The 5 Pillars of Healthy Skin: Building a Strong Foundation for Radiant Skin

At KINS, when we analyse and assess the top layer of skin (layer 1) we have 5 skin health pillars that we are always looking to improve. Healthy, glowing skin comes from targeting all 5 to ensure the strongest healthiest skin possible. In this blog, we’ll explore these five pillars of skin health and see how they all contribute to an overall healthy complexion.
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Dr Louise Smyth

1) Even Skin Colour

One of the first signs of healthy skin is an even, consistent colour. An uneven skin colour includes dark spots, redness, or hyperpigmentation. Ideally healthy skin should have a uniform appearance, free from blotchiness or discolouration.
Several factors can affect skin colour, including sun exposure, hormonal changes, and skin conditions like melasma or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

To maintain even skin colour, it’s essential to protect your skin from UV damage by wearing sunscreen daily. Additionally, incorporating ZO products into your routine that treat and prevent pigmentation like vitamin C, brightalive and brightening retinol. Redness is treated with a product called Rozatrol. Procedures like IPL and microneedling with exosomes also help with pigmentation and redness. A skin analysis with the VISIA machine is important to do as a baseline to make sure we are constantly improving all of these parameters.

2) Even Texture and Tone

The texture of your skin plays a major role in its overall health and appearance. Healthy skin should ideally feel smooth to the touch, without rough patches, congested pores, or uneven texture. An even texture allows makeup to apply more smoothly and helps skin appear strong, healthy and radiant.

To achieve even texture, focus on exfoliation and hydration. Regular gentle exfoliation with AHAs (Alpha Hydroxy Acids) or BHAs (Beta Hydroxy Acids) helps remove dead skin cells that contribute to a rough or uneven surface. These ingredients are in many of the ZO products that will be adjusted in your protocol based on your skin type. For amplified results, procedures like microneedling, chemical peels, or retinol can help improve texture significantly

3) Firmness

Firmness is a key indicator of youthful skin. As we age, the skin naturally loses collagen and elastin, which are responsible for keeping the skin tight and supple. A loss of firmness can lead to sagging, fine lines, and wrinkles.

To maintain skin firmness, it’s important to incorporate ingredients that boost collagen production. Vitamin C, peptides like in the ZO Growth factor serum, ZO firming serum and retinoids are all known for their ability to stimulate collagen synthesis and improve skin elasticity. The ZO retinols are exceptional at transforming the skin quality but have to be used under guidance from us at KINS. Additionally, maintaining a healthy diet rich in antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids can support the skin from the inside out, helping to keep it firm and plump.

For those looking for more immediate improvements in firmness, treatments like polynucleotides, profhilo or radiofrequency microneedling (Morpheus8) can help stimulate collagen production and tighten the skin from within. The treatment and product combination that would give the most impactful results would be decided at your consultation at KINS.

4) A Strong Barrier That’s Resistant to Environmental Stressors

Your skin’s barrier is its first line of defence against environmental factors like pollution, harsh weather, dry air from internal heating and harmful bacteria. A strong, intact barrier prevents moisture loss and protects the skin from irritants and infections. When the skin’s barrier is compromised—due to over-exfoliation, exposure to incorrect products, or environmental stress—it can lead to dryness, sensitivity, redness, and even more severe conditions like eczema.

To maintain a healthy skin barrier, it is necessary to maintain a healthy level of cell turnover with a strong outside layer. An effective skincare routine focused on strengthening, restoring and protecting your barrier will keep your skin resilient and less prone to irritation or environmental damage. The ZO daily power defence is full of antioxidants to protect you from the environment and if you need extra hydration, we recommend the ZO hydrating crème.

5) Skin that is free from Medical Conditions Like Acne, Rosacea, Eczema, Psoriasis

One of the most important pillars of skin health is ensuring your skin is free from underlying medical conditions. Acne, rosacea, eczema, psoriasis, and other dermatological conditions can significantly impact skin appearance and overall health. Treating these conditions effectively is essential to achieving and maintaining healthy skin.

If you suffer from acne, rosacea, or any other chronic skin issue, working with an adequately trained professional to develop a tailored treatment plan is key. Treatments may include topical medications, oral prescriptions, or even lifestyle changes such as diet adjustments. For those with acne-prone skin, ingredients like salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, and retinoids can help keep breakouts under control. For rosacea, gentle skincare with a protocol focused on reducing redness and sensitivity is important. Prescription treatments like topical metronidazole or azelaic acid may be recommended. LED light can help many of these conditions.

Maintaining the Five Pillars of Skin Health

The five pillars of skin health work together to create a balanced, healthy, and glowing complexion. To support each pillar, it’s important to:

• Protect your skin from UV damage by wearing sunscreen every day.

• Hydrate your skin if you suffer from a dry barrier with moisturizing products to maintain a smooth texture and firm appearance.

• Use targeted treatments to address any skin concerns, such as pigmentation, uneven texture, acne, or rosacea.

• Adopt a balanced skincare routine that strengthens your skin barrier and promotes overall skin health.

• If you can tolerate retinoids they are the most effective way to maintain a strong healthy barrier- but may take an adjustment period for a few weeks to months.

Dr Louise Smyth