Lesson 1Antioxidants and brightening agents: vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid vs derivatives), vitamin E, niacinamide, kojic acid, tranexamic acid — efficacy, stability, irritation riskCovers antioxidants and skin-brightening agents, comparing vitamin C types, vitamin E pairing, niacinamide's multiple benefits, and kojic and tranexamic acids. It addresses stability, packaging needs, irritation chances, and setting realistic goals for even skin tone in humid Singapore weather.
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 guidanceDetails key hydrators and humectants, focusing on hyaluronic acid sizes, best concentrations, base types, combining with other actives, and advice for dry skin, barrier issues, and use with irritating treatments in Singapore's variable climate.
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)Explores topical retinoids and alternatives, including mechanisms, strength choices, gradual build-up, irritation control, combination plans, and key safety rules, especially for pregnancy, breastfeeding, and sun sensitivity in tropical environments.
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 strategiesAddresses treatments for dark spots and marks after inflammation, explaining hydroquinone's action, strengths, duration, and safety. It reviews other options and smart combinations to boost results and safety for diverse skin tones in Singapore.
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 tipsAnalyses UV blockers and protective ingredients, comparing mineral and chemical types, SPF and UVA ratings, light stability, and product feel. It guides choices for sensitive, acne-prone, and pigmented skin, plus advice for daily use in sunny Singapore.
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 riskDiscusses body absorption, build-up irritation, and restrictions for dermocosmetic actives. Covers advice for pregnancy and breastfeeding, drug interactions, multi-product routines, and pharmacist tips to lower overall risks in local 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 7Soothing agents and anti-redness ingredients: centella asiatica, allantoin, feverfew, bisabolol, colloidal oatmeal — evidence and practical useReviews calming and redness-reducing ingredients like centella, allantoin, feverfew, bisabolol, and oatmeal. It covers mechanisms, study evidence, product forms, and adding them to routines for rosacea and sensitive skin in humid conditions.
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 skinFocuses on anti-inflammatory and barrier-repair ingredients like niacinamide, panthenol, ceramides, cholesterol, and fatty acids. Explains lipid balances, selecting for sensitive skin, and aiding during irritating treatments in Singapore's environment.
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 effectsExamines skin-shedding and pore-clearing agents like salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, and azelaic acid. Discusses actions, strength ranges, bases, combinations, and ways to reduce irritation, discolouration, 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
