ASCP Esty Talk

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 Cressm...

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...

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 supportin...

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...

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...

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 K...

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...

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 Tal...

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, g...

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 Professio...

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,...

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 o...

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...

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...

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...

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 su...

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 (...

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...

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...

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 Pr...

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. Heid...

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 esthet...

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 som...

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 bre...

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...