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 fighters against skin damage and skin lighteners, comparing vitamin C types, vitamin E teamwork, niacinamide's many benefits, and kojic and tranexamic acids. It discusses keeping them stable, packaging needs, irritation chances, and real hopes for better skin tone in Eritrean 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 guidanceThis lesson details key moisture drawers and hydrators, focusing on hyaluronic acid sizes, best strengths, base types, combining with others, and advice for dry skin, weak barriers, and use with irritating treatments in Eritrean pharmacy practice.
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 skin-renewing agents and options, covering how they act, choosing strengths, slow build-up plans, easing irritation, mixing routines, and key safety rules, including during pregnancy, breastfeeding, and sun sensitivity for Eritrean patients.
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 strategiesThis lesson addresses treatments for dark patches and marks after inflammation, explaining hydroquinone's action, strengths, treatment length, and safety. It reviews other options and smart mixing methods to boost results and safety in pharmacy settings.
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 tipsThis lesson analyzes sun blockers and protective agents, comparing natural and chemical types, full sun coverage, SPF and UVA measures, light stability, and product feel. It guides choices for sensitive, acne-prone, and dark-skinned patients in Eritrea, 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 riskThis lesson discusses body uptake, building irritation, and no-go situations for dermocosmetic actives. It covers advice for pregnancy and breastfeeding, clashes with other medicines, multi-product routines, and pharmacist ways to lower overall risks in Eritrea.
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 oat powder. It discusses how they work, proof from studies, product forms, and adding them to plans for rosacea and sensitive skin in daily use.
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 swelling reducers and barrier fixers like niacinamide, panthenol, ceramides, cholesterol, and fats. It explains barrier fat balances, choosing products for sensitive skin, and helping during irritating treatments in Eritrean 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 effectsThis lesson examines skin softeners and pore clearers such as salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, and azelaic acid. It covers actions, strength levels, forms, mixing plans, and ways to cut irritation, stains, and barrier harm for safe use.
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
