- Acne / Breakouts
- Rosacea / Red & Inflamed skin
- Shaving bumps / Folliculitis
- Aging skin
Time of application:
Acne Repair serum can be applied in the morning and / or in the evening.
Frequency of application:
Use every morning and/or night.
Follow these 3 tips to get the most out of your serum.
- Cleanse. The active ingredients in skin serums will stick to dirt and dead skin, so for maximum absorption be sure to wash your face properly before applying.
- Apply Acne Repair serum to dry skin. Unlike Collagen serum and Retinol serum, the skin should be dry when applying Acne repair serum. This will allow for the optimal potency of the Salicylic acid in Acne repair serum.
- Less is more. Serums are super concentrated. Use just 1-2 pumps or a little smaller than a pea-size amount.
ACTIVE INGREDIENTS:
- Salicylic acid: 3%
- Niacinamide: 4%
- Zinc PCA: 1%
- Retinol: 0.5%
FULL INGREDIENT LIST:
Aqua, Polyethylene Glycol, Niacinamide, Salicylic acid, Sodium Acrylates Copolymer & Lecithin, Phenoxyethanol & Ethylhexylglycerin, Zinc PCA, Dimethyl Isosorbide & Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate, Sodium Phytate & Aqua & Alcohol, Butylene Glycol, Hydrolyzed Yeast Protein, Fomes Officinalis (Mushroom) Extract, Pyridoxine, Niacinamide, Panthenol, Allantoin, Threonine, Biotin, Tocopherol, Disodium EDTA
Keratolytic and Comedolytic:
- Decongests pores by dissolving and extracting dirt, oil, and cellular debris in the pores and follicles.
- Disrupts cellular junctions to exfoliate dead skin cells.
Anti-inflammatory action:
- Salicylic acid has potent anti-inflammatory effects, as it is an inhibitor of the arachidonic acid cascade.
Anti-bacterial:
- Inhibits the production of various aspects necessary for bacterial reproduction, such as fibrinogen, fibronectin, and alpha-hemolysis. Therefore, salicylic acid may neutralize the bacteria C. acnes present in the blemishes.
Sebum (oil) regulator:
- Salicylic acid works well to balance sebum levels because it is lipid or oil soluble. So rather than remaining on the skin's surface, salicylic acid penetrates deep into sebum-filled pores.
Treating and preventing premature skin aging:
- In addition to functioning as an acne treatment, salicylic acid is used in anti-aging skincare products due to its ability to brighten the complexion. It acts as an exfoliant by softening and dissolving keratin, thus allowing dead skin cells to shed naturally.
- Studies have suggested that the exfoliating properties of salicylic acid may reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Over time, exfoliation helps to reduce the thickness of the layer of dead skin cells, giving the skin a brighter, more glowing appearance.
- Salicylic acid is approved by the US Food and Drug Administration or FDA for use in OTC drug products. In addition to being FDA-approved as a safe and effective acne drug product, it is also approved for use in OTC drugs for corn, callus, wart removal, and anti-dandruff drug products.
Inhibit hyperpigmentation:
- Prevents DNA damage through antioxidant activity.
- Prevent melanosome transfer from melanocytes to surrounding skin cells.
Treating Rosacea, Acne and other inflammatory skin conditions:
- Reduce the inflammatory response by inhibiting inflammatory messengers.
- Provides long-lasting protection against bacteria through activation of anti-microbial peptides
- Reduce sebum (oil) production, thus preventing bacterial growth and inflammation.
Treating and preventing premature skin aging:
- Stimulate collagen synthesis and significantly increase skin elasticity.
- Prevents the breakdown of collagen and elastin through antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity.
- Prevents DNA damage through antioxidant activity.
Regulates excessive oil production:
- Zinc PCA prevents excess sebum production, which is responsible for clogging of pores and acne exacerbation. It inhibits the activity of the 5 alpha-reductase enzymes to control excessive sebum production.
Anti-inflammatory action:
- Zinc PCA possesses excellent anti-inflammatory properties that help relieve and ease the pain associated with acne. Zinc PCA has proven to be quite effective in reducing inflammation in several other skin problems like eczema, rosacea, psoriasis, etc.
Anti-microbial properties:
- The topical application of Zinc PCA hinders microbial growth. It possesses antiseptic properties that limit the proliferation of acne-causing bacteria in the skin.
- Numerous research studies have elucidated the antimicrobial activity of Zinc PCA against the acne-causing bacteria C acnes.
Anti-ageing benefits:
- Zinc exerts a protective effect against UV damage in the epidermis layer of your skin.
- A research study published in the International Journal of Cosmetic Science evaluated the efficacy of Zinc PCA in preventing collagen degradation. Zinc PCA suppressed UVA-induced activation of activator protein, which stimulates collagenase production (an enzyme that degrades collagen). Hence, this fantastic ingredient prevents the photoaging of your skin.
Inhibit hyperpigmentation:
- Prevent the melanocyte-stimulating hormone from initiating the pigmentation process.
- Stop Tyrosinase activity.
- Prevents DNA damage through antioxidant activity.
- Down-regulate the tyrosinase gene transcription, thus inhibiting the actions of Tyrosinase.
Treat Rosacea and other inflammatory skin conditions:
- An anti-keratinizing agent that inhibits skin cells (keratinocytes) from abnormally multiplying.
- Significant antibacterial activities against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria.
- Suppresses pro-inflammatory cytokine expression. It is a potent anti-inflammatory agent able to control leukocytic functions.
- Reduce sebaceous glands' activity, leading to less pore-clogging and potentially less oil production.
Treat and prevent premature skin aging:
- Promotes skin turnover and stimulate collagen production.
- Significantly improves skintone, radiance and skin brightening.
- Prevents breakdown of collagen and elastin through antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity.


