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 damage and skin brighteners, comparing vitamin C types, vitamin E teamwork, niacinamide's many benefits, and kojic and tranexamic acids. It tackles shelf life, packaging, sting risks, and real hopes for even skin tone.
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 top moisture drawers like hyaluronic acid sizes, glycerin, urea, and propylene glycol. It covers best strengths, bases, mixing with others, and advice for dry skin, weak barriers, and easing harsh 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 lesson dives into skin-renewing retinoids and options like retinol, adapalene, tretinoin. It covers strength picks, slow build-up, calming stings, mixes, and strict no-gos like pregnancy, breastfeeding, and sun 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 lesson handles dark patches and marks after spots, explaining hydroquinone action, strengths, time limits, and safety. It reviews other options and smart mixes to boost results 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 lesson checks sun blockers, comparing mineral and liquid types, full UV cover, SPF numbers vs UVA checks, light stability, and feel. It guides picks for touchy, spotty, or dark skins, plus patient 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, build-up stings, and no-gos for dermocosmetics. It covers pregnancy and nursing tips, clashes with tablets, busy routines, and pharmacist ways to lower 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 calmers and redness reducers like centella, allantoin, feverfew, bisabolol, and oat powder. It covers how they work, proof from studies, forms, and fitting into plans for rosacea or touchy 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 lesson spotlights swelling fighters and barrier fixers like niacinamide, panthenol, ceramides, cholesterol, fats. It explains barrier fat balances, picks for touchy skin, and aid during harsh treatments.
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 pore clearers like salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, azelaic acid. It covers actions, strengths, forms, mixes, and ways to cut stings, stains, and barrier harm.
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
