Ep 406 – The Rogue Pharmacist: How Chronic Stress Accelerates Aging
ASCP Esty Talk
In this episode of The Rogue Pharmacist, Ben explores how chronic stress impacts the body and how those physiological changes present in the skin. He breaks down how stress can influence collagen breakdown, barrier function, and the skin’s ability to repair itself, plus common misunderstandings in skin care conversations around stress. 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...
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Ep 405 – The First Facial
ASCP Esty Talk
Through a surprising story about a prison barber who offered facials, Maggie and Ella explore how a first experience with skin care can completely reshape a client’s perspective. In this episode of ASCP Esty Talk, they discuss “The First Facial” and why clients often don’t reject skin care, they simply don’t have a reference point for its value until they experience it. 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...
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Ep 404 – Gray Market Peptides
ASCP Esty Talk
Peptides in skin care span everything from well-researched cosmetic ingredients to highly unregulated compounds circulating in the “research” market. In this episode of ASCP Esty Talk, Maggie and Ella break down a quick peptide primer, explore the difference between cosmetic and bioactive peptides, and unpack the legal and regulatory gray areas behind “research only” compounds, including how they entered the market and why oversight matters. ASCP Esty Talk with hosts Ella Cressman and Maggie Staszcuk Produced by Associated Skin Care...
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Ep 403 – The Invisible Revenue Stream with Shannon Erley
ASCP Esty Talk
In this episode of ASCP Esty Talk, Maggie and Ella are joined by Shannon Erley, CEO and founder of Pomp, to talk about the invisible revenue stream many estheticians overlook in their businesses. They explore where missed opportunities arise in the client journey, why retail and home care often get deprioritized, and small shifts that can help estheticians better support both results and revenue. ASCP Esty Talk with hosts Ella Cressman and Maggie Staszcuk Produced by Associated Skin Care Professionals (ASCP) for licensed estheticians, ASCP Esty Talk...
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Ep 402 – Command Prompting for AI
ASCP Esty Talk
In this episode of ASCP Esty Talk, Maggie and Ella talk about command prompting and how the way you communicate with AI shapes the results you get. They break down why vague prompts fall flat, how specificity changes outcomes, and how best to use it in your esthetics practice. 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...
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Ep 401 – The Rogue Pharmacist: Allergies, Histamine, and Mast Cells
ASCP Esty Talk
In this episode of The Rogue Pharmacist, Ben discusses how histamine, mast cells, and allergic responses impact the skin beyond sinus symptoms. With allergy season in full swing, Ben breaks down what mast cells are doing during an allergic response, why histamine can visibly affect the skin, and why some people experience skin flares even without classic respiratory allergies. 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...
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Ep 400 – The Wellness Split
ASCP Esty Talk
In this episode of ASCP Esty Talk, Maggie and Ella discuss how wellness is splitting in two directions: hyper-optimization and a return to nervous system care. Your hosts also explore what this shift means for estheticians, who are often expected to balance both technical expertise and a more therapeutic role in practice. 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...
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Ep 399 – The Proof Problem
ASCP Esty Talk
Right now, it feels like there’s more pressure than ever for skin care to be proven. But what the proof actually means isn’t always clear. In this episode of ASCP Esty Talk, Maggie and Ella talk about how proof shows up in skin care today, from clinical data to consumer perception and visual results. 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...
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Ep 398 – The Rogue Pharmacist: The Barbie Drug
ASCP Esty Talk
In this episode of The Rogue Pharmacist, Ben discusses Melanotan II, often referred to online as the “Barbie Drug,” and its rise within biohacking and social media culture. He explores what the compound is, why people use it to artificially stimulate tanning, and the potential risks and concerns associated with its unregulated use. 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...
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Ep 397 – The Summer Slowdown: What Hot Dogs Can Teach Us About Business Seasonality
ASCP Esty Talk
Summer brings sunshine, ballparks, and hot dogs. But in the treatment room, it often brings a noticeable shift in business rhythm. In this episode of ASCP Esty Talk, Maggie and Ella explore seasonality in the esthetics industry, asking whether summer is truly a slowdown or just a shift in client behavior. Using a lighthearted hot-dog stand analogy, your hosts unpack timing, demand, and the opportunity that summer brings. ASCP Esty Talk with hosts Ella Cressman and Maggie Staszcuk Produced by Associated Skin Care Professionals (ASCP) for licensed...
info_outlineBig news in sunscreen regulation: For the first time since 1999, the US is seeing a new active ingredient approved, BEMT (Bemotrizinol), signaling an important shift in how sunscreens are formulated.
