ASCP Esty Talk

Drawing on her own experience navigating allergies and immune misfunction, Kiarra Smith, founder of Rooted Serenity, shares how she began recognizing immune-related patterns in her clients, from reactive skin and chronic inflammation to slow healing and recurring concerns that don't respond to standard protocols. In this episode of ASCP Esty Talk, Maggie and Ella talk with Kiarra about becoming an "Immune Authority Esthetician."

ASCP Esty Talk with hosts Ella Cressman and Maggie Staszcuk

Produced by Associated Skin Care Professionals (ASCP) for licensed estheticians, ASCP Esty Talk is a weekly podcast, hosted by licensed estheticians, Ella...

Each year, IMCAS Paris, the premier cosmetic dermatology and plastic surgery conference, sets the tone for what's next in global esthetics, from innovative treatments to shifting patient expectations. In this episode of ASCP Esty Talk, Maggie sits down with Jenni Nagle of Lip Gloss and Aftershave to discuss what's catching her eye this year and what estheticians should be watching as these international trends begin shaping esthetics at home.

ASCP Esty Talk with hosts Ella Cressman and Maggie Staszcuk

Produced by Associated Skin Care Professionals (ASCP) for licensed estheticians, ASCP Esty Talk is a weekly...

The esthetics license may be the same, but the path into the industry looks very different depending on when you started. In this episode of ASCP Esty Talk, Maggie and Ella welcome Kiarra Smith, founder of Rooted Serenity, to explore how Gen X and Gen Z estheticians entered the industry from completely different starting lines and what we can learn from each other moving forward.

ASCP Esty Talk with hosts Ella Cressman and Maggie Staszcuk

Produced by Associated Skin Care Professionals (ASCP) for licensed estheticians, ASCP Esty Talk is a weekly podcast, hosted by licensed...

Soothing ingredients are often the first line of defense for red, reactive skin. But what if those soothing ingredients are part of the problem? In this episode of The Rogue Pharmacist, Ben Fuchs talks about why certain calming ingredients can backfire, what is happening at the inflammatory and immune levels, and how to distinguish temporary relief from true skin repair.

Associated Skin Care Professionals (ASCP) presents The Rogue Pharmacist with Benjamin Knight Fuchs, R.Ph. This podcast takes an enlightening approach to supporting licensed estheticians in their pursuit to achieve results-driven skin care treatments for their clients...

Dupes are everywhere in skin care right now, but similar ingredients do not always mean similar performance. In this episode of ASCP Esty Talk, Maggie and Ella break down the real differences between drugstore dupes and professional products and what that means for results, safety, and trust in the treatment room.

ASCP Esty Talk with hosts Ella Cressman and Maggie Staszcuk

Produced by Associated Skin Care Professionals (ASCP) for licensed estheticians, ASCP Esty Talk is a weekly podcast, hosted by licensed estheticians, Ella Cressman, ASCP Skin Deep Magazine contributor, and Maggie Staszcuk, ASCP Program Director...

From cutting their own bangs to spacing out appointments, clients are changing how they engage with beauty. In this episode of ASCP Esty Talk, Ella and Maggie unpack the DIY beauty boom and what it means for estheticians in the treatment room.

ASCP Esty Talk with hosts Ella Cressman and Maggie Staszcuk

Produced by Associated Skin Care Professionals (ASCP) for licensed estheticians, ASCP Esty Talk is a weekly podcast, hosted by licensed estheticians, Ella Cressman, ASCP Skin Deep Magazine contributor, and Maggie Staszcuk, ASCP Program Director. We see your passion, innovation, and hard work and...

The term clean beauty has been trending for several years and means many different things, depending on who you ask. In this episode of The Rogue Pharmacist, Ben Fuchs defines clean beauty from a pharmacist and formulator's point of view in a way that's actually rooted in science.

Associated Skin Care Professionals (ASCP) presents The Rogue Pharmacist with Benjamin Knight Fuchs, R.Ph. This podcast takes an enlightening approach to supporting licensed estheticians in their pursuit to achieve results-driven skin care treatments for their clients. You can always count on us to share professional skin care education...

Being brand-boozled"happens when trust, loyalty, and transparency get misaligned in your professional relationships with skin care brands. In this episode of ASCP Esty Talk, Maggie and Ella break down how to spot the quiet shifts in brands, protect your backbar and business, and turn industry changes into opportunities to grow your authority and client trust.

ASCP Esty Talk with hosts Ella Cressman and Maggie Staszcuk

Produced by Associated Skin Care Professionals (ASCP) for licensed estheticians, ASCP Esty Talk is a weekly podcast, hosted by licensed estheticians, Ella Cressman, ASCP Skin Deep Magazine contributor, and...

