The Barrier-First Framework
Understand how the skin barrier works before any recommendation. Every clinical decision starts here.
Cohort 2 · October 2026
Train to Become Nigeria's Leading Clinical Skin Expert
A structured training for licensed pharmacists ready to practise evidence-based skin care grounded in the Barrier-First Framework.
- Cohort-Based Learning
- Live on Zoom
The Gap in Pharmacy Training
Pharmacists are the first line of skin care advice in Nigeria, but most aren't equipped for it.
Bleaching creams dispensed without guidance
Hydroquinone and mercury-laced products move across pharmacy counters daily, often without a word of clinical counsel.
Topical steroids misused at the point of sale
Potent corticosteroids are routinely recommended for conditions they cannot treat, and discontinued without a taper.
Skin of colour conditions misdiagnosed or overlooked
Dermatology training in Nigeria rarely centres the realities of melanin-rich skin. Pharmacists inherit the same blind spots.
Pharmacists are more than just dispensers. They’re a clinical touchpoint, and SIMTI prepares you to show up as one.
The SIMTI Method
Science-Led. Practitioner-Focused.
The Barrier-First Framework is a structured clinical lens for every skin interaction, built on dermatology science and adapted for the pharmacy counter.
Skin of Colour Expertise
Trained for the dermatological realities of Nigerian patients: melanin-rich skin, common presentations, and cultural context.
Clinical Confidence at the Counter
Turn every dispensing moment into expert skin consultation, and leave each interaction with a clear, evidence-based recommendation.
Cohort Programme
A Structured Path Through Three Phases
SIMTI runs as a cohort-based programme, not a self-paced course. You move through three phases with a group of peers — from live training to research — building a professional community that lasts beyond the cohort.
Cohort 2 dates
10–25 October 2026
Delivery mode
Virtual, live on Zoom
Your trainer
Pharm. Amara Owunwa
Outcome
SIMTI Certified Skin Health Practitioner (SIMTI CSHP)
Phase One
Five Intensive Training Days
Live virtual sessions spread across three weekends, so there is time to absorb, practise, and return with questions.
Phase Two
Practical Assignments
Learning continues after the live sessions. Participants join small clinical circles, reinforcing the material through collaboration and problem-solving rather than passive revision.
Phase Three
SIMTI Research Challenge
Each team receives a skin-health research question. The objective is to learn how pharmacists contribute to evidence generation — exceptional teams may be invited to develop their work with the SIMTI research team toward peer-reviewed submission.
What You'll Learn
From Skin Biology to Clinical Practice
Phase One runs as five intensive, live training days across three weekends — each one building from foundational science toward confident decision-making at the counter.
Day 1
The Skin, Skin Barrier, Skin Types & Steroid Stewardship
For foundation and safe practice
- Skin anatomy and physiology relevant to pharmacy practice
- Understanding the skin barrier
- Skin types and their practical implications
- Skin sensitivity
- Steroid stewardship and pruritus
- When to manage, co-manage, or refer
Day 2
Inflammatory Skin Conditions
- Dermatitis spectrum
- Psoriasis
- Rosacea
- Pharmacy-appropriate management
- Red flags and referral thresholds
Day 3
Acne & Pigmentary Disorders
- Acne assessment and treatment approach
- Common reasons acne treatment fails
- Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation
- Other common pigmentary concerns (dark knuckles, “sunburn”, acanthosis nigricans and more)
- Skin-of-colour considerations
- Patient expectations and counselling
Day 4
Common Skin Infections, Presentations and Lesions
- Common skin infections and treatment
- Differentiating between bacterial, fungal and viral presentations
- Common lesions pharmacists may encounter (e.g. skin tags)
- Appropriate pharmacy management
Day 5
Skin Health Consultation + AI-Assisted Consultation
- How to read and interpret ingredient lists
- Rational ingredient combinations
- The SIMTI skin consultation framework
- Practical use of AI in skin-health practice
Running through every day: cosmetic product literacy, clinical decision-making, patient counselling, referral thresholds, co-management, case discussions.
By the end of the training, you will be able to:
- Assess common skin presentations and select appropriate skincare products
- Read ingredient lists and understand what cosmetic ingredients actually do
- Make safer recommendations without guessing, and identify inappropriate combinations
- Match products to skin type, condition and treatment goals
- Recognise when a condition is out of scope and requires referral
- Use a structured consultation process in your pharmacy
Download Full Curriculum
Questions about the curriculum? Get in touch
From Past Participants
Pharmacists Who Changed How They Practise
Before SIMTI, I lacked confidence in assessing skin conditions, recommending appropriate treatments, and understanding the science behind professional skincare. My goal was to build strong clinical skincare knowledge, improve my practical skills, and become a confident Skin Health Pharmacist capable of providing evidence-based skincare solutions. SIMTI has significantly improved my knowledge and confidence. I can now perform thorough skin consultations, identify common skin concerns, recommend suitable treatment plans, and make informed skincare decisions based on scientific evidence. The training has brought me much closer to becoming the Skin Health Pharmacist I aspire to be. Honestly I would recommend them, without hesitation. They provide high-quality training that combines theory with practical experience. The knowledge, and supportive learning environment have made me more competent and confident in professional skincare practice. SIMTI has not only improved my skills but has also given me the confidence to pursue a career in aesthetic and clinical skincare with professionalism and competence.
- 142+Fellows Trained
- 5Nigerian States Reached
- 5Intensive Training Days
- 96%Report Increased Clinical Confidence
Is This for You?
Built for Practising Pharmacists Ready to Specialise
SIMTI is not a general skincare course. It is a clinical cohort programme designed specifically for licensed pharmacists who interact with patients daily.
If you are regularly asked about skin conditions and want to answer those questions with clinical confidence, this programme was built for you.
You're a good fit if you are:
- Licensed pharmacist (PCN registered)
- Customer-facing role (community or hospital pharmacy)
- Regularly asked about skin conditions and products
- Ready to add a clinical specialty to your practice
Barrier-First Science, Always
The next SIMTI cohort starts soon.
Applications for the 2026 cohort are now open. Places are limited.
Questions? hello@safeinmyskintraininginstitute.com