The skin has a very specific purpose, which is to act as our bodies’ first line of defense against the external environment. The skin is constantly bombarded by potentially damaging assaults both indoors and out, and the skin barrier bears the brunt of it.

Board-certified facial plastic surgeon Dr. Jeanne Eyde of Grand Rapids, Michigan’s Grand Pearl Spa at Plastic Surgery Associates explains the connection between the skin barrier and compromised skin. She also shares her Dermablend makeup suggestions that can help soothe the symptoms of compromised skin, replenish the skin’s barrier and improve the complexion’s overall appearance.

• What is compromised skin?

• How can you tell if skin is compromised?

• What skin care ingredients help with compromised skin?

• How should I use Dermablend on compromised skin?

What is compromised skin?

According to Dr. Eyde, “The protective function of our skin becomes impaired when our skin barrier is compromised by irritants such as environmental allergens and pollutants, or even changes in diet, travel and weather.” However, skin care and lifestyle habits can have an impact on the skin barrier as well. “Over-washing, over-exfoliation, stress and lack of sleep can also lead to a compromised skin barrier,” she says. In addition, professional resurfacing treatments, such as chemical peels and lasers, can temporarily compromise the skin’s barrier as well.

How can you tell if skin is compromised?

There’s a wide range of signs that the skin is compromised. “Compromised skin can look and feel inflamed,” Dr. Eyde says. “Dryness, itchy skin, tightness and acne can also be indicators of an impaired moisture barrier.”

What skin care ingredients help with compromised skin?

The appropriate skin care approach for compromised skin should be tailored for specific skin symptoms, but all compromised skin can benefit from barrier-reinforcing products that are formulated with:

• Ceramides

• Essential fatty acids

• Niacinamide

“Happy, healthy-looking skin relies upon ingredients that help restore hydration and prevent the loss of moisture from the skin barrier,” Dr. Eyde says. Ingredients that help support the skin’s ability to retain moisture include:

• Hyaluronic acid

• Glycerin

• Panthenol

“By keeping hydration in the skin, we give the skin’s natural repair processes time to work and help prevent further damage to the moisture barrier,” Dr. Eyde says. Since hydration is key for restoring a compromised skin barrier, Dr. Eyde recommends a gentle cleanser and a daily nourishing cream to start and says it may be necessary to avoid extra exfoliation until inflammation is under control. Finally, protecting the skin from harmful sun exposure is essential, so look for sunscreen as well as makeup that provide broad-spectrum protection against both UVA and UVB rays.

How to use Dermablend on compromised skin

What are your makeup options when you have compromised skin? “There are many options to choose from when you turn to Dermablend,” Dr. Eyde says. “My go-to for compromised skin is Dermablend Flawless Creator. It has only nine ingredients plus high-performance pigments and is both allergy- and sensitive skin-tested. It provides weightless, beautiful coverage in a wide variety of shades without worsening existing mild to severe skin conditions.”

She also recommends Dermablend Continuous Correction Tone-Evening CC Cream Foundation SPF 50+ to help conceal noticeable imperfections while respecting and reinforcing the skin’s barrier. Plus, it provides a high level of broad-spectrum UV protection.

If you’re dealing with compromised skin and don’t know where to start, Dr. Eyde has a few pearls of wisdom. “Consulting with a trusted skin care professional is paramount for achieving healthy, glowing skin. A thorough skin evaluation along with a comprehensive daily skin care regimen that helps nourish and protect the skin is the first step,” Dr. Eyde says. “When followed with Dermablend’s non-comedogenic, buildable coverage that’s backed by the brand’s skin-security standards, the result is confidence and comfort living in your own beautiful skin.”

Learn more about Dermablend products and how they can help your skin tone look more even on the LovelySkin Blog.