ASCP Esty Talk

Soothing ingredients are often the first line of defense for red, reactive skin. But what if those soothing ingredients are part of the problem? In this episode of The Rogue Pharmacist , Ben Fuchs talks about why certain calming ingredients can backfire, what is happening at the inflammatory and immune levels, and how to distinguish temporary relief from true skin repair. Associated Skin Care Prof...

Dupes are everywhere in skin care right now, but similar ingredients do not always mean similar performance. In this episode of ASCP Esty Talk , Maggie and Ella break down the real differences between drugstore dupes and professional products and what that means for results, safety, and trust in the treatment room. ASCP Esty Talk with hosts Ella Cressman and Maggie Staszcuk   Produced by Associate...

From cutting their own bangs to spacing out appointments, clients are changing how they engage with beauty. In this episode of ASCP Esty Talk , Ella and Maggie unpack the DIY beauty boom and what it means for estheticians in the treatment room. ASCP Esty Talk with hosts Ella Cressman and Maggie Staszcuk   Produced by Associated Skin Care Professionals (ASCP) for licensed estheticians, ASCP Esty Ta...

The term clean beauty has been trending for several years and means many different things, depending on who you ask. In this episode of The Rogue Pharmacist , Ben Fuchs defines clean beauty from a pharmacist and formulator's point of view in a way that's actually rooted in science. Associated Skin Care Professionals (ASCP) presents The Rogue Pharmacist with Benjamin Knight Fuchs, R.Ph. This podcas...

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...