Pigmentation & Discolouration
Age Spots Discolouration Hormonal Pigmentation / Melasma PIH Sun Damaged SkinSensitive & Reactive Skin
Eczema (Dermatitis) Ingrown Hairs - Razor Bumps Perioral Dermatitis Rosacea / Red Skin Sensitive SkinSkin Concerns in Dark Skin Types
Acne in Dark Skin Dermatosis Papulosa Nigra (DPN) Melasma / Pigmentation In Dark SkinSkin Lesions & Growths
Keloids Onychomycosis (Nail Fungus) Pre-Cancerous Skin Lesions Scars & Scar Removal Sebaceous Hyperplasia Skin Tags Syringoma Warts Wound HealingGeneral Skin Health & Types
Four Primary Skin TypesFace, Neck & Chest
Lax / Loose Skin Prejuvenation Sagging Face Skin & Ageing Sunken Cheeks Volume Loss WrinklesLower Face & Mouth
Ageing Lips Double Chin Downturned Mouth Marionette Lines Nasolabial Folds Smoker's LinesUpper Face & Eyes
Bunny Lines Eye Bags Eye Wrinkles / Crow's Feet Sagging Brows Under Eye Dark CirclesAgeing Skin & Conditions
Ageing Décolleté Ageing Hands Ageing Neck Spider Veins Stretch Marks (Striae)Botulinum Toxin Injections
Botox ® & Dysport ® Brow Lift Palmar Hyperhidrosis Treatment for Gummy Smile Treatments for Bruxism / TMJ Underarm HyperhidrosisTargeted Filler Treatments
3D Liquid Facelift Hand Rejuvenation Jawline Reshaping Lip Enhancement Magic Needle Mesolift MD Codes™️ Nefertiti Contour Neck Lift Non-Surgical Nose Job Plantar Foot Pad FillerInjectable Mesotherapy
Biopuncture Cecarrelli Fat Lipolysis Fat Burning Injections Mesotherapy Mesotherapy for Eye Bags PRP for Hair Loss Vampire Facial (PRP)Subcision
Acne Scar ReductionCutera
Acutip 500™ CO2 Laser Resurfacing Contact Yag Cutera Lasers Laser Genesis™ Rejuvenation Laser Hair Removal Laser Vein Removal Long Pulsed ND:Yag ND:Yag Skin Tightening Pearl Fractional Pearl Fusion Pearl™ Rejuvenation Titan® Skin TighteningRadiofrequency
Accent ™ Endymed 3Deep RF Tightening Exilis Elite Heat & Sound Technology Lavatron Multipolar vs Monopolar TitaniaSignature Treatments
Acne & Rosacea Facial Microtox Glow Facial Nasolabial Lift Treatment Star Gaze Eye TreatmentChemical Peels
3D Peel Azelaic Acid Chemical Peels Overview Dermaplaning Eye Peel Treatment Glycolic Acid Intense Peels & Laser Peels MesoBrite Lite™ MesoBrite™ Microdermabrasion Radiance Peel SA + MA Peel Salicylic AcidBody Shaping & Contouring
Body Contouring Carboxytherapy for Body Cellulite Solutions Cryolipo Fat Freezing Endymed ContourWeight Loss Solutions
Renewal Institute Diet (RID)Skin Nutrition & Topicals
Dietary Advice for Dark Circles Hydroquinone Metformin Nutrition for Skin Serums & Topical Ingredients
Hydroquinone is typically applied topically as a prescribed cream. It is used to lighten areas of darkened skin, such as freckles, age spots, chloasma, melasma, and stubborn pigmentation caused by pregnancy, hormones, or skin injury. By decreasing melanin production, Hydroquinone effectively targets and reduces hyperpigmentation.
Hydroquinone has sparked significant controversy over the years, leading to bans in some countries. Its effectiveness as a treatment for stubborn hyperpigmentation is undeniable, making it the gold standard in many dermatological practices. However, the phrase "too much of a good thing can be a bad thing" applies here. Overuse and misuse of Hydroquinone have led to severe side effects, which in some cases are irreversible.
