- Acne/breakouts and congested pores
- Rosacea prone / red skin
- Shaving bumps / Folliculitis
- Pigmentation
- Aging and sun-damaged skin
ACTIVE INGREDIENTS:
- Salicylic acid: 5%
FULL INGREDIENTS LIST:
Aqua, Propylene glycol, Glycolic acid, Glycerin, Polyacrylamide & C13-14 Isoparaffin & Laureth-7, Triethanolamine, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Potassium hydroxide
TIME OF APPLICATION:
Apply in the evening on cleansed skin.
FREQUENCY OF APPLICATION:
- Use 2-3 times per week or as tolerated.
- Once an affected area becomes clear, occasional use will maintain remission.
IMPORTANT:
- The skin should be dry when applying Salicylic gel. This will ensure optimal potency of the Salicylic acid in the product.
- Don't apply any other product over the area you treated with Salicylic gel. The other product may alter the pH of Salicylic acid, which may lower the product's potency.
5% SALICYLIC ACID MODE OF ACTION
- Salicylic acid works by loosening and breaking apart desmosomes (attachments between cells in the outer layers of the skin). This action encourages exfoliation of dead and damaged skin and unclogging of pores.
- Disrupts cellular junctions to exfoliate dead skin cells.
- Salicylic acid is lipophilic, which means it can penetrate oily skin and clogged pores, resulting in deep cleaning.
- Decongests pores by dissolving and extracting dirt, oil, and cellular debris in the pores and follicles.
- Salicylic acid reduces sebum secretion.
- Salicylic acid has potent anti-inflammatory effects, as it is an inhibitor of the arachidonic acid cascade.
- Salicylic acid reduces inflammation by modulating COX2 gene expression to decrease the formation of pro-inflammatory cytokines.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.

INDICATIONS FOR SALICYLIC GEL

- Acne and congested pores
- Rosacea
- Inflammation
- Shaving bumps, Ingrown hair or Folliculitis
- Keratosis Pilaris (Bumps on upper arms and thighs)
- Excessively oily skin
SALICYLIC ACID TARGETS ALL PHASES OF THE ACNE PROCESS
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
- Salicylic acid balances 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.
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
- Salicylic acid decongests pores by dissolving and extracting dirt, oil, and cellular debris in the pores and follicles.
- Salicylic acid disrupts cellular junctions to exfoliate dead skin cells.
PROCESS
- When the follicle becomes clogged, a species of bacteria called Cutibacterium acnes (formerly Propionibacterium acnes) accumulates and multiplies in the follicle.
TARGETED TREATMENT
- Salicylic acid inhibits the production of various aspects necessary for bacterial reproduction, such as fibrinogen, fibronectin, and alpha-hemolysis.
PROCESS
- After bacterial infiltration the follicle becomes inflamed, thus leading to pimple formation.
TARGETED TREATMENT
- Salicylic acid suppresses pro-inflammatory cytokine expression.
- Salicylic acid inhibits the arachidonic acid cascade.
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.

MODE OF ACTION OF SALICYLIC GEL ON ACNE

Regulate sebum (oil) production and excretion


SALICYLIC ACID
- 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.
Salicylic acid is oil soluble and penetrates deep into sebum-filled pores.

Prevent the build-up of dead skin cells and oil in pores.


SALICYLIC ACID
- The first stage of acne is called 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.
Salicylic acid decongests pores by dissolving and extracting dirt, oil, and cellular debris in the pores and follicles.

Prevent bacterial infiltration


SALICYLIC ACID
- The keratinocyte plug and sebum provide excellent food sources for bacteria.
- The bacteria invade the comedone and release inflammatory factors that lead to the next stage of acne.
Salicylic acid inhibits the production of various aspects necessary for bacterial reproduction, such as fibrinogen, fibronectin, and alpha-hemolysis.

Down-regulate the inflammatory response.


SALICYLIC ACID
- 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.
Salicylic acid suppresses pro-inflammatory cytokine expression.
ROSACEA STAGES AND TREATMENT OBJECTIVES
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 microflora 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 microflora.

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.
ROSACEA TREATMENT WITH SALICYLIC GEL
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: Disrupts cellular junctions to exfoliate dead skin cells.
Comedolytic: Decongests pores by dissolving and extracting dirt, oil, and cellular debris in the pores.
Sebum(oil) regulator: Balances sebum levels because lipid or oil-soluble allows it to penetrate deep into sebum-filled pores.
REVIEWS ON DERMEXCEL™ CHEMICAL EXFOLIATORS
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Yes. The topical use of the active ingredients in Salicylic gel is considered safe during pregnancy.
Ref: The American College Of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
Women want to look their best at this important time in their lives, so 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.
For more information regarding the use of DermExcel™ products during pregnancy - please consult with your medical practitioner.
Apply Salicylic gel at night. Rinse off in the morning.
To maintain an optimal pH value, it's best not to layer Salicylic gel with another product.
Apply Salicylic gel in the evening.
Normal initial reactions may include mild stinging or burning, skin peeling, or skin irritation.
- Contra-indications of Salicylic gel: Do not use Salicylic gel if you are allergic to aspirin or any of the ingredients in Salicylic gel.
- Acne patients: Salicylic gel has many benefits and proven efficacy for treating acne.
- Sensitive skin: For sensitive skin or skin not used to active ingredients, start Salicylic gel 1-2 times per week. Initial purging or sensitivity reactions may occur.
- Dry skin: Salicylic acid may contribute to skin dryness and therefore is not recommended for severely dry skin types.
- Oily skin: Salicylic acid is very beneficial for oily skin and will balance the overproduction of sebum (oil).
Dermal Health Science™ products are formulated and manufactured in a facility regulated by the South African Pharmacy Council (SAPC), the regulator established in terms of the Pharmacy Act, 1974 (Act 53 of 1974).
All product formulations are free from any known or common allergens.
DermExcel products are:
- Fragrance-free
- Paraben-free
- Non-comedogenic
- pH-optimized
- Clinically tested
Click here to learn more about Dermal Health Science™
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

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.