ASCP Esty Talk

Japanese skin care is often associated with minimalism, ritual, and a skin-first philosophy. But what's commonly marketed today is often a simplified Western interpretation of a much deeper cultural approach. In this episode of ASCP Esty Talk, Maggie and Ella explore what Japanese skin care truly is, how it became popular globally, and how it compares to Western and Korean skin care philosophies centered on correction, innovation, and long-term skin balance.
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 

E: [email protected] 
 
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
 
TiZO Mineral Sunscreens set the standard for aesthetic elegance with tinted and non-tinted formulas for use on virtually all skin types and tones. Our name reflects our commitment: TIZO = Titanium dioxide + Zinc Oxides. All TiZO products are reef-friendly and 100% free of chemical sunscreens, dyes, fragrances, gluten, phthalates, and parabens.  TiZO Photoceutical Skincare is the perfect partner to our sunscreens in the fight against photoaging. These silky, elegant products address tone, texture and hydration while helping to prevent further damage. From our flagship TiZO3 Primer/Sunscreen SPF 40 to our gentle Ultra Zinc formulations to our NEW Advanced Vitamin C+E Serum with Bakuchiol, TIZO has the ideal selection of products to Protect, Repair, and Revitalize skin. 
Website: https://tizoskin.com/ 
Facebook: @tizoskin 
Pinterest: @tizoskin 
Instagram: @tizoskin 
YouTube: @tizoskin  
 
GlossGenius
Gaps in your schedule. Clients who don't rebook. Tight margins. High payment processing fees. Sound familiar?
When you're running your own practice, you don't have time to figure out where you could be making more money. Especially when you're stitching together booking, payments, and a clunky EMR that only makes things harder.
That's why we love GlossGenius — the business management platform that does the work for you. It fills your calendar, rebooks clients automatically, upsells high-margin services, and has the lowest flat-rate payment processing fees. Plus, all the HIPAA-compliant tools you need for charting, consents, and client records — without the admin chaos.
GlossGenius grows your revenue and handles the busywork, so you can focus on your clients.
Use code ESTY at GlossGenius.com for 50% off your first two months of their Gold or Platinum plan.
GlossGenius. More Growth. Less Busywork. Visit https://glossgenius.com/ for more details.
 
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: [email protected] 
Phone: 800-789-0411 
Facebook: facebook.com/ASCPskincare 
Instagram: @ascpskincare

Urea is one of the most misunderstood ingredients in skin care. Is it a hydrator, an exfoliant, or both? In this episode of The Rogue Pharmacist, Ben Fuchs talks about how urea functions at different concentrations, why it's critical for barrier health, and how to use it strategically for conditions like dryness, keratosis, and compromised 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 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 pharmacist, nutritionist, and skin care chemist with 35 years of experience developing pharmacy-potent skin health products for estheticians, dermatologists, and plastic surgeons. Ben's expert advice gives licensed estheticians the education and skin science to better support the skin care services performed in the treatment room while sharing insights to enhance clients' at-home skin care routines.
Connect with Ben Fuchs: 
 
Website: www.brightsideben.com 
 
Phone: 844-236-6010 
 
Facebook: www.facebook.com/The-Bright-Side-with-Pharmacist-Ben-Fuchs-101162801334696/ 
 
About Our Sponsor:
All Truth Treatment Systems products have one thing in common—they work! Our products are made with 100 percent active and functional ingredients that make a difference to your skin. No fillers, preservatives, waxes, emulsifiers, oils, or fragrances. Our ingredients leverage the latest biochemical understandings and use proven strategies gleaned from years of compounding prescription skin health products for the most discerning physicians and patients. 
 
Website: www.TruthTreatmentsPro.com 
 
Facebook: www.facebook.com/truthtreatments 
 
Private Facebook Pro Group: www.facebook.com/groups/truthtreatments 
 
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/truth.treatments

Beauty consumer behavior is shifting, and what happens in mass and prestige retail impacts your treatment room and retail shelves. Trends in 2026 include skin care's rebound, fragrance growth, and how clients are spending strategically rather than abandoning professional services. In this episode of ASCP Esty Talk, Maggie and Ella discuss what these insights mean for client behavior, retail strategy, and growing your practice.
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 

E: [email protected] 
 
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
 
TiZO Mineral Sunscreens set the standard for aesthetic elegance with tinted and non-tinted formulas for use on virtually all skin types and tones. Our name reflects our commitment: TIZO = Titanium dioxide + Zinc Oxides. All TiZO products are reef-friendly and 100% free of chemical sunscreens, dyes, fragrances, gluten, phthalates, and parabens.  TiZO Photoceutical Skincare is the perfect partner to our sunscreens in the fight against photoaging. These silky, elegant products address tone, texture and hydration while helping to prevent further damage. From our flagship TiZO3 Primer/Sunscreen SPF 40 to our gentle Ultra Zinc formulations to our NEW Advanced Vitamin C+E Serum with Bakuchiol, TIZO has the ideal selection of products to Protect, Repair, and Revitalize skin. 
Website: https://tizoskin.com/ 
Facebook: @tizoskin 
Pinterest: @tizoskin 
Instagram: @tizoskin 
YouTube: @tizoskin  
 
