With close to 73k followers on Instagram, ‘Dr Lu’ (Lungile Mhlongo) is well-known on social and mainstream media as a skincare maestro. Scrolling through her Instagram photos, one might easily assume that she is a model. She has a natural beauty that radiates confidence and style – making her the perfect ambassador of her own skincare brand, Numa Aesthetics.

But it hasn’t always been that way. As teenager, Dr Lu struggled with acne and other skin problems – so much so that she developed clinical depression.

‘I have been through clinical depression following my skin condition, because how you look on the outside affects how you feel on the outside and how you interact with other people,’ she says.

She recalls how she would mix different types creams and chemicals and apply it to her skin to reduce the appearance of the acne and bad breakouts. However, knowing the effect that bad acne and other physical related issues have on a person’s self-esteem and confidence, Dr Lu wanted to help people love themselves more, so she founded Numa Medical Aesthetics.

‘Having worked a few years in the industry I have seen people’s personalities transform and their self-esteem improve as they see results from our aesthetic treatments. And that, for me, has been the most fulfilling part of my job.’

Dr Mhlongo is a graduate of the University of KwaZulu-Natal, Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine. She graduated with her Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery and then went on to complete her community service.

After completing her community service, Dr Lu went on to complete a Diploma in Medical Aesthetics from the American Academy of Aesthetic Medicine, which gave her the necessary information to venture into aesthetics medicine and build the Numa brand.

Born and raised in Kwangolosi, KZN as the youngest of 10 children, Dr Lu chose medicine as a career after losing her father at a young age.

‘I developed my love for medicine as a child, while taking care of my father who had fallen ill and couldn’t receive proper healthcare. When my father passed, I decided that I would pursue a career in medicine so that other people wouldn’t go through the pain of losing someone they loved because they couldn’t get the necessary help,’ she says.

Numa Medical Aesthetics

Numa Richards Bay was launched in July 2020. It is a medically supervised skincare and cosmetic practice which offers a wide range of cosmetic procedures using the most up-to-date technologies.

‘We offer non-surgical cosmetic medical procedures, which include acne and skincare treatments, hair loss treatment, weight loss treatment, IV vitamin drips, botulinum toxin and dermal fillers,’ Dr Lu explains.

Patients are advised to visit her for a consultation to determine a tailor-made treatment plan for their unique condition. Numa has various products and treatments that are uniquely designed for each client.

‘Always know, every skin type is different. Consult with a medical professional before starting any skincare product,’ Dr Lu cautions.

Dr Lu’s personal skincare routine

And how does Dr Lu manage to always look at her best?

‘I try to lead a healthy lifestyle. I work out, eat healthy and drink a lot of water. I also take my Vitamin drips at Numa as often as I can.’

Dr Lu’s personal skincare routine consists of:

1. Cleanse
2. Exfoliate twice a week
3. Day and night serum
4. Moisturiser
5. Sunscreen daily

A true believer in her own brand, she adds, ‘I also do in office treatments such as monthly micro-needling or chemical peels, threads and botulinum toxins once in a while.’

Visit Numa Richards Bay at the Tuzi Gazi Waterfront in Richards Bay or contact 076 278 2017 to schedule an appointment.