Lesson 1Antioxidants and brightening agents: vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid vs derivatives), vitamin E, niacinamide, kojic acid, tranexamic acid — efficacy, stability, irritation riskThis lesson covers antioxidants and skin brighteners, comparing different forms of vitamin C, how vitamin E works with them, niacinamide's multiple benefits, and kojic and tranexamic acids. It discusses stability, packaging, irritation risks, and what to expect for improving skin tone in Australian conditions.
L-ascorbic acid versus stable derivativespH, concentration, and vitamin C stabilityVitamin E and antioxidant network synergyNiacinamide for barrier and dyschromiaKojic and tranexamic acids in melasmaIrritation risk and tolerability strategiesLesson 2Hydrators and humectants: hyaluronic acid, glycerin, urea, propylene glycol — molecular weight considerations, concentrations, application guidanceThis lesson details key hydrators and humectants, focusing on hyaluronic acid's different sizes, best concentrations, product types, combining with other actives, and advice for dry skin, barrier issues, and using alongside irritating treatments in humid or dry Australian climates.
Hyaluronic acid molecular weight profilesGlycerin and classic humectant mechanismsRole of urea at low and high strengthsPropylene glycol and related glycolsChoosing textures for dry and oily skinLayering hydrators with active treatmentsLesson 3Retinoids and retinal alternatives: retinol, adapalene, tretinoin — activity, dose-ranging, irritation management, contraindications (pregnancy)This lesson explores topical retinoids and alternatives, including how they work, choosing strengths, gradual introduction, managing irritation, combining products, and important safety notes like avoiding during pregnancy, breastfeeding, and sun sensitivity in Australia.
Retinoid receptor targets and skin actionsPotency ranking of common topical retinoidsStarting doses and titration schedulesManaging irritation and retinoid dermatitisRetinoids in acne, photoaging, and melasmaPregnancy, lactation, and safety counsellingLesson 4Agents for hyperpigmentation and post-inflammatory marks: hydroquinone mechanism and safety, alternatives and combination strategiesThis lesson addresses treatments for dark spots and post-inflammatory marks, explaining hydroquinone's action, strengths, treatment length, and safety. It reviews alternatives without hydroquinone and smart combinations to boost results and safety for diverse Australian skin types.
Melanogenesis targets of hydroquinoneHydroquinone strengths and treatment cyclesSafety, ochronosis, and monitoringNon-hydroquinone lightening optionsCombination regimens and cycling plansCounselling on sun protection and relapseLesson 5Photoprotection actives and filters: physical vs chemical sunscreens, broad-spectrum protection, SPF vs UVA metrics, photostability and formulation tipsThis lesson analyses UV filters and sun-protective actives, comparing chemical and physical types, SPF and UVA ratings, stability in sunlight, and product feel. It guides choices for sensitive, acne-prone, or pigmented skin, plus advice on use in Australia's harsh sun.
Organic versus inorganic UV filtersSPF, UVA-PF, and critical wavelengthPhotostability and filter combinationsTexture, finish, and skin type matchingAdjunct antioxidants in sunscreensCounselling on correct dose and reapplicationLesson 6Interactions, systemic absorption, and contraindications: pregnancy/lactation considerations, interactions with systemic medications, cumulative irritation riskThis lesson discusses how much dermocosmetic actives absorb into the body, build-up of irritation, and when to avoid them. It covers advice for pregnancy and breastfeeding, interactions with other medicines, multi-product routines, and ways pharmacists can reduce risks.
Percutaneous absorption determinantsPregnancy and lactation risk categoriesInteractions with topical and oral drugsCumulative irritation from multi-activesHigh-risk areas and compromised skinPharmacy triage and referral criteriaLesson 7Soothing agents and anti-redness ingredients: centella asiatica, allantoin, feverfew, bisabolol, colloidal oatmeal — evidence and practical useThis lesson reviews calming and redness-reducing ingredients like centella, allantoin, feverfew, bisabolol, and colloidal oatmeal. It covers how they work, supporting evidence, product forms, and integrating them into routines for rosacea and sensitive skin in Australia.
Centella asiatica triterpenes and repairAllantoin and epidermal soothing actionsFeverfew and botanical anti-inflammatory dataBisabolol and chamomile-derived activesColloidal oatmeal and barrier supportUse in rosacea, post-procedure, and eczemaLesson 8Anti-inflammatory and barrier-restoring agents: niacinamide, panthenol, ceramides, cholesterol, fatty acids — uses for sensitive and dry skinThis lesson focuses on anti-inflammatory and barrier-repairing agents like niacinamide, panthenol, ceramides, cholesterol, and fatty acids. It explains ideal skin lipid balances, choosing products for sensitive skin, and supporting during irritating treatments.
Niacinamide for inflammation and barrierPanthenol and stratum corneum hydrationCeramide classes and skin lipid balanceCholesterol and free fatty acid rolesIdeal lipid ratios in moisturisersRegimen design for sensitive dry skinLesson 9Keratolytics and comedolytics: salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, azelaic acid — mechanisms, concentrations, formulations, adverse effectsThis lesson examines skin-exfoliating and pore-clearing agents like salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, and azelaic acid. It discusses how they work, strength ranges, product types, combinations, and tips to reduce irritation, staining, and dryness.
Salicylic acid penetration and comedolysisBenzoyl peroxide antimicrobial actionsAzelaic acid for acne and dyschromiaLeave-on versus rinse-off formulationsCombining with retinoids and antibioticsIrritation, staining, and dryness control
