As both a dermatologist and researcher, one question has followed me throughout my career: What will be the next innovation that genuinely changes the way we care for our patients?
That question has taken me across laboratories, hospitals, universities, and congresses in more than thirty countries. Some of my most rewarding professional experiences have happened not while presenting on stage, but while walking through research facilities, speaking with scientists, and witnessing how new ideas evolve from a concept into a product that eventually reaches the clinic.
This time, my journey brought me to Zhuhai, a vibrant city in southern China, where I had the opportunity to visit Yasha Medical Technology, the company behind the ZQ-II brand. What started as a simple conversation eventually became one of the most interesting industrial visits I have experienced in recent years.
My ZQ-11 Journey All Started With A Recommendation
Interestingly, this story began thousands of kilometres away.
During one of my international meetings, a dear friend and colleague from Indonesia mentioned a skincare company that, according to him, was doing things differently. As someone who is constantly searching for emerging technologies, I was immediately intrigued.
After returning home, I contacted the ZQ-II team.
I honestly wasn’t expecting much. Large manufacturers often have complicated communication channels and lengthy processes before you even speak to the scientific team.
Instead, I received exactly the opposite.
From our very first online meeting, everyone was incredibly welcoming, transparent and enthusiastic. Rather than simply presenting products, they wanted to discuss science, clinical applications and future collaboration. After several virtual meetings, we agreed that the best way to understand their work would be to visit their headquarters and manufacturing facilities in Zhuhai.
I booked my ticket.
Contribution by Dr. Alberto Leguina
Dr. Alberto Leguina-Ruzzi is a Biologist, Doctor of Medical Sciences, Physician, and Dermatology Specialist with more than a decade of experience across biomedical research, university teaching, clinical practice, and the pharmaceutical industry.
He currently serves as President of the Chilean Chapter of ISWAM (International Seminar and Workshop in Aesthetic Medicine) and has shared his expertise on stages around the globe—including IMCAS, MEIDAN, SOCHIMCE, AIDA, and 5-CC, among other major international congresses.
Throughout his career, Dr. Alberto has led continuing medical education initiatives, offered scientific and technical support to sales teams, and ensured the ethical, accurate, and clinically relevant communication of medical and pharmaceutical innovations.
Getting to Know ZQ-II
Founded by Yasha Medical Technology Group, ZQ-II has developed into a company focused on medical skincare, dermatological treatments, and aesthetic medicine. Their portfolio includes medical devices, postoperative skincare, skin boosters, barrier-repair products, anti-pigmentation solutions, anti-acne treatments and cosmetic formulations designed for both professionals and home care. The company highlights its investment in research, quality manufacturing and international certifications, with products distributed in dozens of countries worldwide.
One aspect that immediately caught my attention was that the company does not limit itself to producing cosmetics. Their philosophy integrates dermatology, regenerative medicine, and aesthetic procedures, developing products intended to complement both medical treatments and daily skincare routines.
As someone who believes that successful aesthetic medicine begins with healthy skin—not simply with injectables—that approach immediately resonated with me.
A Product That Genuinely Surprised Me
Among all the products I explored before travelling to China, one in particular stood out.
PLLA Nutrients Fills.
At first glance, I thought it was simply another PLLA-based product.
It wasn’t.
The formulation combines water-soluble PLLA technology with ingredients including tranexamic acid and nonapeptide-1, aiming to stimulate collagen regeneration while also addressing skin quality and pigmentation. Unlike traditional PLLA products designed primarily for deeper tissue stimulation, this formulation is intended for superficial dermal applications such as mesotherapy, with a focus on improving skin texture, firmness and overall quality. According to the manufacturer, the modified PLLA technology is designed to improve distribution within superficial tissues while maintaining collagen-stimulating properties.
Naturally, I was curious.
Before travelling to China, I had the opportunity to test the product during my educational events in Manchester.
I have to admit…
I quickly became fascinated by it.
What impressed me most was not only the concept itself but how easy the product was to integrate into regenerative treatment protocols focused on improving skin quality rather than simply replacing volume. As always, I believe that every new technology deserves careful clinical evaluation, but my initial experience certainly encouraged me to continue exploring its potential.
Innovation beyond the products
One of the highlights of my visit was learning more about the company’s research philosophy.
