ASCP Esty Talk

The beauty industry loves a pendulum swing. From CoolSculpting and body contouring to the rise of "skinimalism" and self-acceptance, then on to GLP-1s and now compression creams—are we ever really satisfied? In this episode of ASCP Esty Talk , Maggie and Ella dive into the irony, science, and psychology behind the latest "instant tightening" trend. ASCP Esty Talk with hosts Ella Cressman and Maggi...

What do bestselling books about psychology and human behavior have to do with esthetics? More than you might think! In this episode of ASCP Esty Talk , Ella Cressman and Maggie Staszcuk dive into three of Malcolm Gladwell's most popular books— Talking to Strangers , Blink , and Outliers —and uncover surprising connections to the treatment room and your career as an esthetician. ASCP Esty Talk with...

As a skin care professional, you juggle clients, treatments, business growth, and more. Qnity ensures that money doesn't hold you back. In this episode of ASCP Esty Talk, president and CEO Les Sweeney speaks with Erin Kuhn Bhansali, president/partner of Qnity & Qnity for Schools, about ASCP's partnership with Qnity, which allows members to gain access to practical, easy-to-follow financial literac...

Are we treating skin—or just selling solutions? This episode of ASCP Esty Talk challenges the symptom-based, brand-driven approach dominating esthetics today by introducing a deeper, more intentional framework: functional aesthetics, clinical reasoning, and "wholistic" client care. We explore how a pimple isn't always simple, and how real results require curiosity, conversation, and care that exte...

What do rock climbing, microneedling, and 90s inspired outfits all have in common? According to Pinterest, they're all part of the new wave of male self-care.   In this episode of ASCP Esty Talk , Maggie and Ella discuss Pinterest Predicts: The 2025 Men's Edit—the platform's first-ever trend report focused entirely on men.  ASCP Esty Talk with hosts Ella Cressman and Maggie Staszcuk   Produced by...

We all know insulin is key for blood sugar regulation - but what about its effect on the skin? In this episode of  The Rogue Pharmacist , we explore the effects of insulin on the skin and what estheticians should look for. Associated Skin Care Professionals (ASCP) presents The Rogue Pharmacist with Benjamin Knight Fuchs, R.Ph. This podcast takes an enlightening approach to supporting licensed esth...

If it feels like med spas are turning into wellness clinics, that's because they kind of are. It's not just about Botox and laser anymore; it's peptides, metabolic health, hormone balancing, and even the little pink pill. In this episode of ASCP Esty Talk , Maggie and Ella discuss how med spas are shifting away from traditional esthetics services and expanding into whole-body health. ASCP Esty Tal...

What if that breakout isn't just hormonal—and that redness isn't rosacea? In this episode of ASCP Esty Talk , we discuss how big emotions like grief and anger can sneak onto the skin and masquerade as everyday conditions. You'll learn how to spot the difference, what to skip in the treatment room (hint: put down the glycolic), and how to build treatments that meet your clients where they really ar...

Psychodermatology bridges psychology and skin health. In this episode of The Rogue Pharmacist , we explore how emotional stress manifests on the skin—and why estheticians should understand this powerful mind-skin connection. Associated Skin Care Professionals (ASCP) presents The Rogue Pharmacist with Benjamin Knight Fuchs, R.Ph. This podcast takes an enlightening approach to supporting licensed es...

Skin care has been the reigning queen of beauty for years—but that crown may be slipping. Is this just a phase or a sign that consumer behavior is evolving? In this episode of  ASCP Esty Talk , Maggie and Ella unpack the so-called "skin care recession," a major industry shift showing a slowdown in skin care sales and a rise in fragrance and makeup. Tune in as we explore what's driving the trend, h...

What happens when your business starts to feel like your whole identity? When you are your brand, where's the line between personal and professional? In this episode of ASCP Esty Talk , Maggie and Ella talk about the overlap between who you are and what you do—and when that overlap becomes too much, how to set boundaries and reconnect with yourself outside the treatment room. ASCP Esty Talk with h...

Will Parker is the founder and formulator of Parker Williams Skincare, a brand dedicated to simple, sophisticated skin care solutions for men. In this episode of  ASCP Esty Talk , Maggie and Ella sit down with Will to learn about his pivot into skin care and the inspiration behind creating products tailored specifically for men. They explore his journey, formulation philosophy, and approach to cre...