- Acne and congested pores
- Rosacea
- Inflammation
- Shaving bumps, Ingrown hair or Folliculitis
- Post-Inflammatory erythema (redness)
- Post-Inflammatory hyperpigmentation
- Excessively oily skin

PROCESS
- The first step in forming a blemish involves sebum, a naturally occurring oily substance that moisturizes, lubricates, and protects the skin and hair. While sebum production is normal, too much sebum can lead to clogged pores.
TARGETED TREATMENT
- Regulates excessive oil production and secretion.
Active ingredients: ZINC PCA, Niacinamide, Salicylic acid, Retinol
PROCESS
- The next step in the development of acne is triggered when follicles in the skin are not exfoliating properly. This means that keratin, a protein found within the skin, and sebum clog the follicle.
TARGETED TREATMENT
- An anti-keratinizing agent that inhibits skin cells (keratinocytes) from abnormally multiplying.
Active ingredients: Retinol - Reduce skin cells' positive and negative charges, making them less "sticky."
Active ingredients: Retinol - Decongests pores by dissolving and extracting dirt, oil, and cellular debris in the pores and follicles.
Active ingredients: Salicylic acid - Disrupts cellular junctions to exfoliate dead skin cells.
Active ingredients: Salicylic acid
PROCESS
- When the follicle becomes clogged, a species of bacteria called Cutibacterium acnes (formerly Propionibacterium acnes) accumulates and multiplies in the follicle.
TARGETED TREATMENT
- Inhibits the production of various aspects necessary for bacterial reproduction, such as fibrinogen, fibronectin, and alpha-hemolysis.
Active ingredients: Salicylic acid, Retinol - Provide long-lasting protection against bacteria through activation of anti-microbial peptides
Active ingredients: Niacinamide - Limit the proliferation of acne-causing bacteria in the skin.
Active ingredients: Zinc PCA
PROCESS
- After bacterial infiltration the follicle becomes inflamed, thus leading to pimple formation.
TARGETED TREATMENT
- Suppresses pro-inflammatory cytokine expression. It is a potent anti-inflammatory agent able to control leukocytic functions.
Active ingredients: Salicylic acid, Retinol - Reduce the inflammatory response by inhibiting inflammatory messengers.
Active ingredients: Niacinamide, Zinc PCA - Inhibit the arachidonic acid cascade.
Active ingredients: Salicyclic acid
Regulate sebum (oil) production and excretion.





