Lesson 1Antioxidants and skin lighteners: vitamin C (pure form vs modified), vitamin E, niacinamide, kojic acid, tranexamic acid — effectiveness, shelf life, irritation chancesThis lesson covers antioxidants and lightening agents, comparing types of vitamin C, how vitamin E works with it, niacinamide's multiple benefits, and kojic and tranexamic acids. It discusses keeping them stable, packaging needs, irritation risks, and what to expect for evening skin tone in Nigerian 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 binders: hyaluronic acid, glycerin, urea, propylene glycol — size of molecules, strengths, how to applyThis lesson details key water-attracting and moisturising agents, focusing on hyaluronic acid sizes, best strengths, base types, combining with others, and advising for dry skin, weak barriers, and use with irritating treatments in humid Nigerian climates.
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 retinol options: retinol, adapalene, tretinoin — strength, dosing steps, handling irritation, warnings (pregnancy)This lesson explores skin-renewing retinoids and alternatives, covering how they work, choosing strengths, gradual use plans, reducing irritation, mixing routines, and strict safety rules, including for pregnancy, breastfeeding, and sun sensitivity in tropical Nigeria.
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 inflammation: hydroquinone action and safety, other options and mixing methodsThis lesson addresses treatments for dark skin patches and post-inflammation marks, explaining hydroquinone's work, strengths, treatment length, and safety. It reviews alternatives without hydroquinone and smart mixing to boost results and safety for diverse Nigerian skin tones.
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 UVA ratings, stability in heat and product tipsThis lesson analyses sun-blocking ingredients, comparing chemical and mineral types, SPF and UVA measures, heat stability, and product feel. It guides choices for sensitive, acne-prone, and dark-skinned patients in sunny Nigeria, plus advice on daily use.
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 absorption, and warnings: pregnancy/breastfeeding notes, clashes with other medicines, build-up irritation riskThis lesson discusses absorption into the body, growing irritation, and warnings for active ingredients. It covers advice for pregnancy and breastfeeding, medicine interactions, multi-product routines, and pharmacist tips to lower risks in Nigerian practice.
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 agents and redness reducers: centella asiatica, allantoin, feverfew, bisabolol, oatmeal powder — proof and everyday useThis lesson reviews calming and redness-reducing ingredients like centella, allantoin, feverfew, bisabolol, and oatmeal. It discusses how they work, study evidence, product forms, and adding them to routines for rosacea and sensitive skin common in Nigeria.
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 repair agents: niacinamide, panthenol, ceramides, cholesterol, fatty acids — uses for sensitive and dry skinThis lesson focuses on anti-swelling and barrier-fixing agents including niacinamide, panthenol, ceramides, cholesterol, and fatty acids. It explains barrier fat balances, choosing products for sensitive skin, and aiding during irritating treatments in dry seasons.
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 — actions, strengths, forms, side effectsThis lesson examines peeling and pore-clearing agents like salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, and azelaic acid. It covers actions, strength ranges, bases, mixing plans, and ways to cut irritation, staining, and barrier harm for acne care in Nigeria.
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
