Skin assessment
- Medical questionnaire and photo review
- Personalized treatment plan
- Prescription when appropriate
CA$175
per consultation
Modern Dermatology
Hydroquinone
Prescription only
Hydroquinone prescribed online
Hydroquinone is a prescription cream that lightens dark spots and melasma. Your clinician reviews your skin online and decides if it is right for you, and for how long.
Start my assessmentAt a glance
- Topical cream or gel (hydroquinone 4%)
- For melasma and dark spots
- Schedule set by your clinician
Why Modern Dermatology
- Canadian-licensed medical professionals, 100% online
- Prescriptions sent to your pharmacy or delivered
- Follow-up and refills through your Care Team
Used forMelasmaHyperpigmentation (dark spots)PIH and PIE (marks after acne)
Use sun protection every day, or your spots will darken again. Stop the cream and call your clinician if you have strong irritation or if the skin darkens. Do not use hydroquinone longer than your clinician sets.
Choosing the right plan for you
Your clinician sets how often you apply hydroquinone and for how long. Treatment time is limited and often includes planned breaks.
Considerations include
- The type of dark spots
- Your skin tone and sensitivity
- Past treatments and how they worked
- Sun exposure and sun protection habits
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding
How hydroquinone works
Hydroquinone slows the cells that make skin colour
Skin colour comes from melanin, which cells called melanocytes make. Hydroquinone blocks an enzyme, called tyrosinase, that these cells need to make melanin.
With less new pigment, the dark patches fade as the skin renews itself. Results take weeks to months, and daily sun protection protects the gains.
Modern Dermatology
Hydroquinone
Prescription only
Recommended for
- Melasma
- Sun spots
- Dark marks after acne
- Uneven skin tone
- Dark marks after a rash or injury
Your clinician reviews your skin and history, and confirms that this treatment is right for you before prescribing.
Blocks tyrosinase
Key enzyme for pigment
Slows melanin production
Less new dark pigment
Fades existing patches
As skin renews itself
Evens skin tone
More uniform colour
How it works.
- 01
Tell us about your skin
Complete a quick medical questionnaire and upload a few photos of your skin concerns. No appointment needed.
- 02
Get your personalized treatment plan
A Canadian-licensed medical professional will review your information and recommend a personalized treatment plan, including prescriptions when appropriate. Most conditions can be assessed without a video consultation.
- 03
Start your treatment
Get your prescribed medications delivered right to your door. Medication costs are billed separately from your consultation.
- 04
Follow up on your progress
At a follow-up, your clinician can review your progress, discuss side effects and adjust your treatment if needed.
Clear answers.
Have more questions? See our full FAQ or Contact us.
Still have questions? Reach our care team at 514 111 1111
Start my assessmentPossibly. You fill out a short health form, and a Canadian-licensed medical professional reviews your case. If hydroquinone is right for you, your clinician sends a prescription to your pharmacy. Some people need in-person care instead, and your clinician decides.
It blocks tyrosinase, an enzyme that cells need to make melanin. With less new pigment, dark patches fade over time. It does not remove the cause of the spots.
Most people need several weeks to see a change, and a few months for the best result. Your clinician reviews your progress and decides how long to continue.
Redness, dryness, stinging and peeling are the most common. Rarely, long use can cause the skin to darken. Stop the cream and call your clinician if the skin gets worse.
People who are allergic to hydroquinone or to its ingredients should not use it. Do not apply it on broken or irritated skin. Your clinician also reviews your use during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Other options include azelaic acid, tretinoin and tranexamic acid. Your clinician talks about which fits your type of dark spots.
Yes, a gentle moisturizer and a daily sunscreen are important. Ask your clinician before you add peels, scrubs or other active products, because they can irritate your skin.
Tell your clinician if you are pregnant, plan to be pregnant or are breastfeeding. Your clinician decides if hydroquinone is right for you.
Each consultation costs CA$175. Your pharmacy charges separately for medication. Ask your insurer whether your plan covers the prescribed treatment.
Glyquin and Lustra are brand names in Canada for hydroquinone. A compounded or generic product may have the same active ingredient. Your pharmacist may offer either one, and your clinician can ask for a specific product.
Your Care Team checks in before each refill. Your clinician may ask for photos or an update on how you feel. If hydroquinone is still right for you, the prescription is renewed and sent to your pharmacy.
Simple pricing for your skin care.
Medication costs are separate. Ask your insurer whether your plan reimburses online consultations.
Start my assessment
Related treatments
Your clinician can suggest another option when this one is not the right fit.
