Lesson 1Antioxidants and brightening agents: vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid vs derivatives), vitamin E, niacinamide, kojic acid, tranexamic acid — efficacy, stability, irritation riskCovers antioxidants and skin brighteners, comparing vitamin C types, vitamin E teamwork, niacinamide's multiple benefits, and kojic and tranexamic acids. Discusses stability, packaging, irritation chances, and real hopes for improving skin tone in Botswana contexts.
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 guidanceDetails key hydrators and moisture drawers, focusing on hyaluronic acid sizes, best strengths, product types, combining with others, and advice for dry skin, barrier issues, and supporting irritating treatments in Botswana pharmacy settings.
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)Explores skin retinoids and alternatives, covering how they work, strength choices, gradual use plans, reducing irritation, combo routines, and strict safety rules, including pregnancy, breastfeeding, and sun sensitivity in Botswana patient care.
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 counselingLesson 4Agents for hyperpigmentation and post-inflammatory marks: hydroquinone mechanism and safety, alternatives and combination strategiesAddresses treatments for dark patches and marks after inflammation, detailing hydroquinone's action, strengths, treatment length, and safety. Reviews other options and smart combo plans to boost results and safety for Botswana skin types.
Melanogenesis targets of hydroquinoneHydroquinone strengths and treatment cyclesSafety, ochronosis, and monitoringNon-hydroquinone lightening optionsCombination regimens and cycling plansCounseling on sun protection and relapseLesson 5Photoprotection actives and filters: physical vs chemical sunscreens, broad-spectrum protection, SPF vs UVA metrics, photostability and formulation tipsAnalyzes sun filters and protective actives, comparing natural and chemical types, SPF and UVA measures, light stability, and product feel. Guides choices for sensitive, acne-prone, and dark-skinned patients in Botswana, plus advice tips.
Organic versus inorganic UV filtersSPF, UVA-PF, and critical wavelengthPhotostability and filter combinationsTexture, finish, and skin type matchingAdjunct antioxidants in sunscreensCounseling on correct dose and reapplicationLesson 6Interactions, systemic absorption, and contraindications: pregnancy/lactation considerations, interactions with systemic medications, cumulative irritation riskDiscusses body absorption, building irritation, and no-go situations for dermocosmetic actives. Covers advice for pregnancy and breastfeeding, clashes with other medicines, multi-product use, and pharmacist ways to lower risks in Botswana.
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 useReviews calming and redness-reducing ingredients like centella, allantoin, feverfew, bisabolol, and oat powder. Discusses how they work, proof from studies, product forms, and adding them to routines for rosacea and sensitive skin in Botswana.
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 skinFocuses on anti-inflammatory and barrier-fixing agents like niacinamide, panthenol, ceramides, cholesterol, and fats. Explains barrier fat balances, choosing products for sensitive skin, and helping during irritating treatments in Botswana pharmacies.
Niacinamide for inflammation and barrierPanthenol and stratum corneum hydrationCeramide classes and skin lipid balanceCholesterol and free fatty acid rolesIdeal lipid ratios in moisturizersRegimen design for sensitive dry skinLesson 9Keratolytics and comedolytics: salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, azelaic acid — mechanisms, concentrations, formulations, adverse effectsExamines skin peelers and pore clearers like salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, and azelaic acid. Discusses actions, strength levels, forms, combos, and ways to cut irritation, stains, and barrier harm for Botswana patients.
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
