Acids for the Skin: Good or Bad? Let’s Break It Down
When you hear the word acid, you might think of chemistry labs or harsh skin burns. But in skincare, acids can actually be your biggest supporters. Some acids gently exfoliate, others dive deep into pores, and together they can help keep skin drama in check.
Let’s clear things up and meet three acids that deserve a permanent spot in your skincare dictionary.
Glycolic Acid - “The Smooth Operator”
- What it is: An alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) made from sugarcane.
- What it does:
- Breaks down dead skin cells sitting on the surface.
- Helps clear away the stuff that can clog pores.
- Leaves skin looking brighter and smoother.
- Why it matters: Whiteheads and dull skin don’t stand a chance when glycolic acid is gently sweeping your skin clean.
Salicylic Acid - “The Deep Diver”
- What it is: A beta hydroxy acid (BHA) that is oil-soluble.
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What it does:
- Gets inside pores to dissolve excess oil and debris.
- Helps calm visible redness.
- Targets stubborn bumps that need more than surface-level care.
- Why it matters: If your pores are throwing tantrums, salicylic acid is like the friend who talks everyone down.
Azelaic Acid - “The Calm Controller”
- What it is: A dicarboxylic acid naturally found in grains like barley, rye, and wheat.
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What it does:
- Helps visibly even out skin tone.
- Works to minimize the look of redness.
- Keeps pores feeling clear and balanced.
- Why it matters: When skin feels chaotic, azelaic acid steps in as the steadying hand that restores order without the harshness.
ZitSticka’s Acid Squad
Here’s the kicker — ZitSticka uses these powerhouse acids across different products, each one tailored for a specific skin moment:
Goo Getter - A hydrocolloid patch that slurps up surface fluid while keeping the area protected, boosted with salicylic acid to speed up the process.
KILLA - A microdart patch that goes deeper, delivering targeted salicylic acid and other actives straight into early-stage pimples.
KILLA ACNE Extra Strength - Same precise delivery as KILLA, but with an amped-up formula (hello 2% salicylic acid + glycolic acid) to tackle the most stubborn, hard-to-shrink zits.
Undercover - Practically invisible on skin, this sheer patch slips in azelaic acid (plus other helpers) to quietly calm and clarify without drawing attention.
✔ Surface drama? Covered.
✔ Deeper congestion? Handled.
✔ Everyday emergencies? Consider them patched.
And this is just the beginning. ZitSticka’s acid squad is growing… keep an eye out for a brand-new patch joining the lineup soon.