When used correctly under medical supervision, Hydroquinone delivers spectacular results. Doctors who prescribe the correct dosages and application periods can help patients achieve significant improvement in their skin condition. Compliance with medical guidance ensures that the skin is managed safely, resulting in successful outcomes for both doctors and patients.
Problems arise when Hydroquinone is used in high concentrations, too frequently, or for prolonged periods without medical supervision. Continuous, unmonitored use can lead to depigmentation (loss of pigment) and skin damage. Hydroquinone should be used for a maximum of three months at a time, with breaks in between to allow the skin to adjust.
Uncontrolled use of Hydroquinone can result in prolonged redness, sensitivity, extreme dryness, and hypopigmentation (loss of pigment). In severe cases, a condition called ochronosis can develop, characterised by papules (pimples and breakouts) and dark, bluish-black pigmentation. This condition is extremely difficult to treat or reverse.
Due to the extensive damage caused by past misuse, Hydroquinone has earned a bad reputation and remains banned in some countries. However, in South Africa, it is still available by prescription, though doctors are cautious about prescribing it. While controlled usage periods can yield excellent results without harmful side effects, the history of Hydroquinone misuse continues to overshadow its potential benefits.
Hydroquinone (HQ) treatments are available in Gauteng at the Morningside, Parkhurst, Rosebank, Bedfordview, Fourways, West Rand, Irene, Lynnwood, and Brooklyn clinics, in the Western Cape at Cape Quarter, Claremont, Constantia, Century City, Stellenbosch, Paarl, and Willowbridge clinics, and in Kwa-Zulu Natal at the Ballito, Durban and Umhlanga clinics.
Hydroquinone (HQ) is a topical depigmenting agent used to lighten areas of darkened skin such as freckles, age spots, chloasma, melasma, and pigmentation caused by pregnancy, hormones, or skin injury. It works by decreasing the production of melanin, the pigment responsible for skin colour, thereby reducing hyperpigmentation.
Hydroquinone is safe to use when prescribed and monitored by a medical professional. Short, controlled usage periods have shown excellent results with minimal side effects. However, misuse or prolonged use without medical supervision can lead to side effects such as prolonged redness, sensitivity, extreme dryness, hypopigmentation (loss of pigment), and, in severe cases, ochronosis, characterised by dark, bluish-black pigmentation and pimples.
Hydroquinone has become controversial due to its potential for misuse and the severe side effects that can result from unmonitored, prolonged use. In some countries, it is banned because of these risks. Despite its effectiveness in treating stubborn hyperpigmentation, the history of misuse has led to a negative reputation. In South Africa, Hydroquinone is still available via prescription, but doctors are cautious and usually prescribe it as a last resort, ensuring controlled usage to avoid adverse effects.
Hydroquinone (HQ) treatments are available in Gauteng at the Morningside, Parkhurst, Rosebank, Bedfordview, Fourways, West Rand, Irene, Lynnwood, and Brooklyn clinics, in the Western Cape at Cape Quarter, Claremont, Constantia, Century City, Stellenbosch, Paarl, and Willowbridge clinics, and in Kwa-Zulu Natal at the Ballito, Durban and Umhlanga clinics.
Hydroquinone (HQ) is a topical depigmenting agent used to lighten areas of darkened skin such as freckles, age spots, chloasma, melasma, and pigmentation caused by pregnancy, hormones, or skin injury. It works by decreasing the production of melanin, the pigment responsible for skin colour, thereby reducing hyperpigmentation.
Hydroquinone is safe to use when prescribed and monitored by a medical professional. Short, controlled usage periods have shown excellent results with minimal side effects. However, misuse or prolonged use without medical supervision can lead to side effects such as prolonged redness, sensitivity, extreme dryness, hypopigmentation (loss of pigment), and, in severe cases, ochronosis, characterised by dark, bluish-black pigmentation and pimples.
Hydroquinone has become controversial due to its potential for misuse and the severe side effects that can result from unmonitored, prolonged use. In some countries, it is banned because of these risks. Despite its effectiveness in treating stubborn hyperpigmentation, the history of misuse has led to a negative reputation. In South Africa, Hydroquinone is still available via prescription, but doctors are cautious and usually prescribe it as a last resort, ensuring controlled usage to avoid adverse effects.