Skin Types Decoded

In this introductory video of module 2, I will show you  the roadmap for exploring the epidermis and will set the  three goals I would like to achieve throughout the module -

1. exploring the context of epidermis, its cells and organization

2. exploring its dynamic behavior

3. and lastly exploring its functions.

This is a theoretical lesson, which looks at the epidermis from the point of view of keratinocytes and how they are organized in the 4 epidermal sublayers.  This lesson defines the terminology which is going to be used throughout the course.

A lesson about the top sublayer of the eppidermis - the stratum corneum. The lipid matrix that builds the stratum corneum is at the core of healthy skin barrier function and together with the natural moisturizing factors are responsible for moisture retention.

Bonus slides are explaining the three types of moisturizers in skincare - humectants, emollients and occlusives (with examples).

This lesson is about the epidermal turnover rate (also known as skin turnover rate and skin cycle) - it defines it in the context of keratinization and desquamation of keratinocytes, explains its importance and gives two examples why it is critical for managing expectations from skincare.

This is a lesson about the melanocytes and their synergistic relationship with keratinocytes  - how their intricate connection is at the core of melanin distribution across the epidermis.  Transfer of melanin from melanocytes  (where it is invisible) to the keratinocytes (where it is visible) and other scenarios are the target for skin brightening agents and examples are provided.

This lesson is about the natural sunscreen - melanin and its role for UV protection (better at protection from UV-A radiation). Its corresponding sun protection factor (between 3.4 and 13.4) and the assignment of melanocompetent and melanocompromised status of skin, based on its darkly or lightly pigmented status.

A lesson about the remaining two types of cells in the epidermis - sentinel cells and neuroendocrine cells.

In this final video for the 2nd module the different barrier functions of the epidermis and its role for Vitamin D synthesis are shown.

In this introductory video of module 3, I will show you the roadmap for exploring the dermis and will set the three goals I would like to achieve throughout the module

1. exploring the context of dermis - its cells, their metabolites and the embedded skin appendages

2. exploring dermal behavior in the context of natural aging

3. exploring skin acidic nature  as a function of the dermis.

In this second lesson from module 3, we will lay out the structure of the dermis - the three compartments of the connective tissue and the two dermal zones - upper 'pappilary' dermis and lower ' reticular' dermis.  Compared to the epidermal structure which was highly cellular, the dermal structure is mostly made of connective tissue.

In this lesson major dermal skin types (fibroblasts, adipocytes and mast cells) are explored. Fibroblasts produce and degrade the three major dermal components - collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid.

In this lesson minor dermal skin types (stem cells, pericytes, dendritic cells, muscle cells and nerve endings) are explored. Connection of dermatomes to health and disease is made.

This lesson is about the four types of skin mini-organs, called skin appendages. Hair and nails are only mentioned, but sebaceous glands and sweat glands are explored in detail. Composition of sebum is discussed and its relation to skin health, skin acidity and skin types.

In this lesson, the focus is on skin acidity - how it is determined and how different it is for different skin types, across the lifespan and also within the circadian rhythm.

In this practical session, the pH interval of diffrent skincare product categories and skincare ingredients are shown.

In the last session of the second module the importance of the dermis within skin properties is discussed, as well as dermis and epidermis are compared head to head in relation to aging. Epidermis is responsible for photoaging, while dermis mostly for the chrono-aging, although, the transformation of the connective tissue with elastotic tissue during severe photoaging is a property of the dermis.

In this very short module we will briefly discuss the hypodermis. It is normally not targeted with skincare, but is implicated in health and disease.

In this very short lecture, the seven basic functions of skin are compiled together - barrier, thermoreguation, absorption, sensory, excretion, vitamin D synthesis and storage

An introductory video which shows the three determinants of skin types and the internal and external influences on skin types. The fluidity of skin type and its heterogeneity are also discussed and examples are provided how skintype  can be negatively impacted by wrong skincare products.

A lesson about the characteristics, features and skincare focus of normal skin type.

A lesson about the characteristics, features and skincare focus of dry skin type.

A lesson about the characteristics, features and skincare focus of oily skin type.

A lesson about the characteristics, features and skincare focus of combination skin type.

A lesson about the characteristics, features and skincare focus of blemish-prone skin type.

A lesson about the characteristics, features and skincare focus of sensitive skin type.

A lesson about the characteristics, features and skincare focus of dehydrated skin and its difference from dry skin type.

An overview of the 6th module, encompassing all skin types and conditions.

Final words, upcoming courses and thank you from the bottom of my heart!