP-1s to manage these underlying factors, potentially calming skin flares by reducing systemic inflammation at its source. Here’s a look at the current evidence and what is in the pipeline.

Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a systemic illness, not just a skin condition. Patients with psoriasis often carry a higher risk for heart disease and metabolic issues. Recent research indicates that GLP-1s may offer unique protection for this specific group.

• Improved outcomes: A 2026 study in the British Journal of Dermatology found that psoriasis patients using GLP-1s had a significantly lower risk of major cardiac events compared to those on other treatments. Patients with psoriasis who took GLP-1 medications also had lower overall mortality rates.

• Direct skin effects: GLP-1 receptors have been found on skin cells (keratinocytes). Activating these receptors may help dampen the inflammatory messengers (specifically IL-17 and TNF-α) that drive plaque formation. Researchers observed clinical improvements in PASI scores (Psoriasis Area and Severity Index) for some patients before significant weight loss occurred, suggesting the medication can reduce skin inflammation independently of its metabolic effects.

• What to watch: An ongoing trial is currently investigating how oral semaglutide performs as an add-on therapy, specifically tracking improvements in PASI scores.

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS)

HS is notoriously difficult to treat, often requiring long-term antibiotics or biologics. GLP-1s are emerging as a helpful adjunctive treatment for patients with a high BMI.

• Fewer flares: Research presented at the 2024 European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology Congress showed that patients treated with semaglutide saw their HS flare frequency decrease from an average of once every 8.5 weeks to once every 12 weeks.

• Weight and friction: For those living withHS, weight loss provides a mechanical benefit by reducing skin-on-skin friction in areas like the groin and armpits. The drugs also lower systemic markers of inflammation (like C-reactive protein), which may prevent new lesions from forming in the first place.

• Clinical evidence: Smaller studies have shown that medications like liraglutide can help improve clinical HS symptoms, with patients seeing significant improvements in Hurley scores within a few months of starting treatment.

Acne vulgaris

Acne is often fueled by high insulin levels, which trigger the skin to overproduce oil (sebum). By improving insulin sensitivity, GLP-1s appear to cut off this inflammatory fuel source at the root.

• Fewer breakouts: A 24-month prospective study followed patients taking semaglutide and found a significant reduction in acne severity and sebaceous gland activity. According to results published in early 2026, researchers noted that improvements in insulin sensitivity directly correlated with clearer skin, likely by dampening the hormonal triggers that cause excess oil production.

• The PCOS connection: For patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), GLP-1s help balance the hormones that typically cause deep, cystic hormonal acne.

Pipeline and new options

The landscape for GLP-1s in dermatology is expanding as newer, more convenient options reach the market.

• Oral options: The approval of orforglipron (Foundayo) in April 2026 is significant for dermatology. Patients who are hesitant about needles or are already managing complex biologic injections may prefer an oral option.

• Dual-action injectables: Semaglutide/cagrilintide (Cagri/Sema) is currently being watched for its potential to provide even deeper anti-inflammatory effects than semaglutide alone.

• Wound care: Early in vitro studies suggest GLP-1s might help skin cells migrate faster, potentially improving chronic diabetic ulcers or post-surgical healing in HS. And mouse models demonstrated improved wound healing in mice treated with topical GLP-1 medications. 

Safety considerations in dermatology

While generally well-tolerated, healthcare professionals should be aware of a few dermatologic side effects of GLP-1 medications:

• Injection site issues: Localized redness and itching are the most common skin-related complaints.

• Rare reactions: There are isolated reports of morbilliform drug eruptions triggered by dulaglutide. It is important to distinguish between a flare of the patient’s existing disease and a rare reaction to the medication.

• Hair loss: Rapid weight loss due to GLP-1 medications has been linked to hair loss.

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Written by:

Farzon A. Nahvi, MD

Farzon Nahvi, MD, is an emergency medicine physician and author of “Code Gray: Death, Life, and Uncertainty in the ER.” He works at Concord Hospital in Concord, New Hampshire, and teaches at the Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth.

Edited by:

Mandy Armitage, MD

Mandy Armitage, MD, has combined clinical medicine with her passion for education and content development for many years. She served as medical director for the health technology companies HealthLoop (now Get Well) and Doximity.

Reviewed by:

Maria Robinson, MD, MBA

Maria Robinson, MD, MBA, is a board-certified dermatologist and dermatopathologist who has practiced dermatology and dermatopathology for over 10 years across private practice, academic, and telehealth settings. She is a fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology and the American Society of Dermatopathology.

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