Lesson 1Antioxidants and skin lighteners: vitamin C (pure form vs mixes), vitamin E, niacinamide, kojic acid, tranexamic acid — how well they work, lasting power, irritation chancesCovers fighters against skin damage and lighteners, comparing vitamin C types, vitamin E teamwork, niacinamide's many benefits, and kojic and tranexamic acids. Discusses keeping them stable, packaging, irritation risks, and real hopes for better skin tone in Ghanaian 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 2Moisturisers and water holders: hyaluronic acid, glycerin, urea, propylene glycol — size of molecules, strengths, how to applyDetails key water holders and moisturisers, stressing hyaluronic acid sizes, best strengths, base types, combining with others, and advice for dry skin, weak barriers, and helping with irritating treatments in Ghana pharmacies.
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 similar options: retinol, adapalene, tretinoin — strength, dosing steps, handling irritation, no-gos (pregnancy)Looks into skin-renewing creams and options, covering how they work, choosing power, slow build-up, reducing sting, mixing routines, and strict safety rules, including for pregnancy, breastfeeding, and sun sensitivity in Ghana.
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 4Treatments for dark patches and marks after injury: hydroquinone how it works and safety, other choices and mixing plansDeals with fixes for dark skin patches and post-injury marks, explaining hydroquinone action, powers, treatment time, and safety. Reviews non-hydroquinone options and smart mixing to boost results and safety in Ghana.
Melanogenesis targets of hydroquinoneHydroquinone strengths and treatment cyclesSafety, ochronosis, and monitoringNon-hydroquinone lightening optionsCombination regimens and cycling plansCounseling on sun protection and relapseLesson 5Sun protection ingredients and blockers: mineral vs chemical sunscreens, full UV cover, SPF vs deep UV measures, lasting in sun and product tipsBreaks down sun blockers and protectors, comparing natural and chemical types, SPF and deep UV ratings, sun stability, and product feel. Guides choices for sensitive, acne-prone, and dark-skinned types, plus advice for Ghana patients.
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, body uptake, and no-gos: pregnancy/breastfeeding notes, clashes with body medicines, build-up irritation riskTalks about body absorption, piling irritation, and warnings for active ingredients. Covers advice for pregnancy and breastfeeding, clashes with other drugs, multi-product routines, and pharmacist ways to cut risks in Ghana.
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 7Calming ingredients and redness reducers: centella asiatica, allantoin, feverfew, bisabolol, oatmeal powder — proof and real useReviews calming and redness-fighting items like centella, allantoin, feverfew, bisabolol, and oatmeal powder. Discusses how they work, study proof, product types, and adding them to plans for rosacea and touchy skin in Ghana.
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-swelling and barrier-fixing ingredients: niacinamide, panthenol, ceramides, cholesterol, fatty acids — for sensitive and dry skinSpotlights anti-swelling and barrier-repair items like niacinamide, panthenol, ceramides, cholesterol, and fatty acids. Explains barrier fat balances, picking products for touchy skin, and aiding during harsh treatments in Ghana.
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 9Skin peelers and pore cleaners: salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, azelaic acid — how they work, strengths, forms, side effectsStudies peeling and pore-clearing agents like salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, and azelaic acid. Covers actions, strength ranges, bases, mixing plans, and ways to limit sting, stains, and barrier harm in Ghana pharmacies.
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