Vitamin A is one of the most talked-about ingredients in skin care, but there's a lot of confusion about what works and what doesn't with the vitamin. In this episode of ASCP Esty Talk, Ella and Maggie break down the different forms of retinoids, common myths about strength and usage, and how estheticians can guide clients safely and effectively.

ASCP Esty Talk with hosts Ella Cressman and Maggie Staszcuk

Produced by Associated Skin Care Professionals (ASCP) for licensed estheticians, ASCP Esty Talk is a weekly podcast, hosted by licensed estheticians, Ella Cressman, ASCP Skin Deep...

Rosacea is often used as if it is one single condition, but clinically that may not be accurate. In this episode of The Rogue Pharmacist, Ben breaks down why rosacea should be thought of as multiple conditions rather than one diagnosis.

Associated Skin Care Professionals (ASCP) presents The Rogue Pharmacist with Benjamin Knight Fuchs, R.Ph. This podcast takes an enlightening approach to supporting licensed estheticians in their pursuit to achieve results-driven skin care treatments for their clients. You can always count on us to share professional skin care education, innovative techniques, and the latest in skin...

In this episode of ASCP Esty Talk, Ella and Maggie take a deep dive into modern waxing and why it can no longer be treated as a simple hair-removal service. From the long cultural history of waxing to today's rapidly evolving skin landscape, the conversation explores how retinoids, barrier disruption, medications, and lifestyle factors have fundamentally changed how skin responds to waxing.

ASCP Esty Talk with hosts Ella Cressman and Maggie Staszcuk

Produced by Associated Skin Care Professionals (ASCP) for licensed estheticians, ASCP Esty Talk is a weekly podcast, hosted by licensed estheticians, Ella Cressman...

Estheticians know trends can come and go, but some moments change the whole industry. In this episode of ASCP Esty Talk, Maggie and Ella talk about the tipping points they've lived through—from dermaplaning and suite culture to social media skinfluencers—and the "overstories" that shape the growth and change of our profession.

ASCP Esty Talk with hosts Ella Cressman and Maggie Staszcuk

Produced by Associated Skin Care Professionals (ASCP) for licensed estheticians, ASCP Esty Talk is a weekly podcast, hosted by licensed estheticians, Ella Cressman, ASCP Skin Deep Magazine contributor, and Maggie Staszcuk, ASCP Prog...

Skin healing is far more complex than speeding up cell turnover. In this episode of The Rogue Pharmacist, Ben Fuchs discusses the phases of wound healing, the ingredients and internal factors that influence repair, lifestyle disruptors, and how to support the skin during irritation, inflammation, and recovery.

Associated Skin Care Professionals (ASCP) presents The Rogue Pharmacist with Benjamin Knight Fuchs, R.Ph. This podcast takes an enlightening approach to supporting licensed estheticians in their pursuit to achieve results-driven skin care treatments for their clients. You can always count on us to share professional skin care education, innovative...

Estheticians aim to help women feel beautiful and confident in their own skin. Award-winning esthetician Amy Wall is taking that mission further. She is on a quest to impact how 1 million women see themselves with her Three Mirrors concept. In this episode of ASCP Esty Talk, Maggie and Ella dive into Amy's method and how estheticians can move beyond "technician mode" to create signature, soul-led services that truly transform clients.

ASCP Esty Talk with hosts Ella Cressman and Maggie Staszcuk

Produced by Associated Skin Care Professionals (ASCP) for licensed estheticians, ASCP Esty Talk is a...

A new year is the perfect time for a reset—but what does that look like for estheticians? In this episode of ASCP Esty Talk, Maggie and Ella talk about hitting the "refresh" button on your career, mindset, and business as we step into 2026.

ASCP Esty Talk with hosts Ella Cressman and Maggie Staszcuk

Produced by Associated Skin Care Professionals (ASCP) for licensed estheticians, ASCP Esty Talk is a weekly podcast, hosted by licensed estheticians, Ella Cressman, ASCP Skin Deep Magazine contributor, and Maggie Staszcuk, ASCP Program Director. We see your passion, innovation, and hard wo...

Skin care for 4-year-olds? It's the beauty debate that just won't die. Conversations about children and skin care continue to resurface in the media and on social media, and estheticians everywhere have their thoughts about it. In this episode of ASCP Esty Talk, Maggie and Ella break down the controversy, share their own opinions, and compare today's kid "wellness rituals" with the play makeup, glitter gloss, and press-on nails of their own childhoods.

