Protect
Combine sunscreen, a parasol and a hat to reduce daily UV exposure.
ZO® SKIN HEALTH AT KOBE
ZO Skin Health
Medical-grade skincare guidance
UV-related skin changes, oily skin and pores, and dryness or redness during acne treatment. We adjust ZO Skin Health products, concentrations and frequency as part of daily care that includes moisturizing and sun protection. We distinguish redness, pigmentation and depressed acne scars, considering the different roles of treatment and home care.
RECOGNITION
ZO Skin Health recognized our clinic among the top 3 in western Japan for handling high-concentration retinol products in 2026.
OUR APPROACH
Using a high concentration is not the goal. Together, we find a concentration and frequency your skin can tolerate.
Contents of this page
PHOTOAGING
What is photoaging?
Photoaging describes skin changes caused by accumulated daily UV exposure, in addition to changes associated with age.
Changes that accumulate gradually,
rather than appearing suddenly
UV exposure affects not only surface changes such as uneven tone and pigmentation, but also the structures that support skin firmness. Because UV exposure in daily life cannot be completely avoided, daily prevention and consistent care matter.
- Spots, dullness or uneven skin tone
- More fine lines or dryness
- Roughness or uneven skin texture
- Skin that feels less firm than before
Care
Plan cleansing, exfoliation and moisturizing without adding excessive irritation.
Supplement
When suitable for the skin, gradually introduce vitamin A products such as retinol.
RETINOL
Retinol as part of photoaging care
Retinol is a vitamin A derivative. Product formulation and method of use should be selected together with concentration according to the skin condition.
A higher concentration
is not necessarily better
Retinol products may be used to improve the appearance of texture, smoothness, and tone. Increasing the concentration or frequency too quickly can intensify redness, dryness, irritation, and peeling.
We consider the skin's current tolerance, whether daytime UV protection is practical, and the timing of laser or peeling treatments, then select a plan that can be continued safely.
The goal is sustainable use, not provoking a strong reaction.
The intensity of a retinoid reaction does not indicate the strength of the benefit.
Mild Vitamin A
Milder vitamin A products can be incorporated into daily care and combined with moisturizing and skin-conditioning products. There are options for those who do not want a strong reaction.
High-strength retinol
The concentration, product, and frequency are adjusted during introduction. Redness and dryness are monitored, and use is paused or reduced when necessary.
ACNE & HOME CARE
Acne and ZO Skin Health home care
Beyond existing acne: sebum, pores and the skin’s daily condition.
We consider medication and skincare together.
- Acne has improved, but
daytime oiliness is still bothersome - Roughness around the pores
has not gone away - I want to continue my topical medication, but
redness and dryness are uncomfortable
For these concerns, reviewing medication use and daily home care can help. We assess oily skin, clogged pores and susceptibility to dryness or irritation, and consider ZO Skin Health retinol products as one home-care option.
Medication to treat acne
Adapalene helps improve clogged pores. Bepio is used to treat acne through its antibacterial action against C. acnes and its effect on clogged pores. We also use these medications according to the acne condition.
Japanese Dermatological Association: adapalene ／ Maruho: Bepio
Care for the skin’s daily condition
Cleansing, moisturizing and sun protection form the foundation. Products are combined to address oiliness, roughness and dryness. Retinol is introduced with a concentration, formulation and method suited to the individual’s skin.
We consider their separate roles rather than routinely replacing acne medication with retinol products.
Research on sebum, pores and inflammation
Retinol is a form of vitamin A involved in skin renewal. In addition to texture and smoothness, we consider research on sebum, follicular keratinization and inflammation when planning home care.
Retinol research and what it can tell us
A study of epidermal changes
Application to human skin produced changes in epidermal thickness and expression of proteins related to vitamin A activity. This demonstrates effects on the epidermis, but did not directly test efficacy as an acne treatment.
Kang et al. (1995) →Changes in sebum and whiteheads/blackheads
In 43 acne-prone women who used a product containing 0.03% retinol for four weeks, reductions in sebum, whiteheads and blackheads were reported compared with baseline. There was no comparison with a retinol-free product, and the study did not test high-concentration products or ZO Skin Health itself.
