Lesson 1Antimicrobials and microbiome-friendly actives: benzoyl peroxide, azelaic acid, topical antimicrobials and resistance considerationsDis section cover topical antimicrobials and microbiome-conscious actives, including benzoyl peroxide and azelaic acid. It review mechanisms, resistance concerns, microbiome shifts, and strategies to limit dysbiosis while treating disease.
Benzoyl peroxide: bactericidal action and irritationAzelaic acid: antimicrobial and anti-inflammatoryTopical antibiotics and resistance mitigationMicrobiome shifts in acne and dermatitisNon-antibiotic antimicrobial strategiesCombining antimicrobials with barrier supportLesson 2Surfactants and cleansers: non-foaming vs foaming, pH and barrier impactDis section analyze surfactant chemistry and cleanser design, contrasting foaming and non-foaming systems. It cover pH, lipid extraction, barrier disruption, and how to choose cleansers for acne, rosacea, atopic skin, and post-procedure care.
Anionic, amphoteric, and nonionic surfactant classesFoaming vs non-foaming systems and skin feelCleanser pH, acid mantle, and TEWL changesSyndets vs true soaps in dermocosmeticsCleanser selection for acne and oily skinCleansers for atopic, rosacea, and aged skinLesson 3Sunscreen filters: chemical vs mineral filters, UVA/UVB coverage, photostability, and vehicle effectsDis section examine organic and mineral sunscreen filters, UVA and UVB coverage, and photostability. It discuss vehicles, film formation, cosmetic elegance, and how filters interact with other actives in dermocosmetic regimens.
UVA vs UVB: action spectra and skin outcomesOrganic filters: mechanisms and safety profileMineral filters: particle size and whiteningPhotostability, filter pairing, and boostersVehicle types, film formation, and adherenceCombining sunscreens with irritant-prone activesLesson 4Anti-inflammatory and barrier-repair agents: niacinamide, panthenol, ceramides, cholesterol, fatty acidsDis section explore anti-inflammatory and barrier-repair ingredients such as niacinamide, panthenol, ceramides, cholesterol, and fatty acids. It link molecular actions to clinical outcomes in acne, rosacea, atopic dermatitis, and irritant dermatitis.
Niacinamide: mechanisms, benefits, and limitsPanthenol and soothing of acute irritationCeramide subclasses and lamellar organizationCholesterol and fatty acids in barrier balanceOptimal ceramide:cholesterol:fatty acid ratiosBarrier repair in atopic and irritant dermatitisLesson 5Preservatives, fragrance, and common sensitizers: parabens, formaldehyde releasers, essential oilsDis section review preservatives, fragrance components, and classic sensitizers. It explain mechanisms of preservation, typical allergenic pathways, patch test relevance, and how to select lower-risk options for sensitive or compromised skin.
Mechanisms of cosmetic preservation and stabilityParabens: safety data, myths, and regulatory statusFormaldehyde releasers and contact allergy riskFragrance mixes, essential oils, and sensitizationLabel reading for fragrance-free and hypoallergenicPatch testing relevance and counseling patientsLesson 6Antioxidants and supportive actives: vitamin C (ascorbic acid), tocopherol, and niacinamide interactionsDis section review key antioxidant and supportive actives, focusing on vitamin C, vitamin E, and niacinamide. It cover stability, synergistic combinations, potential incompatibilities, and how dese agents protect against oxidative stress.
Oxidative stress pathways in skin agingAscorbic acid forms, pH, and stabilizationTocopherol and lipid phase antioxidant synergyVitamin C and E co-formulation strategiesNiacinamide interactions with acidic formulasAntioxidants in photoprotection regimensLesson 7Retinoids and retinaldehyde: efficacy, irritation management, and photosensitivityDis section detail topical retinoids, including retinol, retinaldehyde, and prescription analogs. It review mechanisms, antiaging and acne evidence, irritation pathways, photosensitivity issues, and strategies to build tolerance and combine actives.
Retinoid family overview and skin pharmacologyEvidence for acne, photoaging, and dyschromiaRetinaldehyde vs retinol: potency and tolerabilityIrritation mechanisms and barrier impairmentRetinization protocols and buffering strategiesPhotosensitivity, photoprotection, and timingLesson 8Humectants and hydrators: hyaluronic acid, glycerin, propanediol — molecular weight considerationsDis section explore humectants and water-binding hydrators, including hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and propanediol. It explain molecular weight, penetration, tackiness, and how to pair humectants with occlusives to prevent barrier dehydration.
Mechanisms of humectancy and water bindingHyaluronic acid molecular weights and effectsGlycerin: efficacy, safety, and sensory profilePropanediol and multifunctional solvent rolesPairing humectants with occlusives and emollientsHydrator choices for oily vs very dry skinLesson 9Keratolytics and exfoliants: salicylic acid, glycolic acid, lactic acid — concentration, pH, and irritation riskDis section analyze keratolytics and exfoliants such as salicylic, glycolic, and lactic acids. It explain concentration, pH, penetration depth, and irritation risk, guiding safe use in acne, photoaging, dyschromia, and sensitive skin.
Beta-hydroxy vs alpha-hydroxy acid mechanismsRole of pH and concentration in acid potencySalicylic acid in acne and seborrheic skinGlycolic acid for photoaging and dyschromiaLactic acid for dry and sensitive-prone skinLayering acids with retinoids and vitamin C