ASCP Esty Talk with hosts Ella Cressman and Maggie Staszcuk

Produced by Associated Skin Care Professionals (ASCP) for licensed estheticians, ASCP Esty...

Eczema and dry skin may look similar, but understanding their differences is key to choosing the right treatment approach. In this episode of The Rogue Pharmacist, Ben Fuchs discusses the root causes behind eczema, how it differs from simple dryness, why barrier dysfunction plays a central role, and what estheticians can do to support clients experiencing flare-ups.

Associated Skin Care Professionals (ASCP) presents The Rogue Pharmacist with Benjamin Knight Fuchs, R.Ph. This podcast takes an enlightening approach to supporting licensed estheticians in their pursuit to achieve results-driven skin care treatments for their clients. You can always...

It's that time of year when we start thinking ahead, so Ella and Maggie are kicking off their annual look at the trends shaping the next season of skin, style, and self-care. In this episode of ASCP Esty Talk, they play a rapid-fire game of "Should It Stay or Should It Go?", weighing in on 2025's most buzzworthy beauty and lifestyle trends. From barrel jeans and skinimalism to tattooed freckles, laminated brows and facial scrubs—nothing is off-limits.

ASCP Esty Talk with hosts Ella Cressman and Maggie Staszcuk

Produced by Associated Skin Care Professionals (ASCP) fo...

In this episode of ASCP Esty Talk, Ella and Maggie explore the difference between routine and ritual—and why it matters in self-care. Most of us go through the motions of skin care and wellness without truly being present, but when we shift from task to intention, even the simplest steps become transformative. To put this idea into practice, Ella and Maggie swap skin care rituals—each assigning one for the other that blends breathwork, visualization, affirmation, and a healthy dose of humor. The result is a conversation that's both grounding and giggleworthy, reminding us that real self-care isn't just...

Fulvic minerals are trending in wellness, but what do they actually do for the skin and body? In this episode of The Rogue Pharmacist, Ben talks about what fulvic minerals are, how they're formed, their impact on nutrient absorption, and their potential role in skin health from the inside out.

Associated Skin Care Professionals (ASCP) presents The Rogue Pharmacist with Benjamin Knight Fuchs, R.Ph. This podcast takes an enlightening approach to supporting licensed estheticians in their pursuit to achieve results-driven skin care treatments for their clients. You can always count on us to share professional skin...

Are wine, cheese, and chocolate really sabotaging your glow—or is it time to stop feeling guilty about what's on your plate? In this episode, Maggie and Ella break down food myths, facts, and what really matters for healthy skin.

ASCP Esty Talk with hosts Ella Cressman and Maggie Staszcuk

Produced by Associated Skin Care Professionals (ASCP) for licensed estheticians, ASCP Esty Talk is a weekly podcast, hosted by licensed estheticians, Ella Cressman, ASCP Skin Deep Magazine contributor, and Maggie Staszcuk, ASCP Program Director. We see your passion, innovation, and hard work and are here to...

Think before you post! Maggie and Ella dive into the fine line between authentic and unfiltered on social media. From oversharing and online debates to digital etiquette, they explore how estheticians can protect their reputation and their community—one post at a time.

ASCP Esty Talk with hosts Ella Cressman and Maggie Staszcuk

Produced by Associated Skin Care Professionals (ASCP) for licensed estheticians, ASCP Esty Talk is a weekly podcast, hosted by licensed estheticians, Ella Cressman, ASCP Skin Deep Magazine contributor, and Maggie Staszcuk, ASCP Program Director. We see your passion, innovation, and hard work an...

Small but mighty, minerals are essential for skin function. In this episode of The Rogue Pharmacist, Ben Fuchs explains what makes ionic minerals unique and how they influence everything from barrier repair to acne and inflammation to healing.

Associated Skin Care Professionals (ASCP) presents The Rogue Pharmacist with Benjamin Knight Fuchs, R.Ph. This podcast takes an enlightening approach to supporting licensed estheticians in their pursuit to achieve results-driven skin care treatments for their clients. You can always count on us to share professional skin care education, innovative techniques, and the latest in skin science.

...

What happens when skin care stops being about "what's in it" and starts being about "what it does?". In this episode of ASCP Esty Talk, Maggie and Ella dive into the industry's shift from ingredient obsession to outcomes, exploring skin health as part of overall wellness and health span.

ASCP Esty Talk with hosts Ella Cressman and Maggie Staszcuk

Produced by Associated Skin Care Professionals (ASCP) for licensed estheticians, ASCP Esty Talk is a weekly podcast, hosted by licensed estheticians, Ella Cressman, ASCP Skin Deep Magazine contributor, and Maggie Staszcuk, ASCP Program Director. We see...