SALICYLIC ACID; NIACINAMIDE; ZINC PCA; RETINOL
The excretion of lipids by the sebaceous glands is controlled hormonally. The sebaceous glands are located all over the body but are the largest and most numerous in the face, back, chest, and shoulders. These glands become more active during puberty because of increased androgens, particularly testosterone, which spurs sebum production. This imbalance between sebum production and secretion capacity leads to a blockage of sebum in the hair follicle, followed by inflammation. Hormones continue to affect sebaceous gland activity into adulthood.
All the main active ingredients in Acne Repair serum contribute to the regulation of sebum.Prevent dead skin cells and oil from building up in the pores.



SALICYLIC ACID; RETINOL
The first stage of acne is also known as comedogenesis (formation of comedones). The exfoliated dead skin cells stick together inside the hair follicle, resulting in a clogged pore or comedone. This is caused by several factors, including increased amounts of sebum, inflammation of the sides of the hair follicle preventing the release of the exfoliated keratinocytes, and increased cohesion of keratinocytes.
Retinol reduces skin cells' positive and negative charges, making them less "sticky."Salicylic acid decongests pores by dissolving and extracting dirt, oil, and cellular debris in the pores and follicles.
Prevent dead skin cells and oil from building up in the pores.





SALICYLIC ACID; NIACINAMIDE; ZINC PCA; RETINOL
The keratinocyte plug and sebum is an excellent food source for bacteria. The bacteria invade the comedone and release inflammatory factors that lead to the next stage of acne.
All the main active ingredients in Acne Repair serum contribute to the prevention and treatment of bacterial infiltration.Down-regulate the inflammatory response.





SALICYLIC ACID; NIACINAMIDE; ZINC PCA; RETINOL
Inflammation continues with increased redness and pus. This is clinically detectable as a papule or pustule. Continued inflammation may lead to so much inflammation that the hair follicle ruptures, and the bacteria and debris are released into the dermis. When severe, this can lead to scarring.
All the main active ingredients in Acne Repair serum contribute to the down-regulation of the inflammatory response.A constant interplay exists among the skin, micro-organisms, and the environment to maintain a delicate balance. Disturbance of this balance negatively influences both the microflora and skin health.
In Rosacea, the micro-environment of the affected skin is substantially altered, resulting in a shift in the proportion or speciation of the resident microflora. Several micro-organisms have been shown to be increased or immuno-reactive in patients with rosacea.
Or skin contains pattern recognition receptors (PPR). These receptors detect harmful bacteria on our skin. When they detect these harmful bacteria, they bind to them and activate an immune response.
Receptors (PPR) don't activate the immune response for normal micro-flora on our skin. Rosacea-prone skin receptors (PPR) are hyper-reactive and/or have decreased tolerance. They have heightened sensitivity and trigger the inflammatory response of normal microbes, leading to the initial signs of rosacea.

Healthy skin with a perfect balance between normal micro-flora and skin receptors.
The function of the receptors (PPR): Detect and bind harmful molecules and activate the immune response.
These receptors should not trigger an immune response by binding to normal micro-flora.

PPR (receptors) of Rosacea-prone skin bind to normal flora (they are not supposed to) and activate the immune response that causes inflammation.
PPR (receptors) of Rosacea-prone skin is hyper-reactive and sensitive. They can be activated by various environmental agents (fragrance, heat, spicy food, etc.)

This inflammatory environment leads to increased leucocyte and cathelicidin expression (anti-microbial peptide), causing certain normal microbes to be eliminated.
With normal flora out of the way, the opportunity arise for the overgrowth of other microbes to fill the space of the eliminated normal flora. The normal microbes' balance gets disturbed.