Do et al. (2026) →Expression of substances involved in inflammation
Retinol has been reported to suppress expression of inflammatory cytokines. These findings come from cultured cells and do not establish an anti-inflammatory effect when a cosmetic product is applied to the skin.
Kim et al. (2013) →These studies do not guarantee that individual ZO Skin Health products suppress sebum, reduce inflammation or treat acne.
Formulation and adjustability, beyond concentration
We use ZO Skin Health because of its retinol delivery methods, combinations with moisturizing and skin-conditioning ingredients, and range of concentrations and formulations. The availability of high concentrations is not our only consideration.
For example, Retinol Skin Brightener RDS 0.3 encapsulates retinol in proprietary liposomes in a formulation designed with stability and comfort in mind. It also contains a vitamin C derivative and moisturizing/skin-conditioning ingredients, so we consider the entire formulation as well as the concentration.
We choose a starting product from different concentrations and formulations, then gradually adjust the amount, frequency and concentration while monitoring the skin’s response.Having high-concentration options does not mean starting at a high concentration.
ZO Skin Health Japan official website: Retinol Skin Brightener RDS 0.3 ／ Retinol Skin Brightener 0.5
We address oily skin and pores while choosing care that can be continued with consideration for irritation.
ACNE MARKS & SCARS
Acne marks and scars: the role of home care
Acne marks and scars need to be considered separately as redness, pigmentation and depressions.
Persistent red marks
We check whether redness is a residual mark or ongoing inflammation. We do not treat all red marks with retinol; care and treatment should avoid adding excessive irritation.
Brown pigmentation
Daily sun protection is the foundation. Care is planned according to skin tone and inflammation. Products for uneven tone, such as Miramin, are explained in the next section.
Depressed or crater-like scars
Treatment must consider the shape and depth of depressions. ZO Skin Health home care is not intended to fill depressions on its own. We plan skin care and acne scar treatment with their different roles in mind.
While continuing treatment for new acne, we consider methods suited to the type of marks that remain. Home care supports the skin’s daily condition alongside any necessary treatment.
Reference: American Academy of Dermatology on acne scar treatment
WHY MIRAMIN?
Alongside retinol:
Alongside retinol:
Why we use Miramin
Photoaging may involve overlapping changes in texture, spots, dullness, and uneven tone. Miramin may be combined with retinol because the products have different roles.
Consider newly produced melanin
and existing uneven tone separately
Miramin is a product containing hydroquinone. Hydroquinone acts on the melanin-production pathway and is used to address spots, dullness, and uneven tone.
Retinol is used to support skin turnover and improve the appearance of texture and smoothness. Combining these two products with different roles according to the skin condition allows several aspects of photoaging to be addressed rather than approaching them in only one way.
UV protection
Reduce further UV exposure
Miramin
Acts on the melanin-production pathway to address uneven tone
Retinol
Supports overall skin texture, including smoothness and an even appearance
MEDICAL SUPERVISION
Miramin also needs planned use and rest periods
Hydroquinone may cause irritation, redness, dryness, or dermatitis. It should not be continued indefinitely; use and rest periods are determined while the skin is monitored.
- Assess the type of pigmentation and whether inflammation is present
- Start with a small amount and adjust according to the response
- Avoid increasing irritation excessively when combining with retinol
- Plan pause and restart periods in advance
MEDICAL GUIDANCE
Our clinic's retinol guidance
Our guidance continues beyond supplying products. We adjust use according to your skin’s condition and treatment schedule.
01
Check your skin condition and what you are using now
We check for redness, dryness, or dermatitis; prior vitamin A use; cleansing, moisturizing, and sunscreen routines; and topical medications prescribed elsewhere. We also assess conditions that require particular caution with irritation, including melasma and rosacea.
02
Plan frequency and product combinations before increasing concentration
Treatment may begin with a small amount or low frequency. We also explain moisturizing, UV protection, and how to avoid combining several irritating products at once.
