When someone’s skiN catches your attention, you ask them about it — or is that just us? As an editorial team, we can get away with prying about people’s personal habits in a way that more conservative (read: more appropriate) readers may be too polite to ask.   

Such was the case with Andy Hnilo of Alitura Naturals. We fell in love with his skincare products last year after an encounter at Erewhon and soon realized we needed to know everything about his personal skincare routine.

Andy founded Alitura after a near fatal car crash that left his whole face and body in a disastrous state. He learned to heal himself by leaning heavily on the power of plants, and created his potent skin potions in the process.

Ever-impressed by Andy’s complexion, and knowing he’d appreciate being introduced to so many or you, we asked Andy to walk us through his seriously effective skincare routine by video. 

We’ve tried Andy’s dermaroller clay mask combo and were thoroughly impressed. If you position this as a simple ‘extension’ to the man in your life’s shaving routine, you may just be able to get him hooked on a super holistic sckincare routine…

Clean skin and a fresh shave are two musts that I need in order to feel my best, which directly correlates to being as productive as I can. Below is my favorite skincare routine that delivers consistent results, time and time again — and without the unpredictable downtime of chemical peels and microdermabrasion. Many toxic spa treatments can often be counterproductive to what we want to achieve from a professional facial, so here is the most effective skincare protocol I swear by, and that is easily done at home.

Andy’s Holistic At-Home Facial

Warm rinse | I start off by giving my face a warm rinse to open the pores. This helps to get the Pearl Cleanser deeply absorbed. I then pump a dime-size amount of the Pearl Cleanser into my hands and gently massage into my face in a circular upwards motion. After rinsing the cleanser off, I’m ready to apply The Derma Roller. CHECK OUT

Facial rolling | I then roll the Alitura Derma Roller all over the entire face and neck area (avoid the delicate eye area). I like to divide the face into sections: each cheek, forehead, chin/jaw and neck. Applying light to medium pressure, roll the device upwards and sideways by creating small x and + movements in order to create an optimal entryway for the Clay Mask. This provides the best absorption of the product’s rich minerals and micronutrients. I usually do this for about five minutes, and I love this part because it feels like my skin is breathing. I have found that using the Derma Roller helps create a brightened complexion. I also believe it helped to accelerate the healing of my abrasions and mitigate the appearance of scarring I had after an accident I was in years ago. CHECK OUT

Clay Mask | In a non-metallic bowl, mix about one and a half tablespoons of the dry Alitura Clay Mask powder with equal parts water or apple cider vinegar. I recommend using water for your first few treatments and working your way up to the apple cider vinegar. This allows your skin time to adapt to the treatment. The goal is to create a toothpaste like consistency. (Feel free to add essential oils to the mix for a little aromatherapy and skin healing as well. My personal favorites are lemongrass, clary sage, ylang ylang and sweet orange.)

I apply the mask in an upward, circular motion until my entire face and neck are covered. Don’t be afraid to get it in your hair, I have noticed it adds texture and thickness to the follicle. Let the Clay Mask dry completely (usually around 20 to 30 minutes). This allows for complete blood vessel constriction by dramatically increasing microcirculation to the surface of the skin. This helps reduce the appearance of dark under-eye circles and reduces congestion around the eye, nasal and T-zone area while leaving the skin silk smooth and supple. I then get into the shower and rinse the Clay Mask off with warm water, finishing with a final rinse of cold water to close delicate pores. CHECK OUT

Shave | After completely rinsing the Clay Mask off, apply a few pumps of the Alitura Gold Serum and fresh Aloe Vera plant to shave with. This allows for the perfect razor glide — it really feels like the razor is wiping hair follicles off your face. CHECK OUT

Cold Rinse | I then finish with a cold water rinse to close my pores, applying a few pumps of the Gold Serum to hydrate and condition the skin.

The routine is simple, effective and consistent. I do this skincare remedy three times per week and is my favorite way to start off the day. Creating this good energy first thing in the morning leads to a ripple effect in all the personal and connections I make throughout the day. Get ready for greatness!