Lesson 1Antioxidants and brightening agents: vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid vs derivatives), vitamin E, niacinamide, kojic acid, tranexamic acid — efficacy, stability, irritation riskCover antioxidants and brightening agents, comparing vitamin C types, vitamin E team work, niacinamide multi actions, and kojic and tranexamic acids. Address stability, packing, irritation risk, and real expectations for better 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 guidanceDetail main humectants and hydrators, focus on hyaluronic acid sizes, best concentrations, mix choice, layering wid other actives, and counseling for dry skin, barrier damage, and help wid 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)Explore topical retinoids and retinal options, cover how dem work, strength choice, step-up schedules, irritation control, mix routines, and strict safety, including 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 strategiesAddress agents for dark spots and marks after inflammation, detail hydroquinone how e work, strengths, treatment time, and safety. Review other options and smart mix plans to boost work 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 tipsAnalyze UV filters and sun protection actives, compare organic and inorganic, SPF and UVA measures, light stability, and mix looks. Guide choice for sensitive, acne skin, and dark spots, plus patient talk.
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 riskDiscuss body absorption, build-up irritation, and no-go for dermocosmetic actives. Cover pregnancy and breastfeeding guide, mix wid body drugs, multi active routines, and pharmacist ways to cut overall risk.
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 useReview soothing and anti-redness things, like centella, allantoin, feverfew, bisabolol, and oatmeal powder. Discuss how dem work, clinic proof, mix types, and how to put dem in plans 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 skinFocus on anti-inflammatory and barrier fix agents, like niacinamide, panthenol, ceramides, cholesterol, and fatty acids. Explain barrier fat balances, product choice for sensitive skin, and support during irritating 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 effectsExamine skin peeling and pore clearing agents like salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, and azelaic acid. Discuss how dem work, concentration ranges, mixes, combo plans, and ways to limit irritation, stains, and barrier break.
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
