With information that can't be found elsewhere, Dr. Draelos walks the participants through 8 lessons:
- Lesson 1: Skin Biology and Evaluation
In this in-depth lesson, Zoe Draelos, MD, will help you understand the basic structure (stratum corneum, epidermis and dermis), biology and functioning of the skin. Learn about moisturization (the most important cosmeceutical effect on the skin), skin pigmentation—from lightening to red, brown and yellow discoloration—as well as skin wrinkling efficacy and skin cellular functioning to understand genomic assessments of skin aging and functioning.
- Lesson 2: Skin Aging
This lesson will help you understand the various theories of skin aging, including evolutionary, free radical/anti-inflammatory, somatic mutation/gene regulation, mitochondrial, telomere, immune/network and neuroendocrine theories. Course participants will also be introduced to various anti-aging strategies, including caloric restriction and oral supplements such as Resveratrol and black raspberry extract. Cosmetic scientists will benefit from a listing of the technologies that can be used topically to slow skin aging and improve appearance.
- Lesson 3: Acne
Acne affects 85% of adolescents and young adults. In this lesson, we will explore the social effects of acne and examine the known causes of acne, different types of scars (icepick, rolling and boxcar) and useful therapies (fillers, topical treatments and surgical procedures). An evaluation of OTC ingredients useful in acne therapy such as exfoliants (salicylic acid and hydroxyl acid), keratolytics (benzoyl peroxide), retinoids (vitamin A derivatives), anti-inflammatories (tea tree oil, aloe vera, zinc, etc.) and antibacterials (peppermint oil, Triclosan, etc.) also will be covered. This lesson also includes a review of the OTC devices marketed for acne therapy such as heating devices and blue light devices.
- Lesson 4: Skin Disease and Skin Cancer
In this lesson, Dr. Draelos provides in-depth information about the skin—the skin barrier, biofilm, skin care products, cosmetics and medications that affect the skin. Learn about various skin diseases including bacterial (Impetigo), viral (Molluscum Contagiosum, Herpes Simplex, Herpes Zoster), Demodex (Rosacea) and fungal (Tinea). Sun related skin diseases are also discussed, including Lupus and PMLE. Benign and malignant skin tumors are also discussed as well as how cosmetics affect the skin.
- Lesson 5: Skin Care
Gain a better understanding of the effects of cleaners on skin hygiene and health and learn the role of moisturizers in maintaining the skin barrier (including cathelicidins, antimicrobials, aquaporins, defensing). Dr. Draelos walks participants through an examination of sunscreens—how and why they work, how the sun affects the skin and how melanin protects DNA (including a discussion of photoprotective polymer spheres, and antioxidants).
- Lesson 6: Cosmeceutical Ingredients
Increase your knowledge on cosmeceuticals and their benefits. This lesson includes ample information on vitamins A, B, C, D, E and F, the structure and function of each, the sources and more importantly, the benefits of each. Some of the more in-depth discussions include the different classes of retinoids and how they are best used in cosmeceuticals, which vitamins provide antioxidant benefits, the issue of vitamin D deficiency and the difference between oral and topical vitamin E.
- Lesson 7: Cosmetic Dermatology Procedures
In this lesson, Dr. Draelos examines the most popular cosmetic dermatology procedures being performed today. Learn about the physiology of hair growth to gain a better understanding behind hair removal techniques and laser hair removal (photothermolysis). This lesson will give cosmetic scientists more knowledge on how hair laser hair removal works as well as on which type of skin it works best. The lesson continues with an in-depth discussion of chemical peels, including superficial and medium depth peels—how they work, the medical issues associated and the best techniques to use. Course participants will then learn about how Botulinum Toxin works and the dangers involved with its use. The lesson concludes with a discussion of the different types of fillers—hyaluronic acid, cross-linked sugar and artificial bone—and a look at liposuction.
- Lesson 8: Skin Physiology and Topical Skin Lightening
In this lesson cosmetic scientists and formulators will learn about melanin—production of eumelanin and pheomelanin, melanin transfer and packaging, melanogenesis and the stimulus of melanin by UV radiation, hormone production and injury. An evaluation of the causes of pigment abnormalities including dyspigmentation is also included as well as an in-depth discussion of various methods of pigment lightening—prescription solutions, OTC options and what works and what doesn’t.