Innovation isn’t just a slogan displayed on a wall.
The team explained how they invest in product development, laboratory testing, clinical observations and intellectual property, with a growing portfolio of patents supporting their technologies. Their research extends across multiple dermatological fields, including skin barrier restoration, postoperative recovery, pigmentation disorders, acne management, regenerative skincare and aesthetic medicine.
For someone with an academic background, these discussions were particularly enjoyable.
Instead of focusing only on marketing claims, we spent hours talking about mechanisms of action, biological pathways, formulation challenges and where regenerative dermatology may be heading during the next decade.
Those are exactly the kinds of conversations I enjoy most.
Behind the scenes
One of the greatest privileges of visiting a manufacturer is seeing everything that patients and clinicians never get to see.
The production facilities were impressive.
Walking through the manufacturing line offered a completely different appreciation of what goes into developing medical skincare products. Every stage—from raw material preparation and filling to packaging and quality control—followed highly structured procedures designed to ensure consistency and safety.
For clinicians, we often see only the finished syringe or bottle.
Visiting the factory reminds us how much engineering, chemistry, microbiology, and quality assurance exist behind every product we use.
I also had the opportunity to try several cosmetic formulations myself, giving me a practical feel for the textures, formulations and patient experience beyond simply reading product specifications.
Lunch, conversations, and plenty of science
Of course, no memorable visit would be complete without good food.
Following the factory tour, we enjoyed a wonderful lunch generously hosted by the company’s director, Ms. Moni.
Like many meals in China, the table quickly became more than a place to eat—it became a place for conversation.
We discussed dermatology, international education, cultural differences in skincare routines, and how patient expectations continue to evolve around the world.
Those informal conversations are often where the best ideas emerge.
Discovering the Repairing range
During the afternoon scientific meeting, we explored in greater depth what is perhaps one of ZQ-II’s best-known product families: the Repairing line.
As dermatologists, we increasingly recognise that restoring the skin barrier is fundamental—not only after aesthetic procedures but also in inflammatory skin diseases, sensitive skin and everyday skincare.
The Repairing range is centred on supporting barrier recovery and reducing post-procedure discomfort. Several formulations include ingredients such as epidermal growth factor (EGF/oligopeptide-1), collagen and hyaluronic acid, designed to calm irritated skin, reduce redness, promote hydration and support wound healing after laser and other energy-based procedures. The portfolio also includes products intended to strengthen barrier function, encourage epidermal regeneration and assist patients experiencing sensitive or compromised skin.
Considering my own research interests in dermatitis, skin inflammation and regeneration, this discussion was particularly meaningful.
It highlighted how advances in skincare increasingly bridge cosmetic science and clinical dermatology.
One final conversation
Before leaving, I had the opportunity to conduct an interview with one of the company’s senior officers.
Rather than discussing individual products, we spoke about the future of innovation, international collaboration, and how rapidly aesthetic medicine continues to evolve.
It was an inspiring way to conclude the visit.
Looking Ahead
Travelling through China over the past month reminded me of something important.
Innovation today is truly global.
China is no longer simply a manufacturing hub—it has become an increasingly important centre for research, product development and technological innovation within dermatology and aesthetic medicine. Companies are investing heavily in research, international collaborations and advanced manufacturing while expanding their presence across Europe, Asia, the Middle East and many other regions.
What impressed me most, however, was not only the technology.
It was the people.
Throughout my visit, I experienced remarkable hospitality, genuine openness to scientific discussion, and an attention to detail that made every meeting enjoyable. From the laboratory to the production floor, from lunch conversations to technical discussions, there was a shared enthusiasm for improving skin health through innovation.
As many of you know, I am always cautious when evaluating new technologies. New ideas should be approached with curiosity, but also with scientific rigour.
Today, I continue actively testing several ZQ-II products in my clinical practice and educational activities, carefully observing where they may contribute to patient care.
My first impressions have been extremely positive, and I am genuinely excited to continue learning more.
If my visit to Zhuhai taught me anything, it is that some of the most exciting developments in dermatology are happening where science, manufacturing, and collaboration meet.
And judging by what I saw during my visit, I have a feeling that we will be hearing much more about ZQ-II in the years to come.