For estheticians and wellness professionals, staying rooted in who you are is the key to building a business that resonates. In this episode of ASCP Esty Talk, Maggie and Ella sit down with Margaret Lora and Jaclyne Roe, co-founders of W.O.W. With decades of leadership in spa, wellness, and brand development, Jaclyne and Margaret share insights on defining your ethos, crafting vision and mission statements, and designing services that reflect your authentic brand.

Learn more about Wonders of Wellbeing Consulting: https://www.wondersofwellbeingconsulting.com/

About Margaret Lora:

...

We've all heard mitochondria called the "powerhouse of the cell," but what does that mean for skin? In this episode of The Rogue Pharmacist, Ben Fuchs breaks down how mitochondria fuel cell repair, collagen production, and overall skin vitality.

Associated Skin Care Professionals (ASCP) presents The Rogue Pharmacist with Benjamin Knight Fuchs, R.Ph. This podcast takes an enlightening approach to supporting licensed estheticians in their pursuit to achieve results-driven skin care treatments for their clients. You can always count on us to share professional skin care education, innovative techniques, and the latest in skin science.

From neurocosmetics that boost both skin health and emotional well-being, to double-duty beauty products that look good while doing good, these trends are shaping the future of esthetics. In this episode of ASCP Esty Talk, Ella and Maggie break down the hottest trends redefining beauty and skin care.

ASCP Esty Talk with hosts Ella Cressman and Maggie Staszcuk

Produced by Associated Skin Care Professionals (ASCP) for licensed estheticians, ASCP Esty Talk is a weekly podcast, hosted by licensed estheticians, Ella Cressman, ASCP Skin Deep Magazine contributor, and Maggie Staszcuk, ASCP Program Director. We see your...

Whether you are brand new to the treatment room or a seasoned esthetician, client retention is one of the most important skills you can master. On this episode of ASCP Esty Talk, Maggie and Ella are joined by Heidi Holley, a licensed esthetician, certified massage therapist, and beauty business coach. Heidi shares three simple steps every esty can use to build long-term client relationships.

Heidi Holley is a licensed esthetician, certified massage therapist, and beauty business coach with over 20 years in the industry. After having owned her own spa for 14 years, she stepped away from the treatment...

Why is pigmentation so tricky to treat? In this episode of The Rogue Pharmacist, Ben explains the science of melanogenesis, the process behind melanin production, and the many factors that influence pigment in the skin.

Associated Skin Care Professionals (ASCP) presents The Rogue Pharmacist with Benjamin Knight Fuchs, R.Ph. This podcast takes an enlightening approach to supporting licensed estheticians in their pursuit to achieve results-driven skin care treatments for their clients. You can always count on us to share professional skin care education, innovative techniques, and the latest in skin science.

Benjamin Knight Fuchs...

In this episode of ASCP Esty Talk, Ella and Maggie share their top picks—the serums, tools, and treatments we can't stop reaching for. From multitasking formulas and collagen-boosting night creams to regenerative innovations and pro-level tools, we're talking about why we love them, how they work, and the ways they can elevate your treatments and at-home care. Plus—you'll have a chance to win some of our favorite things!

ASCP Esty Talk with hosts Ella Cressman and Maggie Staszcuk

Produced by Associated Skin Care Professionals (ASCP) for licensed estheticians, ASCP Esty Talk is a week...

Even though we're heading into fall, sunscreen is still a product we recommend daily — for every skin type, for every client. But if it's not performing the way it should, that's a major red flag for us as professionals. Recently, the FDA issued warnings to brands accused of "sunscreen doping" and to those producing sunscreen in foam formats. In this episode of ASCP Esty Talk, Maggie and Ella break down the reasoning behind the FDA's actions and why it matters.

ASCP Esty Talk with hosts Ella Cressman and Maggie Staszcuk

Produced by Associated Skin Care Pr...

Free radicals get a bad rap, while antioxidants are hailed as the ultimate defense—but the science is a little more nuanced than that. In this episode of The Rogue Pharmacist, Ben Fuchs breaks down the science and explains what free radicals really are and how antioxidants defend against them.

Associated Skin Care Professionals (ASCP) presents The Rogue Pharmacist with Benjamin Knight Fuchs, R.Ph. This podcast takes an enlightening approach to supporting licensed estheticians in their pursuit to achieve results-driven skin care treatments for their clients. You can always count on us to share professional skin ca...

