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 shortcuts are rooted in desperation, TikTok trends, or passed-down “wisdom,” we’re separating the myths from the mildly effective. Spoiler alert: Not all hacks belong in your routine, but some may spark a safer, pro-grade alternative.
Read the Skin Deep article here
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:
The popular and revolutionary LAMPROBE utilizes radio and high-frequency technology to treat a wide variety of Minor Skin Irregularities™ (MSI)—non-invasively—with instantaneous results. Common conditions treated by the LAMPROBE include: vascular MSI, such as cherry angiomas; dilated capillaries; sebaceous MSI, including cholesterol deposits and milia; and hyperkerantinized MSI, such as keratoses and skin tags.
The LAMPROBE uniquely assists modern, capable, and skilled skin care practitioners to do their work more effectively and with greater client and professional satisfaction. Setting standards in quality, education, and training, the LAMPROBE has become an essential tool enabling skin care practitioners around the world to offer new revenue-enhancing and highly in-demand services.
Website: www.lamprobe.com
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 877-760-2722
Instagram: www.instagram.com/lamprobe
Facebook: www.facebook.com/theLAMPROBE
Skin Script Skin Care provides outstanding products and education, so estheticians prosper and succeed. Skin Script’s three pillars are: amazing professional products, excellent customer service that is friendly and fast, and quality education at an approachable price. Skin Script delivers the promise of healthy, vitalized, youthful-looking skin by providing superior, innovative ingredients and formulations that are gentle yet effective. Skin Script Skin Care has been empowering estheticians since 2007 and welcomes you to unite with them in your professional journey.
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/skinscriptrx
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/skinscriptrx/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skinscriptrx/?hl=en
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
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
