Ep 413 – Spicules and Sponges: The Liquid Microneedling Craze
Release Date: 08/26/2026
Ep 418 – The Rogue Pharmacist: Vitamin D—More Than a Vitamin
ASCP Esty Talk
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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Ep 417 – Are We Really Done with Anti-Aging?
ASCP Esty Talk
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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Ep 416 – The Emotional Side to Esthetics
ASCP Esty Talk
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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Ep 415 – The Rogue Pharmacist: Perioral Dermatitis
ASCP Esty Talk
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...
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Ep 414 – Korean Skin Care: Fact, Fiction and Room to Learn
ASCP Esty Talk
Korean skincare is far more than a viral trend or a multi-step routine. In this episode of ASCP Esty Talk, Maggie and Ella explore the philosophy behind Korean skin care, examining its barrier-first approach, emphasis on prevention, and the cultural practices that have shaped one of the world's most innovative cosmetic industries. 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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Ep 413 – Spicules and Sponges: The Liquid Microneedling Craze
ASCP Esty Talk
Liquid microneedling has quickly become one of the hottest trends in professional skin care, but what exactly happens beneath the surface? In this episode of ASCP Esty Talk, Maggie and Ella take a deep dive into Spongilla lacustris—the freshwater sponge behind spicules—exploring how these microscopic silica structures interact with the skin, why they’re generating so much buzz, and where the science separates from the marketing. ASCP Esty Talk with hosts Ella Cressman and Maggie Staszcuk Produced by Associated Skin Care Professionals...
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Ep 412 – The Rogue Pharmacist: Petrolatum – Friend or Foe?
ASCP Esty Talk
Petrolatum is one of the most debated ingredients in skin care, praised by some professionals while avoided by others. In this episode of The Rogue Pharmacist, Ben Fuchs separates fact from fiction, exploring why petrolatum has earned such a controversial reputation and whether common claims about clogged pores, trapped toxins, and "suffocating" the skin hold up. 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...
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Ep 411 – Do No Harm: What Esthetics Schools Need to Know
ASCP Esty Talk
The Department of Education's "Do No Harm" rules have sparked important conversations throughout the esthetics industry. In this episode of ASCP Esty Talk, Maggie is joined by ASCP Government Relations Director Laura Puryear and higher education attorney Aaron Lacey to explain what these regulatory changes mean for esthetics schools, Title IV funding, and the future of professional education. ASCP Esty Talk with 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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Ep 410 – What the Deck: MicroRNAs
ASCP Esty Talk
What if your skin could just . . . remember how to act young again? That’s essentially the pitch behind Biocogent’s new RNActivate W, a next-generation active that doesn’t add collagen or push it as peptides do. Instead, it goes upstream and silences a tiny piece of regulatory RNA (the so-called “wrinkle miRNA”) that tells your skin cells to stop making collagen and elastin. Join Ella and Maggie for an ingredient deep dive into what microRNAs actually are, why the 2024 Nobel Prize in Medicine matters for your treatment room, what to look for on an INCI list when you see...
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Ep 409 – The Rogue Pharmacist: Why Healing Slows with Age
ASCP Esty Talk
As clients age, they often notice that cuts, irritation, and post-treatment recovery take longer than they once did. In this episode of The Rogue Pharmacist, Ben Fuchs explains the changes that occur within aging skin, the factors that influence the healing process, and the ingredients and lifestyle habits that can help support 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...
info_outlineLiquid microneedling has quickly become one of the hottest trends in professional skin care, but what exactly happens beneath the surface?
In this episode of ASCP Esty Talk, Maggie and Ella take a deep dive into Spongilla lacustris—the freshwater sponge behind spicules—exploring how these microscopic silica structures interact with the skin, why they’re generating so much buzz, and where the science separates from the 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 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
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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