The Functional Aesthetician

What if your eczema, psoriasis, gut issues, fatigue, or chronic inflammation aren’t random at all, but signals from a nervous system that’s been stuck in survival mode? In this episode of The Functional Aesthetician Podcast, Samantha Dench sits down with holistic health coach and alternative health practitioner Sabrina Hall to unpack the deeper connection between nervous system dysregulation, syst...

What if your bloating, fatigue, headaches, brain fog, and skin flare-ups were actually early warning signs of chronic inflammation? In this episode of The Functional Aesthetician Podcast, Samantha Dench sits down with naturopathic doctor Elizabeth Yarnell to break down what inflammation really is, how it shows up in the body and skin, and why most people miss the signals until symptoms become impo...

Your labs are “normal.” Yet you’re exhausted, inflamed, bloated, and don’t feel like yourself. What if hormones aren’t the real problem… but a downstream symptom of something deeper? In this episode of The Functional Aesthetician Podcast, we sit down with functional medicine practitioner and aesthetician, Heidi Cooper, to unpack why so many women in their 30s, 40s, and 50s experience fatigue, weig...

In this episode of The Functional Aesthetician Podcast, we sit down with licensed esthetician and founder of LBH Skincare, Heather Reay, to break down the truth about the skin barrier. We discuss signs of barrier disruption. Heather explains the difference between clinical skincare and over-the-counter formulations, how low pH and proper exfoliation support skin regulation, and why layering multip...

If you’ve been treating your eczema with creams, prescriptions, and elimination diets, but it keeps coming back, this episode will change how you see your skin.  Eczema isn’t just a surface issue. It’s a signal from your gut, nervous system, and immune system that something deeper needs attention. In this episode, I’m joined by functional nutritionist Krista Harcus to unpack the root causes of ecz...

If your body feels stuck in stress mode, it could be a nervous system issue. In this episode, our special guest, Brenda Mundt, talks about how breathwork regulates the nervous system, influences cortisol, and helps bring the body back into balance. She explains why most people have shallow breathing, which keeps you in a state of stress, and how intentional breathing can signal calm and safety to...

Starting a new diet, lifestyle, or skincare routine shouldn’t feel this hard, but for many women in their 30s, 40s, and 50s, it does. If you feel stuck, overwhelmed before you begin, or disconnected from your body, this episode explains why starting feels so difficult, and why it’s not a motivation or discipline problem. In this episode, Samantha breaks down how nervous system overload, hormonal s...

If your hormones feel out of control but your labs are “normal,” this episode is for you. Weight gain, fatigue, acne, gut issues, and skin changes during perimenopause and menopause are often blamed on hormones, but the real issue is insulin resistance. We talk about why so many women struggle to lose weight, feel worse when dieting or exercising, and develop skin and gut issues in their 30s and 4...

If you’re in your 30s or 40s thinking, “I’m eating well, I’m working out, so why am I gaining weight and feeling puffy, tired, and off?” Samantha sits down with Kelsey Ale, functional nutritionist and women’s hormone health expert, to unpack what most women are not being told about perimenopause, insulin resistance, blood sugar, inflammation, and the skin changes that show up on your face first. Y...

Clean beauty isn’t always safe, and in some cases, it may be doing more harm than good. In this episode of The Functional Aesthetician Podcast, host Samantha Dench sits down with Afshan Hussein, environmental health educator, fertility coach, and founder of Pregnancy Safe Cosmetics , to expose the biggest clean beauty myths impacting skin, hormones, fertility, and metabolic health. Afshan breaks d...

Not all wellness trends are created equal. In this episode, learn which 2026 skin and wellness trends are worth your time, and which ones to question before jumping on the bandwagon. In this first episode of 2026, Samantha Dench explores the top skin, beauty, and wellness trends shaping the year ahead, and the ones to approach with caution.  From the return to professional skincare and the rise of...

