Lesson 1Preservatives, fragrances, and potential irritants: parabens, isothiazolinones, fragrance allergens — relevance for sensitive skinLooks at preservatives, scents, and possible irritants like parabens, isothiazolinones, formaldehyde releasers, and scent allergens. Stresses patch tests, rules, and tips for sensitive or eczema-prone skin in Uganda.
Common preservative classes and safety dataIsothiazolinones and formaldehyde releasersFragrance allergens and labeling rulesFormulating for sensitive and atopic skinPatch testing and counseling on avoidanceLesson 2Retinoids and retinoid alternatives: tretinoin, adapalene, retinol, retinaldehyde — mechanism, efficacy, irritation managementCovers topical retinoids and options like tretinoin, adapalene, retinol, and retinaldehyde. Talks receptor links, proof for acne and sun-aging, build-up plans, buffering, and handling irritation and initial breakouts.
Retinoid classes and receptor selectivityAcne vs photoaging: evidence and regimensRetinol and retinaldehyde: conversion stepsInitiation, titration, and buffering methodsManaging irritation, purging, and adherenceLesson 3Excipients and vehicles affecting delivery: pH, liposomes, esters, gels, creams, oil-in-water vs water-in-oil impact on actives and tolerabilityStudies how add-ins and bases affect delivery, strength, and tolerance. Compares gels, creams, lotions, ointments, pH effects, liposomes, esters, and oil-water systems on skin entry in Ugandan humidity.
pH impact on ionization and irritationOil-in-water vs water-in-oil: key differencesLiposomes and encapsulation for activesRole of esters and solvents in penetrationSelecting vehicles for skin type and diseaseLesson 4Lightening pathway modulators: hydroquinone, azelaic acid, tranexamic acid — mechanisms and cautionsDiscusses hydroquinone, azelaic acid, tranexamic acid for pigment and vessel control. Covers workings, doses, treatment lengths, rebound risks, and safety for different skin tones common in Uganda.
Hydroquinone: mechanism and cycling regimensAzelaic acid for pigment and acne overlapTranexamic acid: topical and oral usePost-inflammatory hyperpigmentation strategiesSafety in darker phototypes and pregnancyLesson 5Photoprotection actives and filters: UVA/UVB chemical filters, mineral filters (zinc oxide, titanium dioxide), photostability, broad-spectrum requirementsReviews chemical and mineral UV filters like zinc oxide, titanium dioxide. Explains UVA/UVB cover, SPF/PPD ideas, stability, mixes, and rules for broad protection vital in sunny Uganda.
UVA vs UVB: clinical and labeling relevanceOrganic filters: profiles and combinationsMineral filters: particle size and aestheticsPhotostability and use of stabilizing systemsBroad-spectrum, SPF, and PPD requirementsLesson 6Sunscreen adjuncts and enhancers: photostabilizers, antioxidants, intended claimsFocuses on sunscreen add-ons like stabilizers and antioxidants for better protection. Covers workings, proof against sun-aging, claims, and how they affect feel and sticking to use in daily Ugandan life.
Photostabilizers for vulnerable UV filtersAntioxidants in sunscreens: added benefitsBlue light and infrared protection claimsImpact on cosmetic elegance and adherenceEvaluating evidence behind marketing claimsLesson 7Anti-inflammatory and barrier-supporting actives: ceramides, fatty acids, cholesterol, panthenol, colloidal oatmeal, allantoinDetails barrier and soothing actives like ceramides, fatty acids, cholesterol, panthenol, oatmeal, allantoin. Explains repair balances, anti-inflammatory effects, and uses in skin issues and after treatments.
Ceramide, cholesterol, fatty acid ratiosPanthenol and allantoin: soothing mechanismsColloidal oatmeal: anti-itch and barrier effectsBarrier repair in eczema and irritant dermatitisPost-procedure recovery and product layeringLesson 8Antioxidants and brightening agents: vitamin C (ascorbic acid forms), niacinamide, alpha arbutin, kojic acid — stability, interactions, clinical indicationsCovers vitamin C types, niacinamide, alpha arbutin, kojic acid. Discusses antioxidant and brightening actions, stability issues, pH fits, mixing with others, and proof for uneven skin tones.
Ascorbic acid vs derivatives and pH needsNiacinamide: barrier, tone, and tolerabilityAlpha arbutin and kojic acid: pigment targetsFormulation and packaging for antioxidant stabilityCombining brighteners with retinoids and acidsLesson 9Keratolytics and comedolytics: salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, azelaic acid — concentrations, vehicles, side effectsReviews skin softeners and pore clearers like salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, azelaic acid. Addresses actions, best strengths, bases, bleaching risks, irritation, and mixing with retinoids or antibiotics.
Salicylic acid: pH, strength, and vehiclesBenzoyl peroxide: efficacy and bleaching riskAzelaic acid: dual comedolytic and brighteningCombining with retinoids and topical antibioticsIrritation, dryness, and mitigation tacticsLesson 10Humectants and emollients: glycerin, hyaluronic acid, urea — function and formulation considerationsExplores moisture drawers and softeners like glycerin, hyaluronic acid, urea. Covers water holding, barrier aid, ideal levels, pairing with sealers, and mixes for dry, sensitive, aging skin in Uganda.
Glycerin: mechanism, levels, and skin feelHyaluronic acid weights and crosslinkingUrea concentrations and indicationsCombining humectants, emollients, occlusivesFormulation tips for dry and sensitive skin