The Regimen with Alpha-H CEO Myles Anceschi
Myles Anceschi didn’t think he would end up in the beauty business. “Like most Gen X males, my relationship as a consumer was very limited,” he explains. After stints in wellness and beauty ignited his curiosity, he joined the Australian skincare brand Alpha-H as Chief Executive Officer in 2019. He has certainly ramped up his routine since then, notably with the acids the brand is known for and hopes more men will embrace a full routine too. “I think the biggest misconception we need to break down is that taking care of your skin is about vanity, rather than health and a positive self-image,” he explains. “And a little vanity is a good thing!”
What was your relationship to beauty like growing up?
My Mum has a history of skin cancer in her family so we were quite disciplined with SPF (thank goodness) & I can still smell the Sorbolene Vitamin E cream she used to lather on us when she could hold us still for long enough! Some of my most strongly imprinted memories are sensorial – I can still smell my Mum’s Olay night cream.
How did you come to work in the beauty industry?
I started to have more interest in wellness and ethical existence about 10 years ago when I worked for a company called Sodastream, which focused on water in a more interesting and sustainable way. That job led me to a role in natural beauty where I saw two things that really fired my interest and passion further: the importance of skin care in self-confidence and the clear need for beauty companies to be more ethical and sustainable. I’m more passionate about those two things today than ever. Our responsibility is to build products that work and do it all ethically and responsibly.
How long have you been with Alpha-H and what about the company drew you to it?
I’ve been at Alpha-H for 4 years now and what drew me to it was the founder’s story. Michelle Doherty, who sadly passed away in July 2020, was an amazing and eternally driven woman who delighted in creating products that improved her customer’s skin. She was deeply connected to that improvement and how it made them feel about themselves. Continuing her mission is an honor and a privilege.
If you could introduce one Alpha-H product to someone newly looking to build out their routine, what would it be?
Our hero product, Liquid Gold 5% Glycolic Acid exfoliating treatment – it works so well in supporting the natural skin cycle and accelerating exfoliation. Anyone I introduce it to sees immediate benefits – these “essential acids” like glycolic, salicylic, and lactic play such an important role in building skin health and resilience. It’s the gift that keeps on giving. Alpha-H is very unisex in its packaging.
Do you have any thoughts on how products are marketed towards men and women?
All humans want to look better and feel better. If the industry as a whole can adapt messaging to reflect the health and self-confidence benefits of skincare and beauty I’m convinced more men will engage.
Alpha-H is intentionally unisex because we believe in a core purpose – improvement in skin health and resilience – and that is gender-neutral! I’d love the industry to focus more on that core benefit instead of simply the pursuit of visible beauty. Health is beautiful – no matter what gender, size, shape, or color we are. If we can shift the narrative from what others think to what we feel we will be heading in the right direction.
What other products are you really into right now?
Exfoliating products for the body and scalp really excite and intrigue me – the face is such a small part of our largest organ. Also getting much more passionate about vitamins and serums to complement core products.
How has your routine changed from 5 years ago? Is there a product you wish you knew about then?
Yes! – my current routine focuses on skin health and age defense. Liquid Gold 5% Glycolic three times per week in the evening – Vitamin C and Hyaluronic 8 in the morning after cleansing (followed by SPF of course) and Vitamin A in the evening after cleansing on the nights I don’t use liquid gold. I really wish I knew about Glycolic Acid 5 years ago, and the benefits of Vitamin C.
What is your favorite way to consume beauty news? A particular podcast, website, newsletter, etc. Definitely podcasts. They are such a lovely way to hear the passion and longer-form advice from people who are enthusiastic about the benefits they have seen or experienced. It’s the best alternative to having a salon treatment where you can get the same knowledge face-to-face from a qualified aesthetician. Currently I’m really liking The Naked Beauty Podcast, Allure’s The Science of Beauty and Beauty IQ Uncensored.