In this episode of ASCP Esty Talk, Maggie and Ella discuss what FDA regulation of OTC sunscreens means, why new UV filters are significant, and how these changes impact both formulation and client education 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 are here to support you by providing a platform for networking, advocacy, camaraderie, and education. We aim to inspire you to ask the right questions, find your motivation, and give you the courage to have the professional skin care career you desire.
About Ella Cressman:
Ella Cressman is a licensed esthetician, certified organic formulator, and business owner with more than 20 years of experience in corrective skin care. Known as an “ingredient junkie” and industry cheerleader, she empowers professionals to think beyond products and develop a deeper understanding of skin function and formulation.
In addition to her practice, Cressman is the founder of the HHP Collective, a practitioner-led community focused on strengthening clinical reasoning and advancing professional growth within the esthetics industry.
Connect with Ella Cressman:
Website: www.hhpcollective.com
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ella-cressman-62aa46a
About Maggie Staszcuk:
Maggie Staszcuk serves as the Program Director for ASCP and is the cohost of ASCP Esty Talk podcast. With over 18 years’ experience in the esthetics industry, her diverse background includes roles in spa management, spa and med-spa services, and esthetics education. Since becoming a licensed esthetician in 2006, she carries a range of certifications in basic and advanced esthetics. Maggie is dedicated to equipping estheticians with the knowledge and resources they need to thrive in their careers.
Connect with Maggie Staszcuk:
P: 800.789.0411 EXT 1636
About our Sponsors:
Massage Envy is a national franchisor and does not independently own or operate any of the Massage Envy franchised locations nationwide. The Massage Envy franchise network, through its franchise locations, is the leading provider of massage services. Founded in 2002, Massage Envy now has approximately 1,100 franchise locations in 49 states that have together delivered more than 200 million massages and skin care services.
Website: www.massageenvy.com/careers/career-areas/esthetician
Facebook: @MassageEnvyCareers
LinkedIn: @MassageEnvy
TiZO Mineral Sunscreens set the standard for aesthetic elegance with tinted and non-tinted formulas for use on virtually all skin types and tones. Our name reflects our commitment: TIZO = Titanium dioxide + Zinc Oxides. All TiZO products are reef-friendly and 100% free of chemical sunscreens, dyes, fragrances, gluten, phthalates, and parabens. TiZO Photoceutical Skincare is the perfect partner to our sunscreens in the fight against photoaging. These silky, elegant products address tone, texture and hydration while helping to prevent further damage. From our flagship TiZO3 Primer/Sunscreen SPF 40 to our gentle Ultra Zinc formulations to our NEW Advanced Vitamin C+E Serum with Bakuchiol, TIZO has the ideal selection of products to Protect, Repair, and Revitalize skin.
Website: https://tizoskin.com/
Facebook: @tizoskin
Pinterest: @tizoskin
Instagram: @tizoskin
YouTube: @tizoskin
GlossGenius
Gaps in your schedule. Clients who don't rebook. Tight margins. High payment processing fees. Sound familiar?
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Use code ESTY at GlossGenius.com for 50% off your first two months of their Gold or Platinum plan.
GlossGenius. More Growth. Less Busywork. Visit https://glossgenius.com/ for more details.
About Associated Skin Care Professionals (ASCP):
Associated Skin Care Professionals (ASCP) is the nation’s largest association for skin care professionals and your ONLY all-inclusive source for professional liability insurance, education, community, and career support. For estheticians at every stage of the journey, ASCP is your essential partner. Get in touch with us today if you have any questions or would like to join and become an ASCP member.
Connect with ASCP:
Website: www.ascpskincare.com
Email: getconnected@ascpskincare.com
Phone: 800-789-0411
Facebook: facebook.com/ASCPskincare
Instagram: @ascpskincare