{"id":1044566,"date":"2025-12-11T19:10:39","date_gmt":"2025-12-11T16:10:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1044566"},"modified":"2025-12-11T19:10:39","modified_gmt":"2025-12-11T16:10:39","slug":"men-need-to-fix-their-skin-barrier-esthetician-ian-michael-crumm-can-help","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1044566","title":{"rendered":"Men Need to Fix Their Skin Barrier. Esthetician Ian Michael Crumm Can Help"},"content":{"rendered":"
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IF IT’S BROKE, FIX IT<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Take It From an Esthetician: Men Desperately Need Barrier Repair<\/h1>\n<\/div>\n
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Here’s how to shore up your skin.<\/div>\n
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By <\/span>Ian Michael Crumm<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/div>\n

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Collage: Paula Balondo; Source images: Courtesy of Allure<\/em> editors and brands<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/header>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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Wondering why your face feels tight after cleansing, your body gets itchy the second the weather changes, and daily shaving leaves your cheeks looking irritated? Here\u2019s the truth: Your skin barrier is taking a beating. It\u2019s the protective outer layer that’s meant to keep hydration in and irritants out, and we put it through a lot. Hot showers, over-cleansing, skipping moisturizer, not using SPF consistently, and aggressive shaving can all chip away at the barrier until the skin becomes dry, red, reactive, or just uncomfortable.<\/p>\n

As a licensed esthetician since 2021, I see this all the time\u2013particularly in my male patients, who often put their sensitive skin through constant shaving and lack consistent skin care routines. And, as a guy, I\u2019ve also personally dealt with barrier issues. The products below are ones I use and love because they make a noticeable difference. If you want healthier, calmer, smoother skin, start here.<\/p>\n

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Instagram content<\/h4>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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Ian’s Skin Barrier Faves<\/h2>\n
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\"The<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n
The Facial Cleanser<\/span><\/p>\n
Caldera + Lab The Clean Slate Purifying Gentle Facial Cleanser<\/div>\n

Jump to review<\/p><\/div>\n

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$45<\/del>$36<\/span>(20% off)<\/span><\/p>\n

Amazon<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n

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\"Doctor<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n
The Moisturizer<\/span><\/p>\n
Doctor Rogers Face Cream<\/div>\n

Jump to review<\/p><\/div>\n

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$78<\/span><\/p>\n

Amazon<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n

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\"La<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n
The Body Wash<\/span><\/p>\n
La Roche-Posay Lipikar AP Moisturizing Body & Face Wash<\/div>\n

Jump to review<\/p><\/div>\n

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$20<\/span><\/p>\n

Amazon<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Cleansing Balm:<\/strong> Good Light Strawberry Moon Grinding Cleansing Balm<\/h2>\n
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\"Good<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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Good Light<\/p>\n

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Strawberry Moon Grinding Cleansing Balm<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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$29<\/span><\/p>\n

Ulta Beauty<\/p>\n

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Why I recommend it:<\/strong> If you wear sunscreen daily and reapply it often (hint: you should!) or wear makeup (even just some concealer), then starting your P.M. routine with a cleansing balm makes all the difference. I love this one’s strawberry-sorbet scent and how nourishing it feels thanks to moringa oil, which works to melt sunscreen and makeup effortlessly while moisturizing skin. It pairs perfectly with a gel cleanser and keeps the barrier happy, since there\u2019s no harsh rubbing or stripping required to get everything off.<\/p>\n

Face Cleanser:<\/strong> Caldera + Lab The Clean Slate Purifying Gentle Facial Cleanser<\/h2>\n
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\"The<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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Caldera + Lab<\/p>\n

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The Clean Slate Purifying Gentle Facial Cleanser<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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$45<\/del>$36<\/span>(20% off)<\/span><\/p>\n

Amazon<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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$45<\/del>$34<\/span>(24% off)<\/span><\/p>\n

Ulta Beauty<\/p>\n

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Why I recommend it:<\/strong> I love this cleanser because it\u2019s truly gentle, but still makes my skin feel super-clean after I rinse. It\u2019s a gel formula powered by gentle surfactants, which are cleansing agents that help remove dirt, sweat, and sunscreen, as well as amino acids to protect your skin barrier. If you usually avoid cleansers because they leave your face feeling tight or dehydrated, then this is the one to try.<\/p>\n

Face Moisturizer:<\/strong> Doctor Rogers Face Cream<\/h2>\n
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\"Doctor<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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Doctor Rogers<\/p>\n

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Face Cream<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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$78<\/span><\/p>\n

Amazon<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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$78<\/del>$62<\/span>(21% off)<\/span><\/p>\n

Credo Beauty<\/p>\n

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Why I recommend it:<\/strong> This is one of the most elegant and reliable barrier-repair creams I\u2019ve used. I like that it\u2019s rich but not heavy, and made with deeply moisturizing ingredients\u2014like squalane, a fatty acid that’s naturally found in the skin barrier\u2014for compromised skin. When my face feels tight, irritated, or raw from over-exfoliation, this cream brings it back to life. It gives you that immediate comforting effect while also supporting deeper barrier recovery.<\/p>\n

Body Wash:<\/strong> La Roche-Posay Lipikar AP+ Moisturizing Body & Face Wash<\/h2>\n
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\"La<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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La Roche-Posay<\/p>\n

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Lipikar AP Moisturizing Body & Face Wash<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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$20<\/span><\/p>\n

Amazon<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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$20<\/span><\/p>\n

