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 antioxidants and skin brighteners, comparing types of vitamin C, how vitamin E works with it, niacinamide's many benefits, and acids like kojic and tranexamic. It discusses keeping them stable, packaging, irritation chances, and what to expect for evening 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 key moisture drawers and hydrators, focusing on hyaluronic acid sizes, best strengths, base types, combining with others, and advice for dry skin, weak barriers, and use with irritating treatments in local pharmacy settings.
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 explores skin-renewing retinoids and options, covering how they act, choosing strengths, slow build-up, reducing irritation, mixing routines, and key safety rules, including during pregnancy, breastfeeding, and sun sensitivity in Namibia.
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 tackles treatments for dark patches and marks after inflammation, explaining hydroquinone's action, strengths, how long to use, and safety. It reviews other options and smart mixing plans to boost results and safety for Namibian patients.
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 analyses sun protection ingredients and filters, comparing mineral and chemical types, full UV coverage, SPF and UVA ratings, light stability, and product feel. It guides choices for sensitive, acne-prone, or dark-skinned patients, plus advice 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 irritation, and no-go situations for dermocosmetic actives. It covers advice for pregnancy and breastfeeding, clashes with other medicines, multi-product routines, and pharmacist ways to cut 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 lesson reviews calming and redness-reducing ingredients like centella, allantoin, feverfew, bisabolol, and oat powder. It covers how they work, proof from studies, product forms, and adding them to plans for rosacea or sensitive skin in Namibia.
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 focuses on inflammation fighters and barrier fixers like niacinamide, panthenol, ceramides, cholesterol, and fats. It explains lipid balances, picking products for sensitive skin, and helping 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 effectsThis lesson examines skin-shedding and pore-clearing agents like salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, and azelaic acid. It discusses actions, strength levels, bases, mixing plans, and ways to limit irritation, 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