The beauty industry loves a pendulum swing. From CoolSculpting and body contouring to the rise of "skinimalism" and self-acceptance, then on to GLP-1s and now compression creams—are we ever really satisfied? In this episode of ASCP Esty Talk, Maggie and Ella dive into the irony, science, and psychology behind the latest "instant tightening" trend.

ASCP Esty Talk with hosts Ella Cressman and Maggie Staszcuk

Produced by Associated Skin Care Professionals (ASCP) for licensed estheticians, ASCP Esty Talk is a weekly podcast, hosted by licensed estheticians, Ella Cressman, ASCP Skin Deep Magazine contributor, and Ma...

What do bestselling books about psychology and human behavior have to do with esthetics? More than you might think! In this episode of ASCP Esty Talk, Ella Cressman and Maggie Staszcuk dive into three of Malcolm Gladwell's most popular books—Talking to Strangers, Blink, and Outliers—and uncover surprising connections to the treatment room and your career as an esthetician.

ASCP Esty Talk with hosts Ella Cressman and Maggie Staszcuk

Produced by Associated Skin Care Professionals (ASCP) for licensed estheticians, ASCP Esty Talk is a weekly podcast, hosted by licensed estheticians, Ella Cressman, ASCP Skin Deep...

As a skin care professional, you juggle clients, treatments, business growth, and more. Qnity ensures that money doesn't hold you back. In this episode of ASCP Esty Talk, president and CEO Les Sweeney speaks with Erin Kuhn Bhansali, president/partner of Qnity & Qnity for Schools, about ASCP's partnership with Qnity, which allows members to gain access to practical, easy-to-follow financial literacy programs designed for skin care professionals at every stage of their career.

Resources:

https://www.ascpskincare.com/ascp-x-qnity

Host:

Les Sweeney is the President and...

Are we treating skin—or just selling solutions? This episode of ASCP Esty Talk challenges the symptom-based, brand-driven approach dominating esthetics today by introducing a deeper, more intentional framework: functional aesthetics, clinical reasoning, and "wholistic" client care.

We explore how a pimple isn't always simple, and how real results require curiosity, conversation, and care that extends beyond the treatment room. With reflections on physiology, emotions, and even the surprising skin benefits of a certain "little pink pill," this episode encourages estheticians to think bigger, dig deeper, and treat more meaningfully.

ASCP Esty Talk with hosts El...

What do rock climbing, microneedling, and 90s inspired outfits all have in common? According to Pinterest, they're all part of the new wave of male self-care. In this episode of ASCP Esty Talk, Maggie and Ella discuss Pinterest Predicts: The 2025 Men's Edit—the platform's first-ever trend report focused entirely on men.

ASCP Esty Talk with hosts Ella Cressman and Maggie Staszcuk

Produced by Associated Skin Care Professionals (ASCP) for licensed estheticians, ASCP Esty Talk is a weekly podcast, hosted by licensed estheticians, Ella Cressman, ASCP Skin Deep Magazine contributor, and Maggie Staszcuk, ASCP Program Director. We...

We all know insulin is key for blood sugar regulation - but what about its effect on the skin? In this episode of The Rogue Pharmacist, we explore the effects of insulin on the skin and what estheticians should look for.

Associated Skin Care Professionals (ASCP) presents The Rogue Pharmacist with Benjamin Knight Fuchs, R.Ph. This podcast takes an enlightening approach to supporting licensed estheticians in their pursuit to achieve results-driven skin care treatments for their clients. You can always count on us to share professional skin care education, innovative techniques, and the latest in skin s...

If it feels like med spas are turning into wellness clinics, that's because they kind of are. It's not just about Botox and laser anymore; it's peptides, metabolic health, hormone balancing, and even the little pink pill. In this episode of ASCP Esty Talk, Maggie and Ella discuss how med spas are shifting away from traditional esthetics services and expanding into whole-body health.

ASCP Esty Talk with hosts Ella Cressman and Maggie Staszcuk

Produced by Associated Skin Care Professionals (ASCP) for licensed estheticians, ASCP Esty Talk is a weekly podcast, hosted by licensed estheticians, Ella...

What if that breakout isn't just hormonal—and that redness isn't rosacea? In this episode of ASCP Esty Talk, we discuss how big emotions like grief and anger can sneak onto the skin and masquerade as everyday conditions.

You'll learn how to spot the difference, what to skip in the treatment room (hint: put down the glycolic), and how to build treatments that meet your clients where they really are—emotionally and physiologically. Plus, we're giving you home-care ideas that go way beyond "use this serum." This one's for the esties ready to treat more than what meet...