Dermstore<\/p>\n

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$22<\/span><\/p>\n

Ulta Beauty<\/p>\n

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Why I recommend it:<\/strong> It\u2019s easy to focus all your attention on your face and overlook the skin on your body, but the barrier from your neck down needs support, too. This wash is rich in niacinamide (which can rev up ceramide production for a stronger moisture barrier) and shea butter, which is packed with fatty acids that work together with the lipids in your skin to help your barrier function properly. And it\u2019s even been accepted by the National Eczema Association (which vets the formula for safety and gentleness). Bottom line? It\u2019s a game-changer for dry or sensitive skin, helping keep skin balanced and comfortable from head to toe.<\/p>\n

Body Moisturizer:<\/strong> Cetaphil Moisturizing Lotion<\/h2>\n
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\"Cetaphil<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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Cetaphil<\/p>\n

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Moisturizing Lotion<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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$16<\/del>$15<\/span>(6% off)<\/span><\/p>\n

Amazon<\/p>\n

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Why I recommend it:<\/strong> The best time to lock in moisture is right after a shower\u2014since it’s an opportunity to seal in any hydration your skin absorbed\u2014ideally with this everyday body lotion. It\u2019s lightweight and fast-absorbing, and won\u2019t leave you feeling greasy while you get dressed. I love the inclusion of vitamins B3 (a.k.a. niacinamide) to boost ceramide production and B5 (a.k.a. panthenol) to soothe irritation. It\u2019s affordable, reliable, and easy to build into your daily routine.<\/p>\n

Sunscreen:<\/strong> EltaMD UV Restore Color Correcting Face Sunscreen SPF 50<\/h2>\n
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\"UV<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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EltaMD<\/p>\n

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UV Restore Color Correcting Face Sunscreen SPF 50<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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$52<\/span><\/p>\n

Amazon<\/p>\n

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$52<\/del>$42<\/span>(19% off)<\/span><\/p>\n

Dermstore<\/p>\n

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Why I recommend it:<\/strong> Your barrier can\u2019t repair itself well if it\u2019s getting hit with UV damage every day. This is my go-to sunscreen for sensitive or winter-worn skin because it supports recovery while also calming visible redness. The green tint neutralizes windburn or flushing, and the SPF 50 mineral protection is ideal for compromised skin, as mineral sunscreens tend to be gentler than chemical sunscreens. (They sit on top of skin to reflect UV rays instead of being absorbed, as chemical filters are.) I wear this often on cold days or after an in-office treatment, when my skin needs some extra care.<\/p>\n

Lip Care:<\/strong> Remedy Hydrating and Healing Lip Balm Ointment<\/h2>\n
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\"Hydrating<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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Remedy<\/p>\n

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Hydrating and Healing Lip Balm Ointment<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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$16<\/span><\/p>\n

Amazon<\/p>\n

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$16<\/del>$12<\/span>(25% off)<\/span><\/p>\n

Remedy<\/p>\n

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Why I recommend it:<\/strong> The skin barrier on the lips is much thinner and more fragile than that on the rest of your skin, which is why dry, cracked lips can happen year-round\u2014but they’re especially common in the winter. That’s why this lip treatment has quickly become one of my go-tos; I love how nourishing (not sticky) it feels. Keep one on your nightstand and another in your work bag or pocket, so you always have one handy.<\/p>\n

Moisturizing Balm:<\/strong> KaramMD Enriched Breathable Barrier Balm<\/h2>\n
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\"Enriched<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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KaramMD<\/p>\n

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Enriched Breathable Barrier Balm<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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$100<\/del>$70<\/span>(30% off)<\/span><\/p>\n

KaramMD<\/p>\n

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Why I recommend it:<\/strong> I use this balm at night, when my skin needs a little more TLC. Think of it as a breathable seal\u2014a thin, not-too-heavy layer over your moisturizer that helps lock everything in. Thanks to ultra-hydrating cupa\u00e7u butter, it\u2019s perfect for what I call \u201cmicro-slugging,\u201d or supporting your skin with extra cushion and support overnight so you wake up to a noticeably calmer, more hydrated complexion.<\/p>\n

Face Mask:<\/strong> Dr. Sam\u2019s Flawless Revival Mask<\/h2>\n
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\"Flawless<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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Dr. Sam\u2019s<\/p>\n

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Flawless Revival Mask<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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$54<\/del>$49<\/span>(9% off)<\/span><\/p>\n

Dr. Sam’s<\/p>\n

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Why I recommend it:<\/strong> This is the product I reach for when my skin needs intensive help. Niacinamide, soothing plant oils, and a barrier-boosting lipid complex make this mask incredibly comforting. You can use it for 10 minutes for a quick reset, but I also love applying it as an overnight mask when my skin feels compromised.<\/p>\n

The Takeaway<\/h2>\n

A strong skin barrier changes everything: It can support hydration, comfort, clarity, and even how well your skin tolerates shaving. In my practice, I\u2019ve found that we men often weaken our barriers without realizing it by using harsh, stripping cleansers, skipping moisturizer because we assume we don\u2019t need it, or shaving over already irritated skin. Inconsistent routines also play a huge role\u2014your skin can\u2019t repair itself if you\u2019re constantly changing products.<\/p>\n

These are the products I trust, use, and recommend to my clients because they effectively restore and maintain the barrier. Commit to using a few of them consistently, and your skin will look and feel better every day.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n

Source URL: https:\/\/www.allure.com\/story\/skin-barrier-repair-ian-michael-crumm<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

IF IT’S BROKE, FIX IT Take It From an Esthetician: Men Desperately Need Barrier Repair Here’s how to shore up your skin. By Ian Michael Crumm December 11, 2025 Collage: Paula Balondo; Source images: Courtesy of Allure editors and brands Wondering why your face feels tight after cleansing, your body gets itchy the second the […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[52],"class_list":["post-1044566","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-politics","tag-allure-com"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1044566","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=1044566"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1044566\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1044566"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=1044566"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=1044566"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}