Alterations in the micro-flora create a further imbalance that further elevates the inflammation process.
This leads to the worsening of the disease, and symptoms become more severe.
SALICYLIC ACID
Anti-inflammatory: Decrease the inflammation process leading to breakouts, redness, and skin damage.
Anti-microbial: Inhibits the production of various aspects necessary for bacterial reproduction.
Keratolytic and Comedolytic: Decongests pores by dissolving and extracting dirt, oil, and cellular debris in the pores and follicles. Disrupts cellular junctions to exfoliate dead skin cells.
Sebum(oil) regulator: Balances sebum levels because lipid or oil-soluble allows it to penetrate deep into sebum-filled pores.
NIACINAMIDE
Anti-inflammatory: Reduce the inflammatory response by inhibiting inflammatory messengers.
Anti-microbial: Provides long-lasting protection against bacteria by activating an anti-microbial peptide response.
Sebum (oil) regulator: Reduce sebum (oil) production, thus preventing bacterial growth and inflammation.
Antioxidant: Prevent DNA damage and activation of inflammatory enzymes.
ZINC PCA
Anti-inflammatory: Inhibits mast cell degranulation and thereby reduces histamine secretion, an important mediator of inflammatory response.
Anti-bacterial: The topical application of Zinc PCA hinders microbial growth. It possesses antiseptic properties that limit the proliferation of acne-causing bacteria in the skin.
Regulates excessive oil production: Inhibits the activity of the 5 alpha-reductase enzymes to control excessive sebum production.
RETINOL
Anti-inflammatory: Suppresses pro-inflammatory cytokine expression. It is a potent anti-inflammatory agent able to control leukocytic functions.
Anti-bacterial: Significant antibacterial activities against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria.
Anti-keratinizing: Inhibits skin cells (keratinocytes) from abnormally multiplying.
Sebum (oil) regulator: Reduce sebaceous glands activity, leading to less pore-clogging and potentially less oil production.
Women want to look their best at this important time in their lives, and therefore it's crucial to determine which products and ingredients are safe to use during pregnancy.
Except for the two prescription molecules, hydroquinone (which has a relatively high systemic absorption rate) and tretinoin (for which the evidence is limited and controversial), skincare products act locally and produce minimal systemic levels. In most cases, women can deal with these cosmetically unappealing skin conditions without compromising the safety of their unborn children.
No DermExcel™ product contains hydroquinone or tretinoin. These active ingredients are only available by prescription from a medical doctor.
DermExcel™ Retinol serum contains an active ingredient very similar to tretinoin. We, therefore, advise customers to discontinue the use of Retinol serum until after pregnancy.
While each ingredient has been tested and is considered safe for topical application, DermExcel™ products have not been tested on pregnant or breastfeeding women.
If you want more confirmation or information regarding the use of DermExcel™ products during pregnancy - please consult with your medical practitioner.
Acne Repair serum can be paired with any other DermExcel treatment serum.
Acne Repair serum can be applied in the morning before applying Dermdefence SPF 50.
Alternate Acne Repair serum with Retinol serum or use both serums on the same night.
Acne Repair serum can be applied in the morning and/or evening.
- Contra-indications of Acne Repair serum: Patients with a known allergy to any of the ingredients in Acne Repair serum should not use it.
- Acne patients: Acne Repair serum has many benefits and proven efficacy for treating acne.
- Sensitive skin: For sensitive skin or skin not used to active ingredients, start Acne Repair serum every other day. Initial sensitivity reactions may occur.
- Resistant skin can use Acne Repair serum morning and / or night as tolerated.
TREATMENT PACKS CONTAINING LITADERM SERUM
PIGMENTATION TREATMENT PACKS
ROSACEA TREATMENT PACKS
ACNE TREATMENT PACKS
"I recommend DermExcel to all my patients. Not only is it formulated by the best pharmacologists in the industry, it's also the best value for money skin care range available" .
Dr. Y Lamberts
"DermExcel brings a whole new dimension to the science-based, medical practitioner powered skincare we recommend to our patients. It's also the skincare range I personally use every day."
Dr. C Giezing
"I see impressive results with DermExcel in my practice. My patients are amazed by the results".
Dr. N Msizi
OUR EASY 3 STEP PROCESS

DERMEXCEL™
Medical-grade skin care products formulated according to pharmaceutical standards of purity, potency, and stability. All active ingredients, and the concentrations and dosing protocols in which they are used, are supported by data published in the peer-reviewed medical literature.
DermExcel™ takes an easy, effective and affordable approach to evaluating and treating the skin. Targeted treatments to improve skin conditions and maintain skin health.