ASCP Esty Talk

Does a natural ingredient automatically mean it's better? In this episode of The Rogue Pharmacist, Ben challenges the idea that natural and botanical ingredients are automatically safer or more effective than synthetic ones while also giving insight to help clients look beyond an overused marketing message.
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:
HHP Collective exists because the best education in esthetics doesn't come from a marketing department — it comes from the treatment room. Our classes are taught by licensed professionals sharing what they actually learned working with real skin, real conditions, and real clients. No branded talking points. No diluted content built to sell a product line. Just the kind of lived-experience teaching that moves your practice forward. And because growth shouldn't happen in isolation, every membership comes with access to a genuine professional community — the kind of supportive, substantive connection that's nearly impossible to find on social media anymore.
We're in our founding phase, which means Rogue Pharmacist listeners have a rare opportunity: join as a founding member and help shape what this community becomes. Use code ASCP26 for your first month free.
Website: hhpcollective.com
Instagram: @hhpcollective

In this episode of ASCP Esty Talk, Maggie and Ella are joined by molecular biologist Dr. David Stachura to break down the science behind stem cells in skincare. Dr. David breaks down the differences between mammalian and plant stem cells, growth factors, exosomes, and why understanding these distinctions matters.
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 Dr. David Stachura
Dr. David Stachura has a B.S. in Molecular Biology from Lehigh University and a Ph.D. in Cellular and Molecular Biology from the University of Pennsylvania and performed his postdoctoral studies at the University of California San Diego.  He is a stem cell biology expert and biotechnology executive specializing in regenerative medicine and innovative skincare solutions.
As the Chief Scientific Officer (CSO) and Chief Operating Officer (COO) of SpecBio and FACTORFIVE Skincare, Dr. Stachura drives the development of cutting-edge wound healing therapies and cosmetic advancements. Previously directing the Stachura Lab, his breakthrough research in developmental biology, immunology, hematopoiesis, and stem cells has been widely published in peer-reviewed scientific manuscripts. Recognized for securing prestigious competitive NIH grants and advancing translational medicine, Dr. Stachura bridges the gap between complex laboratory science and commercial marketplace applications.
Based in Chico California, Dr. David Stachura continues to lead industry advancements in cellular biology, helping biotechnology companies scale their scientific research, product development, and clinical strategy.
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: MStaszcuk@ascpskincare.com 
 
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
 
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/ascp 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: getconnected@ascpskincare.com 
Phone: 800-789-0411 
Facebook: facebook.com/ASCPskincare 
Instagram: @ascpskincare

Why is finding the perfect foundation shade still so difficult, even with more shades and better technology? In this episode of ASCP Esty Talk, Maggie and Ella explore new research into the science of shade matching, including the difference between how skin color is measured and how it's truly perceived.
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: MStaszcuk@ascpskincare.com 
 
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
 
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/ascp 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: getconnected@ascpskincare.com 
Phone: 800-789-0411 
Facebook: facebook.com/ASCPskincare 
Instagram: @ascpskincare

In this episode of The Rogue Pharmacist, Ben explores the important role vitamin D plays throughout the body and how it functions as more than just a vitamin. 
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:
 
HHP Collective exists because the best education in esthetics doesn't come from a marketing department — it comes from the treatment room. Our classes are taught by licensed professionals sharing what they actually learned working with real skin, real conditions, and real clients. No branded talking points. No diluted content built to sell a product line. Just the kind of lived-experience teaching that moves your practice forward. And because growth shouldn't happen in isolation, every membership comes with access to a genuine professional community — the kind of supportive, substantive connection that's nearly impossible to find on social media anymore.
We're in our founding phase, which means Rogue Pharmacist listeners have a rare opportunity: join as a founding member and help shape what this community becomes. Use code ASCP26 for your first month free.
Website: hhpcollective.com
Instagram: @hhpcollective

The esthetics industry has largely traded the term "anti-aging" for language like healthy aging, longevity, and pro-aging, but has the goal actually changed? In this episode of ASCP Esty Talk, Maggie and Ella examine how attitudes toward aging are evolving and whether the shift represents a new philosophy or simply new vocabulary.
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: MStaszcuk@ascpskincare.com 
 
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
 
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/ascp 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: getconnected@ascpskincare.com 
Phone: 800-789-0411 
Facebook: facebook.com/ASCPskincare 
Instagram: @ascpskincare