Lesson 1Antioxidants and brightening agents: vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid vs derivatives), vitamin E, niacinamide, kojic acid, tranexamic acid — efficacy, stability, irritation riskThis covers antioxidants and brightening agents, contrasting vitamin C variants, vitamin E combinations, niacinamide's multiple benefits, and kojic and tranexamic acids. It discusses stability, packaging, irritation potential, and achievable outcomes for skin tone enhancement.
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 details primary humectants and hydrators, emphasising hyaluronic acid's molecular weights, ideal concentrations, base formulations, combining with other actives, and advice for dry skin, barrier issues, and use alongside irritating treatments.
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 investigates topical retinoids and alternatives, including mechanisms, potency choices, gradual introduction, irritation control, combined applications, and vital safety notes, particularly for pregnancy, breastfeeding, and light sensitivity.
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 addresses treatments for hyperpigmentation and post-inflammatory marks, explaining hydroquinone's action, strengths, duration, and safety. It evaluates alternatives without hydroquinone and logical combinations to boost effectiveness and safety.
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 analyses UV filters and protective actives, comparing mineral and organic types, SPF and UVA ratings, light stability, and product textures. It advises on choices for sensitive, acne-prone, and pigmented skin, plus patient guidance.
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 discusses absorption into the body, building irritation, and restrictions for dermocosmetic actives. It includes advice for pregnancy and breastfeeding, drug interactions, multi-active routines, and pharmacist methods to lower overall 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 reviews calming and redness-reducing ingredients like centella, allantoin, feverfew, bisabolol, and colloidal oatmeal. It covers their actions, supporting evidence, product forms, and incorporation into routines for rosacea and sensitive skin.
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 focuses on anti-inflammatory and barrier-repairing agents such as niacinamide, panthenol, ceramides, cholesterol, and fatty acids. It explains lipid balances, selecting products for sensitive skin, and aiding during irritating therapies.
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 examines skin-shedding and pore-clearing agents including salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, and azelaic acid. It discusses actions, strength ranges, bases, combinations, and ways to reduce irritation, discolouration, and barrier damage.
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
