Lesson 1How findings guide management decisions: matching signs to medical vs aesthetic priorities and staging treatmentThis section illustrates how to convert clinical findings into phased management plans, separating urgent medical requirements from aesthetic objectives, prioritising safety, and arranging therapies to maximise effectiveness, recovery time, and sustained skin wellness outcomes.
Separating medical and aesthetic prioritiesIdentifying red flags needing referralStaging acute, corrective, and maintenance careBalancing efficacy, downtime, and riskAdapting plans to evolving clinical responseLesson 2Targeted symptom review: acne history, flare triggers, atopic background, photosensitivityThis section covers focused questioning on acne, atopy, and photosensitivity, instructing you to spot flare triggers, time patterns, and systemic links that sharpen differential diagnosis and direct both medical and aesthetic treatment selections.
Key acne history elements and chronicityIdentifying internal and external flare triggersAssessing atopic and allergic backgroundEvaluating photosensitivity and phototoxicityLinking symptoms to systemic red flagsLesson 3Comprehensive dermatologic history-taking: medical, dermatologic, medication, allergy, hormonal, and family historyHere, you will master structuring a full dermatologic history, combining medical conditions, previous skin issues, medications, allergies, hormonal influences, and family trends to foresee risks, hone diagnosis, and customise integrated treatment plans.
Core medical comorbidities to documentPast dermatologic diagnoses and coursesMedication, supplement, and topical reviewDrug allergies and adverse skin reactionsHormonal and reproductive history pointsFamily history of dermatoses and cancersLesson 4Clinical scoring tools and scales: acne severity (IGA, GAGS), hyperpigmentation indices, photoaging scales, and quality-of-life measuresThis section discusses validated clinical scoring tools for acne, hyperpigmentation, and photoaging, along with quality-of-life measures, demonstrating how to choose, use, and analyse scales to standardise evaluations, monitor advancement, and aid patient learning.
Choosing appropriate acne severity scalesHyperpigmentation and melasma indicesPhotoaging and photodamage grading toolsDermatology quality-of-life instrumentsUsing scores to monitor treatment responseLesson 5Focused aesthetic history: prior procedures, expectations, risk tolerance, desire for "natural" resultsYou will acquire skills to gather a targeted aesthetic history, delving into past procedures, satisfaction levels, expectations, risk acceptance, and preferences for natural outcomes, facilitating practical planning, informed agreement, and avoidance of discontent or injury.
Documenting prior aesthetic proceduresExploring motivations and treatment goalsAssessing risk tolerance and downtime limitsClarifying desire for subtle versus dramatic changeScreening for unrealistic expectationsLesson 6Objective photographic documentation: standardised lighting, views, scales, and serial comparisonYou will grasp principles of standardised clinical photography, covering lighting, camera configurations, patient positioning, and scale usage, allowing dependable sequential comparisons, result recording, and effective dialogue with patients and colleagues.
Setting up consistent lighting and backgroundStandard facial and body view protocolsCamera settings and distance standardizationUse of reference scales and color chartsOrganizing and securing image archivesLesson 7Structured skin examination: lesion morphology, distribution, skin type (Fitzpatrick), photodamage grading, pore size, texture, atrophy, scarringThis section instructs on a full-body skin check adapted for integrated care, stressing lesion shapes, spread, Fitzpatrick classification, photodamage levels, texture, pores, thinning, and scars to aid precise diagnosis and aesthetic strategy.
Systematic regional skin inspectionDescribing primary and secondary lesionsDetermining Fitzpatrick and Glogau typeGrading photodamage and dyschromiaAssessing texture, pores, and laxityCharacterizing scars and atrophy patternsLesson 8Lifestyle and skincare assessment: products, routines, sun exposure, smoking, diet, sleepHere, you will evaluate lifestyle and skincare practices, encompassing product application, daily habits, sun contact, smoking, nutrition, and rest, pinpointing adjustable elements that aggravate conditions or hinder aesthetic results and advising patients adeptly.
Analyzing current skincare products and stepsAssessing UV exposure and photoprotectionEvaluating smoking, vaping, and pollutionDietary patterns affecting skin healthSleep, stress, and circadian disruptionDesigning realistic behavior change plans