03
Support around procedures and retinoid reactions
Retinol may need to be paused around laser, peeling, and other aesthetic treatments. If marked redness or pain occurs, we advise on pausing, reducing, and restarting use.
OUR EXPERIENCE
Recognition for our experience
Recognition for our experience
with high-concentration retinol products
ZO Skin Health recognized our clinic among the top 3 in western Japan for handling high-concentration retinol products in 2026.
Although our clinic has guided many patients, we do not recommend high concentrations automatically. We explain how to start, how to respond to retinoid reactions, and how to use products consistently according to the skin condition.
The recognition concerns product-handling experience and does not guarantee efficacy or safety for every person.
PRODUCT OPTIONS
ZO Skin Health options
Choose an appropriate starting point for your goals and skin tolerance. You do not need to use every product listed.
Upper panel — Retinol Skin Brightener 0.25/0.5/1.0: the figure describes faster epidermal turnover, smoother and more even-looking skin, brightening uneven tone and preventing melanin production. Three concentrations are available, including options for people starting high-concentration retinol. Do not use if you have a nut allergy.
Lower panel — W Texture Repair: contains 0.5% high-concentration retinol. The figure describes microemulsified (microparticulate) retinol reaching deeper skin layers, acting on epidermal turnover and dermal wrinkles, and promoting collagen and hyaluronic acid production. These are descriptions in the clinic guide, not guarantees of effects from an individual product. Use and frequency are managed according to the skin’s response.
Figure credit: Minato Motomachi Beauty and Plastic Surgery Clinic / NIE CLINIC.
01
High-concentration retinol with gradual options
Retinol Skin Brightener 0.25, 0.5 and 1.0, and W Texture Repair, among others. Concentration and frequency are adjusted to the skin.
Upper panel — AR Night Repair (Radical Night Repair): contains 1.0% high-concentration retinol. The figure describes a more even tone, tightening and firmness, stronger antioxidant activity at a high concentration, and prevention of future skin aging. Do not use if you have a nut allergy.
Lower panel — Complex A+: the figure presents it as a newly released high-concentration retinol product with 1.3%, the highest concentration in the ZO Skin Health range shown. It is recommended in the guide for experienced, advanced retinol users. Use requires guidance from an experienced doctor, so availability is limited to selected clinics. These figure descriptions do not guarantee an individual product’s effects; concentration is not itself a treatment goal.
Figure credit: Minato Motomachi Beauty and Plastic Surgery Clinic / NIE CLINIC.
02
Different formulations for different purposes
Vitamin A products differ in ingredients, feel and intended skin-care goals. We consider the full combination, not only product names.
Upper panel — Daily Power Defense: contains retinyl palmitate, a mild vitamin A ingredient suitable for morning and evening use. The figure describes an easy-to-use protective serum for people seeking a daily serum who want to avoid peeling or redness. Such reactions cannot be ruled out for everyone.
Middle panel — RC Cream: contains retinyl palmitate plus retinol. The figure describes more moisturizing care than Daily Power Defense, for people who want vitamin A alongside hydration, including prevention of winter dryness.
Lower panel — RN Cream: contains retinol. The figure describes more moisturizing care than Daily Power Defense and a lighter feel than RC Cream. As with the middle panel, it is described for people who want vitamin A with hydration and care to prevent winter dryness.
Figure credit: Minato Motomachi Beauty and Plastic Surgery Clinic / NIE CLINIC.
03
For those seeking care with fewer reactions
Daily Power Defense, RC Cream and RN Cream, among others. These include moisturizing and skin-conditioning options for those who prefer to avoid strong reactions.
PRICE
ZO Skin Health product fees
Prices for the 34 ZO Skin Health products available at our clinic. Select “View features” by each product name to read its characteristics.
¥20,900
¥23,100
¥26,400
¥25,960
¥8,800
¥8,800
¥6,820
¥6,820
¥6,820
¥9,900
¥7,700
¥24,200
¥24,200
¥19,800
¥18,480
¥35,860
¥17,600
¥23,540
¥14,300
¥14,960
¥17,600
¥19,800
¥24,640
¥27,500
¥15,400
¥17,820
¥16,500
¥9,900
¥22,000
¥17,600
¥8,800
¥12,320
¥9,900
¥8,800
Tax-inclusive prices checked on October 3, 2026. This is a list of products we handle; please contact us about stock and purchasing.
