Advanced Diploma of Skin Therapy cheat sheet

Epidermis layers from deep to superficial: stratum basale, spinosum, granulosum, lucidum (palms/soles only), corneum.

Keratinocyte transit time averages about 28 days; the stratum corneum turnover alone is roughly 14 days.

Dermis contains papillary and reticular layers; fibroblasts synthesise collagen types I and III, elastin and glycosaminoglycans.

Melanin synthesis: tyrosinase converts tyrosine to DOPA then dopaquinone; melanosomes transfer to keratinocytes via dendrites.

Skin pH averages 4.7 (range roughly 4.0-5.5); acid mantle depends on filaggrin breakdown products, sebum and sweat.

Skin barrier function follows the brick-and-mortar model: corneocytes (bricks) embedded in lipid lamellae of ceramides, cholesterol and free fatty acids.

Cutaneous vasculature: papillary plexus supplies the epidermis; deep dermal plexus anastomoses with subcutaneous vessels.

Wound healing phases: haemostasis (minutes-hours), inflammation (days 1-3), proliferation (days 3-21), remodelling (weeks to months).

Fitzpatrick phototype I-II burns easily and tans poorly; types V-VI rarely burn and tan deeply; higher types carry higher PIH risk.

Glossina (skin type) classification uses four parameters: dry/oily, sensitive/resistant, pigmented/non-pigmented, wrinkled/tight.

Wood's lamp findings: blue-white fluorescence = healthy corneum; yellow = sebum/bacteria; coral-red = porphyrins (C. acnes); brown = melanin; bright white = thickened corneum.

Lesion assessment uses ABCDE: Asymmetry, Border irregularity, Colour variation, Diameter over 6 mm, Evolving change.

Comedo extraction is contraindicated over actively inflamed papules, pustules or telangiectasia; assess vascular and pigmented lesions before any device use.

Transepidermal water loss (TEWL) rises with barrier impairment; corneometry measures hydration; sebumetry measures sebum output.

Dermatoscope magnification typically 10x; parallel or cross-polarised light reveals vascular and pigment patterns invisible to the naked eye.

Any changing, bleeding, ulcerated or irregularly bordered lesion is referred for medical assessment before cosmetic treatment proceeds.

Informed consent requires disclosure of nature, risks, benefits, alternatives and the right to withdraw, documented before treatment.

Contraindication screen: pregnancy/lactation, active infection, isotretinoin within 6 months, photosensitivity drugs, recent surgery, uncontrolled diabetes, keloid history.

Treatment planning sequences from least invasive to most invasive and spaces modalities by healing interval (e.g. 2-4 weeks between peels).

Patch testing is standard for chemical peels and adhesive/tape products; a 24-48 hour observation period precedes full application.

Medical history capture includes medications (anticoagulants, retinoids, photosensitisers), allergies, prior aesthetic procedures and implants.

Realistic outcome framing uses baseline photography, measurable parameters and a written aftercare plan signed by the client.

Referral triggers: suspected malignancy, undiagnosed rash, systemic symptoms or any request outside scope of practice.

SOAP format: Subjective (client report), Objective (observations/measurements), Assessment (working impression), Plan (treatment and review).

Photographic records use consistent lighting, distance, angle and no makeup; store with date, consent and client identifier.

Treatment notes include device settings (fluence, pulse width, wavelength), products with batch/lot, duration and immediate response.

Adverse events are documented with time, signs, actions taken, referral and follow-up date; the record is contemporaneous.

Corrections in records use a single line, initials, date and reason; never obliterate or overwrite original entries.

Records are retained per jurisdiction (commonly 7 years for adults, longer for minors) and stored with access controls.

Case review uses baseline versus follow-up comparison at defined intervals to justify continuing or modifying the plan.