In this episode of ASCP Esty Talk , Ella and Maggie introduce the concept of biohacking for the skin—breaking down how wellness trends like adaptogens, red light therapy, collagen supplements, and even intermittent fasting are woven into esthetics practices. Whether you're new to the term or already using these tools, this episode helps connect the dots between modern biohacking and everyday esthe...

Seed oils like sunflower and grapeseed are very common in cosmetics but they can go rancid easily and might not be so great for the skin. In this episode of The Rogue Pharmacist , we sit down with Ben to discuss the nature of seed oils and whether they are helping or hurting. Associated Skin Care Professionals (ASCP) presents The Rogue Pharmacist with Benjamin Knight Fuchs, R.Ph. This podcast take...

From managing money in the treatment room to building long-term stability, financial literacy doesn't get enough attention in the beauty industry. In this episode of ASCP Esty Talk , Maggie and Ella get real about budgeting, pricing, and everything in between. ASCP Esty Talk with hosts Ella Cressman and Maggie Staszcuk   Produced by Associated Skin Care Professionals (ASCP) for licensed estheticia...

In this episode of ASCP Esty Talk , we're wading into the therapeutic, challenging, and sometimes controversial relationship between skin and water—specifically, ocean water, geothermal hot springs, and chlorinated swimming pools. From ancient folklore to modern esthetics practices, we're exploring how these natural (and not-so-natural) waters impact the skin, the body, and the emotional state, pl...

The beauty industry often romanticizes the hustle mentality—work harder, work longer, always be on the go. But for many, this can have a real impact on personal relationships, mental health, and overall well-being. In this episode of ASCP Esty Talk , Maggie and Ella dive into the idea of work-life balance and redefine what success looks like in our industry. ASCP Esty Talk with hosts Ella Cressman...

The skin can reveal a lot about what's happening inside the body, especially when it's lacking essential nutrients. In this episode of The Rogue Pharmacist , we sit down with Ben Fuchs to discuss common nutritional deficiencies that manifest in the skin and when estheticians should consider referring out. Associated Skin Care Professionals (ASCP) presents The Rogue Pharmacist with Benjamin Knight...

In this episode of ASCP Esty Talk , Ella and Maggie dive into the wilder side of off-label skin care—the hacks your clients swear by (and you secretly hope they don't try). From using Monistat as makeup primer to dabbing toothpaste on zits and slathering on milk of magnesia to control shine, we unpack the surprising science, hidden risks, and when to gently intervene. Whether these creative shortc...

Is it actually safe to perform chemical peels during the summer months? In this episode of ASCP Esty Talk , Maggie and Ella tackle one of the hottest debated topics in esthetics, covering concerns like UV damage and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, offering tips on client selection and aftercare, and exploring safer summer alternatives. Tune in as they navigate the peel season—no matter the we...

Glycation is a lesser-known factor in skin aging, but it can have a significant impact. In this episode of The Rogue Pharmacist , Ben Fuchs breaks down glycation and how we can minimize their effects both internally and topically. Associated Skin Care Professionals (ASCP) presents The Rogue Pharmacist with Benjamin Knight Fuchs, R.Ph. This podcast takes an enlightening approach to supporting licen...

Beyond treatments and product recommendations, it's the meaningful moments, consistent care, and personal touches that build trust and long-term loyalty. This week on ASCP Esty Talk , Ella and Maggie dive into one of the most powerful aspects of being an esthetician—creating authentic, emotional connections with clients. ASCP Esty Talk with hosts Ella Cressman and Maggie Staszcuk   Produced by Ass...

This episode of ASCP Esty Talk explores the FDA's controversial call for in vivo testing of chemical sunscreens and what it means for the future of skin care safety. We also unpack hot-button industry issues—from greenwashing and overmedicalization to fear-based marketing, barrier damage, and the lack of inclusive testing. Listen in to hear Ella and Maggie break down the facts behind the formulas....

"Detox" is a buzzword and a trend, but the science behind it often gets lost. In this episode of The Rogue Pharmacist , Ben explains what detox really means in terms of the liver, kidneys, and lymphatic function – and how this impacts the skin. Associated Skin Care Professionals (ASCP) presents The Rogue Pharmacist with Benjamin Knight Fuchs, R.Ph. This podcast takes an enlightening approach to su...