In this episode of The Functional Aesthetician, Samantha breaks down the role sleep plays in your skin, hormones, digestion, and overall health. From overnight cell repair to cortisol regulation and collagen production, this episode takes you inside the body's nighttime restoration process and explains why sleep quality impacts everything from breakouts to bloating to premature aging. Samanth...

In this episode, Samantha digs into the complexities of hormones, their metabolites, and how they affect women's health. She discusses the common frustrations women face regarding hormonal imbalances, the role of stress, and the impact of environmental factors like endocrine disruptors.  The episode emphasizes the importance of understanding hormone metabolism, particularly through the gut an...

In this episode of the Functional Aesthetician Podcast, we delve into the topic of the skin barrier, discussing its importance, the factors that affect it, and the roles of dermatologists, estheticians, and influencers in skincare.  Samantha emphasizes the need for proper skincare practices and the dangers of misinformation from social media. The episode also highlights common skincare mistakes an...

Stress doesn’t just affect your mood; it impacts your entire body, including your skin, gut, hormones, and nervous system.  In today’s episode, we talk about how stress triggers breakouts, skin sensitivity, melasma, premature aging, gut issues, inflammation, and adrenal fatigue You’ll learn how the skin reacts to cortisol, how chronic stress disrupts digestion and hormones, and how the gut-brain-s...

If you’ve ever tried “clean eating” to help your skin but couldn’t stick with it, this episode is for you.  We’re talking about the foods that quietly inflame your gut and your skin, the foods that help you heal from the inside out, and the mindset shifts you need to make those changes last.  This helps you decide why your health actually matters to you. In this Episode, You’ll Learn: How food can...

When the seasons shift, your skin feels it first. From dry, tight, and flaky skin to unexpected breakouts and flare-ups, fall can be tough on your complexion. In this episode, we talk about why seasonal changes trigger skin problems, how to tell the difference between dry, dehydrated, and sensitive skin, and the simple changes that help your skin stay hydrated, balanced, and calm all season long....

In this episode, we dive deep into women’s hormones and talk about how hormonal changes influence your skin, mood, energy, and overall well-being. Whether you’re struggling with hormonal acne, irregular cycles, PMS, or burnout, this conversation will help you understand the root cause of what your body is trying to tell you. You’ll learn how hormonal shifts throughout your cycle affect oil product...

This week, we’re talking about one of the most overlooked causes of premature skin aging, called glycation, and how your daily sugar habits might be speeding up wrinkles, dullness, and inflammation. As Halloween candy fills our homes, it’s the perfect time to uncover what sugar is really doing beneath the surface. Learn how to protect your skin from the inside out and how I personally reversed vis...

Did you know your skin and gut are constantly communicating?  From bloating to breakouts, your body is sending signals. Learn how the gut-skin axis connects digestion and skin health, and how to reduce inflammation for clear, healthier skin. In this episode, we dive deep into the gut-skin axis, the powerful connection between gut health, digestion, and skin inflammation. You’ll learn how an imbala...

Your skin is your body’s largest organ, and it communicates with you. In this episode of The Functional Aesthetician, we talk about how your skin is a detox pathway. We’ll talk about the connection between inflammation, hormones, and gut health,  and how these internal imbalances show up as acne, rosacea, eczema, or sensitivity. You’ll also learn about the different types of acne and why treating...

If you’ve ever felt like you’re treating symptoms but not getting answers, this episode is for you.  We’ll talk about the key differences between functional and conventional medicine, why early testing can change the trajectory of your health, and how your skin can be your body’s first signal that something deeper is going on. In this Episode, You’ll Learn: What functional medicine is and how it d...

This is where it all begins. Join me as I share the unexpected path that led me from med spas to functional medicine. You’ll hear my real, unfiltered story, from acne breakouts, motherhood, business struggles, and the moment everything clicked. This isn’t just about skin; it’s about healing your body, finding balance, and learning to pay attention to your skin. In this episode, I open up about my...