Natural Products for the Skin

The course aims to provide in-depth knowledge of the physiology of the skin and the use of natural products designed to preserve its health. As part of the course, the morphology and functionality of the skin and skin appendages will be described, underlining the role played in maintaining the body's homeostasis and well-being. The effects induced by aging and environmental factors and the alterations shown in pathological conditions will be considered. Natural origin products active on the skin will therefore be studied for the treatment of the most common pathologies (such as acne, atopic dermatitis and psoriasis) and traumas (such as wounds, burns and contusions). The most used plants will be described, briefly recalling botanical phytochemical information and delving into the mechanisms of action underlying the therapeutic effects, providing details on clinical effecacy, dosage, adverse effects and contraindications

At the end of the course, students will have adequate knowledge of the mechanisms involved in the normal functions carried out by the skin and skin appendages and of the effects induced by aging and environmental factors. They will then be aware of the main pathologies linked to the skin and will be able to identify, where present, possible therapies based on the use of products of plant origin, for which they will have understood the mechanisms of action and the different application possibilities.