*Self-pay care. A ¥3,300 consultation fee may apply when multiple consultations occur without a product purchase.
FLOW
Consultation process
Reservation
First-time visitors should book an initial visit; current patients should book a follow-up visit.
Check skin condition
We review your concerns, current skincare, topical medications, treatment schedule, and pregnancy or breastfeeding status.
Proposal of products and frequency
We explain the products needed, application order, starting frequency, sun protection and how to respond to retinoid reactions.
Adjust according to progress
Frequency, amount, and product combinations are reviewed according to redness, dryness, and how the products feel in use.
SAFETY
Retinoid reaction and precautions
Before starting, we explain possible reactions and when to contact the clinic.
Possible reactions
- Redness, dryness and irritation
- Peeling, itching, or dermatitis
- Stinging or tightness
- Pigmentation after inflammation
When to stop use and seek advice
- Strong pain and swelling
- Eczema, blisters, or erosion
- Redness that interferes with daily life
- Symptoms that do not improve even if you stop
Please tell us before starting
- Breastfeeding (consult before use)
- Dermatitis, rosacea, or allergies
- Use of acne medication or other irritating topical products
- Laser and peeling schedule
Avoid retinol products if you are pregnant or planning pregnancy.
Do not suddenly increase concentration or frequency on your own. Continue moisturizing and sun protection. Research on anti-inflammatory effects does not mean use will be irritation-free. Do not judge efficacy by the severity of peeling. Stop use and contact us for strong reactions or symptoms that persist despite pausing. Follow the advised pause periods before and after laser, peeling or other procedures.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions about ZO Skin Health
Can ZO Skin Health treat acne or acne marks and scars?
We use ZO Skin Health as a home-care option for sebum, pores and the skin’s daily condition. It does not routinely replace acne medication. Redness, pigmentation and depressed acne scars are considered separately, with treatment chosen for the shape and depth of depressions and the role of home care considered alongside it.
Can topical acne medication and retinol products be used together?
Some combinations can increase irritation such as redness and dryness. Do not add products or stop/change prescribed medication on your own. Tell us about your current medication and skincare; we adjust the products, amount, frequency and moisturizing routine.
Should I start ZO Skin Health with high-concentration retinol?
Higher concentrations are not suitable for everyone. We choose the product and frequency after reviewing dryness, redness, previous vitamin A use and your preferred pace.
Will tolerating peeling or redness make treatment more effective?
A stronger reaction does not necessarily mean a greater benefit. Stop use and contact our clinic if pain, marked redness, swelling, eczema, or another significant reaction occurs.
Can ZO Skin Health be used with laser treatment?
They may be combined, but retinol products may need to be paused depending on the procedure and skin condition. We explain the pause periods before and after treatment during consultation.
Should Miramin be used continuously?
Miramin contains hydroquinone, so it should not be used indefinitely. We monitor the skin and plan use and rest periods, adjusting use if irritation or redness occurs.
Can I use retinol products during pregnancy or breastfeeding?
Avoid retinol products if pregnant or planning pregnancy. If breastfeeding, consult a doctor before use.
Can ZO Skin Health be purchased online?
Our clinic sells these products after reviewing the skin condition and current products and explaining how to use them. Contact us regarding availability and purchasing.
CONSULTATION
For products used every day,
For products used every day,
let’s find a routine that suits your skin.
Please consult us if you are new to retinol, stopped because of peeling or redness, or are unsure how to combine acne treatment with skincare. We can plan everyday care together, starting at a level that fits your skin and lifestyle.
Reference and External Links
- Clinic article: choosing ZO Skin Health vitamin A concentrations and understanding retinoid reactions
- ZO Skin Health：Retinol for Beginners
- ZO Skin Health: Professional Products (hydroquinone products)
- PubMed：Topical tretinoin for treating photoaging（2022）
- American Academy of Dermatology：Retinoid or retinol?