GlossGenius
Gaps in your schedule. Clients who don't rebook. Tight margins. High payment processing fees. Sound familiar?
When you're running your own practice, you don't have time to figure out where you could be making more money. Especially when you're stitching together booking, payments, and a clunky EMR that only makes things harder.
That's why we love GlossGenius — the business management platform that does the work for you. It fills your calendar, rebooks clients automatically, upsells high-margin services, and has the lowest flat-rate payment processing fees. Plus, all the HIPAA-compliant tools you need for charting, consents, and client records — without the admin chaos.
GlossGenius grows your revenue and handles the busywork, so you can focus on your clients.
Use code ESTY at GlossGenius.com for 50% off your first two months of their Gold or Platinum plan.
GlossGenius. More Growth. Less Busywork. Visit https://glossgenius.com/ for more details.
 
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: [email protected] 
Phone: 800-789-0411 
Facebook: facebook.com/ASCPskincare 
Instagram: @ascpskincare

The esthetics and cosmetology compacts are key legislation shaping how professionals practice across state lines. In this episode of ASCP Esty Talk, Laura Puryear, ASCP's government relations director, breaks down what the compacts are, how they impact estheticians, and why advocacy for your career.
Resouces:
Cosmetology Compact: https://cosmetologycompact.gov/
Esthetics Compact: https://estheticscompact.org/
Contact Us: [email protected]
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, business owner, ingredient junkie, and esthetic cheerleader! As an educator, she enjoys empowering other estheticians and industry professionals to understand skin care from an ingredient standpoint rather than a product-specific view. 
In addition to running a skin care practice, Cressman founded a comprehensive consulting group, the HHP Collective, and has consulted for several successful skin care brands. 
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 

E: [email protected] 
 
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
 
TiZO Mineral Sunscreens set the standard for aesthetic elegance with tinted and non-tinted formulas for use on virtually all skin types and tones. Our name reflects our commitment: TIZO = Titanium dioxide + Zinc Oxides. All TiZO products are reef-friendly and 100% free of chemical sunscreens, dyes, fragrances, gluten, phthalates, and parabens.  TiZO Photoceutical Skincare is the perfect partner to our sunscreens in the fight against photoaging. These silky, elegant products address tone, texture and hydration while helping to prevent further damage. From our flagship TiZO3 Primer/Sunscreen SPF 40 to our gentle Ultra Zinc formulations to our NEW Advanced Vitamin C+E Serum with Bakuchiol, TIZO has the ideal selection of products to Protect, Repair, and Revitalize skin. 
 
Website: https://tizoskin.com/ 
Facebook: @tizoskin 
Pinterest: @tizoskin 
Instagram: @tizoskin 
YouTube: @tizoskin 
 
GlossGenius
Gaps in your schedule. Clients who don't rebook. Tight margins. High payment processing fees. Sound familiar?
When you're running your own practice, you don't have time to figure out where you could be making more money. Especially when you're stitching together booking, payments, and a clunky EMR that only makes things harder.
That's why we love GlossGenius — the business management platform that does the work for you. It fills your calendar, rebooks clients automatically, upsells high-margin services, and has the lowest flat-rate payment processing fees. Plus, all the HIPAA-compliant tools you need for charting, consents, and client records — without the admin chaos.
GlossGenius grows your revenue and handles the busywork, so you can focus on your clients.
Use code ESTY at GlossGenius.com for 50% off your first two months of their Gold or Platinum plan.
GlossGenius. More Growth. Less Busywork. Visit https://glossgenius.com/ for more details.
 
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: [email protected] 
Phone: 800-789-0411 
Facebook: facebook.com/ASCPskincare 
Instagram: @ascpskincare

Layering skin care products can feel confusing, especially with so many warnings about mixing actives. In this episode of The Rogue Pharmacist, Ben Fuchs breaks down when ingredients truly interfere with each other, when it's a misconception, and how factors like pH, formulation, and application order impact results.
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 pharmacist, nutritionist, and skin care chemist with 35 years of experience developing pharmacy-potent skin health products for estheticians, dermatologists, and plastic surgeons. Ben's expert advice gives licensed estheticians the education and skin science to better support the skin care services performed in the treatment room while sharing insights to enhance clients' at-home skin care routines.
Connect with Ben Fuchs: 
 
Website: www.brightsideben.com 
 
Phone: 844-236-6010 
 
Facebook: www.facebook.com/The-Bright-Side-with-Pharmacist-Ben-Fuchs-101162801334696/ 
 
About Our Sponsor:
All Truth Treatment Systems products have one thing in common—they work! Our products are made with 100 percent active and functional ingredients that make a difference to your skin. No fillers, preservatives, waxes, emulsifiers, oils, or fragrances. Our ingredients leverage the latest biochemical understandings and use proven strategies gleaned from years of compounding prescription skin health products for the most discerning physicians and patients. 
 
Website: www.TruthTreatmentsPro.com 
 
Facebook: www.facebook.com/truthtreatments 
 
Private Facebook Pro Group: www.facebook.com/groups/truthtreatments 
 
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/truth.treatments