Ep4: Alitura Skincare Top Tips for Healthy Looking Skin • Andy Hnilo

Listen to Podcast Episode 4 on Apple Podcasts • Google Podcasts • Overcast • Spotify • Castbox • Stitcher

In today’s interview I get to speak with skincare biohacker, Andy Hnilo, about tips on how to maintain great looking skin.

Andy shares how an accident lead him on a path of discovering how to use clay masks to heal his skin.

The journey involved finding out how to mix different types of clay and other natural products to get the final product that he used to apply to his surgical scars and abrasions.

The Alitura clay mask was born and it even lead to the formation of a skincare products company called Alitura Naturals out of Malibu, California.

Andy is not only an entrepreneur, but also a model & Hollywood actor. So his appearance matters a lot in his line of work.

I discuss with Andy how to get the most out of the clay mask and find out some extra skincare and even haircare tips I hadn’t come across.

Special thanks to Andy for joining me on the show. Enjoy the episode!

Show Notes with Timestamps

Highlights of what we talk about during the interview:

Click on one of the timestamp links in the brackets to jump to that point in the interview audio.

[00:20] – Introducing Andy Hnilo, a skincare biohacker, entrepreneur, model, Hollywood actor, high-level athlete and creator of Alitura – a skincare products company.

[01:10] – Story behind how Andy being hit by a car back in 2011 in Los Angeles lead to his severe facial injuries and what he did to afterwards help his skin heal and recover.

[02:16] – His surgeon recommended some serums and creams to help him recover. But upon doing some research on the ingredient list – which included things like artificial fragrances, preservatives and fillers – Andy uncovered that many of them were potentially toxic, or even carcinogenic.

[03:25] – After a lot of research and experimentation he come up with a formula which included a combination of clays and superfood extracts in a mask to help him heal and feed the skin. His personal passion and a lot of research Andy talks about the excitement of and the beginning stages of Alitura after being featured as the first ever approved Bulletproof skincare product endorsed by Dave Asprey, man behind Bulletproof Coffee.

[07:37] – Most of us will experience stress at some stage of our lives. Andy explains how he manages the stress response using different biohacks like natural sunlight, infrared sauna, exercise, nutrition, being surrounded by people who make you feel good (and people you love) as well as having a routine.

[10:12] – What are some dietary factors that can help skin age well? The ideal diet depends on each person’s inflammation response. For Andy, staying hydrated, using intermittent fasting, natural fats, good proteins & minimising foods that create inflammation like grains processed sugar, and dairy have all helped.

[11:50] – Another factor its important to stay away from are toxic skincare products. A lot of people start using products with questionable ingredients and preservatives as teenagers to treat acne. Andy explains how he was passionate to create natural, nourishing skin products without harsh ingredients.

[14:26] – While teenage years can be more difficult due to all the hormonal changes, teenagers can still benefit from using the clay mask to help with their skin problems. Andy also explains how to get a hold of his free e-book on healthy skin protocols and how it’s important to aware of what the harmful ingredients are, so you can try and avoid them.

[17:30] – Is clay masking the same as mudding? Both come from the earth; The Alitura clay mask comes in the form of a powder containing a mixture of four different clays, each with a specific benefit.

[22:06] – What do the other ingredients that are blended in with the clays do? Everything was chosen for a specific purpose including: fresh water pearl powder for smooth, even skin tone; 6-hour grass-fed colostrum encourages the growth of new skin cells and healing; organic kelp powder which is a powerful detoxifier loaded with vitamin A, C, K and B12; and American ginseng which promotes collagen synthesis.

[26:43] – Gary explains how he has been using the mask in the evenings trying to keep in line with circadian biology. Instructions on how to start applying the clay mask: Use a non-metallic bowel. Use a couple of tablespoon of the mask mixed in with either water or apple cider vinegar. Adding some essential oils is also recommended before mixing everything into a smooth toothpaste-like consistency. Apply to face and neck and let dry. Rinse of with warm water and finish with a gentle cold-water rinse to close the pores and then moisturise.

[28:57] – How long do we need to keep the mask on? This can depend on time availability and individual needs. While 20 minutes is normally recommended as this is how long it takes for the mask to dry, it can be left on longer or washed of earlier.

[31:50] – Advanced tip: Other than using the clay on the face and neck, Andy explains how the clay mask can be used in your hair to treat the hair and scalp, and the derma roller is a great tool to use to stimulate the skin pores and relieve tension headaches.

[36:36] – There are no real differences between men and women in terms of results when using the clay mask. But how does masking effect the quality of a man’s shave? Should men be shaving their stubble and beards before or after the mask?

[39:00] – How often can someone use the clay mask on their face? Daily, weekly, monthly? Standard recommendation is 1-3 times-per-week. Andy did a 30-day mask challenge and found his skin improved; he didn’t have any adverse reaction applying the mask daily. So, again. It is up to the individual.

[41:08] – Tips on what we can do to help our skin age well. Staying hydrated and keeping the skin hydrated is vital for good looking skin as we grow older. Using a really good night cream to help replenish lost moisture. Nutrient rich diet, exfoliation and hyaluronic acid moisturiser – like the Alitura night cream – are all key players.

[43:37] – Using creams and moisturisers are a key part of a good daily skincare regime but we have to be careful the products we are using contain quality natural ingredients. Avoid anything containing artificial colours, synthetic fragrances, stearates, preservatives and alcohol.

[45:35] – Andy explains the differences between creams, moisturisers and lotions. The main function for all of them is to provide hydration to the skin.

[48:00] – Go to the official website alituranaturals.com to find out more or find them on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram to get in touch with a question or share pictures of how you are using the product and the results you are experiencing.

[49:10] – Alitura products are unisex and designed for both men and women with a customer based that split pretty evenly down the middle.

[51:01] – To wrap up Andy reinforces the importance of reading the ingredient labels on skin products as manufacturers can change things without notice and add unwanted chemicals or toxins. Get to know your ingredients and look after your skin!

[52:39] – To use the discount code Andy shared with us, visit alituranaturals.com online store website and use the coupon code BIOHACK to get 15% off saving at checkout on your order.

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