Ep 401 – The Rogue Pharmacist: Allergies, Histamine, and Mast Cells
Release Date: 06/19/2026
ASCP Esty Talk
Does the location of a breakout really tell us what’s happening beneath the surface? In this episode of The Rogue Pharmacist, Ben takes a closer look at so-called hormonal acne and explains why acne can appear hormonal even without a hormone imbalance. 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,...
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Using Lush’s decision to walk away from millions of social media followers as a jumping-off point, Maggie and Ella explore the power of referrals, relationships, reputation, and word-of-mouth marketing. 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...
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Does a natural ingredient automatically mean it’s better? In this episode of The Rogue Pharmacist, Ben challenges the idea that natural and botanical ingredients are automatically safer or more effective than synthetic ones while also giving insight to help clients look beyond an overused marketing message. 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...
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In this episode of ASCP Esty Talk, Maggie and Ella are joined by molecular biologist Dr. David Stachura to break down the science behind stem cells in skincare. Dr. David breaks down the differences between mammalian and plant stem cells, growth factors, exosomes, and why understanding these distinctions matters. 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...
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Why is finding the perfect foundation shade still so difficult, even with more shades and better technology? In this episode of ASCP Esty Talk, Maggie and Ella explore new research into the science of shade matching, including the difference between how skin color is measured and how it’s truly perceived. 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...
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In this episode of The Rogue Pharmacist, Ben explores the important role vitamin D plays throughout the body and how it functions as more than just a vitamin. 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 is a registered...
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The esthetics industry has largely traded the term “anti-aging” for language like healthy aging, longevity, and pro-aging, but has the goal actually changed? In this episode of ASCP Esty Talk, Maggie and Ella examine how attitudes toward aging are evolving and whether the shift represents a new philosophy or simply new vocabulary. 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...
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Estheticians often become trusted confidants. But where’s the line between listening and carrying a client’s emotional weight? In this episode of ASCP Esty Talk, Maggie and Ella explore the emotional side of the treatment room, including the unique relationships estheticians build with their clients and the importance of healthy professional boundaries. 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...
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Perioral dermatitis can easily be confused with acne, rosacea, or general skin irritation, making accurate recognition especially important. In this episode of The Rogue Pharmacist, Ben Fuchs explains what perioral dermatitis is, why it is frequently misidentified, and which skin care habits or products may unintentionally make the condition worse. 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...
info_outlineIn 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 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 is a registered pharmacist, nutritionist, and skin care chemist with 35 years of experience developing pharmacy-potent skin health products for estheticians, dermatologists, and plastic surgeons. Ben’s expert advice gives licensed estheticians the education and skin science to better support the skin care services performed in the treatment room while sharing insights to enhance clients’ at-home skin care routines.
Connect with Ben Fuchs:
Website: www.brightsideben.com
Phone: 844-236-6010
Facebook: www.facebook.com/The-Bright-Side-with-Pharmacist-Ben-Fuchs-101162801334696/
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