ASCP Esty Talk – Episode 291: The Evolving Landscape of Beauty: Customization, Trends, and Body Positivity
Released on November 13, 2024
Hosts:
- Ella Cressman (B): Licensed Esthetician and Content Contributor
- Maggie Stasik (C): Licensed Esthetician and ASCP Program Director
1. Warm Welcome and Shoutouts [01:37 - 04:09]
Ella and Maggie kick off the episode with heartfelt shoutouts to fellow estheticians, Elizabeth at Serenity Aesthetics and Celeste Montoya of House of Aesthetics and Wellness in Colorado. Ella shares a personal anecdote about attending an event where she felt vulnerable yet received an uplifting note from a listener identified only as "K."
Notable Quote:
"When you come into contact with people who can change your mood, change your day, or change your year, you just never know what someone else is going through."
— Ella Cressman [05:00]
2. Exploring Customization in Hair Care [04:09 - 07:16]
The hosts delve into the trend of personalized hair care products, referencing a feature from New Beauty magazine. They discuss the skepticism surrounding true customization versus templated solutions. Ella expresses excitement about trying a personalized shampoo quiz, while Maggie remains doubtful about the efficacy of such tailored products.
Notable Quote:
"I'm a sucker for that stuff. Maybe I should. I'm tossing it around."
— Ella Cressman [05:26]
3. The Rise of Head Spas and Scalp Care [07:16 - 09:00]
Ella and Maggie discuss the burgeoning trend of head spas, which offer customized scalp treatments akin to skin analyses. They ponder the regulatory implications, questioning whether estheticians can incorporate scalp treatments within their scope of practice without infringing on cosmetology laws.
Notable Quote:
"I guarantee you state board is going to come knocking and say, no way you're touching the scalp. That's cosmetology."
— Maggie Stasik [08:24]
4. The Medication Revolution: GLP1 and Weight Loss [09:00 - 12:39]
The conversation shifts to the widespread impact of GLP1 medications like Ozempic, Wegovy, and ZepBound on weight loss. Ella highlights the dual nature of these medications: beneficial for those with medical needs but potentially misused by individuals seeking minor weight reductions. Maggie draws parallels to the CoolSculpting debate, emphasizing the risks of side effects among non-ideal candidates.
Notable Quote:
"62% of GLP1 users worry about loose or sagging skin after reaching their weight loss goals because it's so fast."
— Ella Cressman [10:16]
5. Surge in Cosmetic Surgeries and Body Contouring [12:39 - 16:00]
Ella presents alarming statistics on the increase in facelifts and lower body lifts, attributing this surge to rapid weight loss from GLP1 medications. They discuss innovative procedures like the "ponytail facial," which promises undetectable facelifts. Maggie shares her surprise at the resurgence of facelifts, a procedure she once thought was obsolete.
Notable Quote:
"I really thought facelifts, that's a massive surgery. I thought that was like 1980s and we were done and over with them."
— Maggie Stasik [12:48]
6. Body Positivity vs. Emerging Beauty Standards [16:00 - 21:38]
The hosts reflect on the evolution of beauty standards, contrasting the body positivity movement with the rise of slender, "ballet" bodies promoted by recent trends. Ella expresses concern that the new trends may undermine the progress made by body positivity, leading to increased pressure and misuse of weight loss methods.
Notable Quotes:
"I think when there was this body positivity movement, I finally felt valid. I felt like, oh, my God. Okay, I am beautiful. I am desirable. I am worthy."
— Ella Cressman [16:01]
"It would be unfortunate if this body positivity movement starts moving in the wrong direction."
— Ella Cressman [21:05]
7. Personal Reflections and Book Recommendation [21:26 - 21:38]
Ella shares her personal journey with body image, acknowledging the challenges of aging and societal pressures. She recommends "The Fifth Agreement," highlighting its relevance for professionals in image-conscious fields who navigate the symbolism of perceived beauty.
Notable Quote:
"The symbolism of perceived beauty is just that. It's just an impression and it's just an opinion."
— Ella Cressman [21:34]
8. Conclusion and Listener Engagement [21:38 - End]
The episode wraps up with Ella encouraging listeners to share their thoughts on the discussed trends via social media or email. She emphasizes the importance of community and support within the esthetician profession.
Call to Action:
"What are your thoughts on trends of customized hair care, weight loss medication, and then also, of course, the new ballet body? What does this mean for our future? Reach out via Instagram, Facebook, or send us an email@getconnectedscpskincare.com."
— Ella Cressman [21:26]
Final Thoughts:
Episode 291 of ASCP Esty Talk offers a comprehensive exploration of contemporary beauty trends, balancing professional insights with personal experiences. From the promise and pitfalls of customization in beauty products to the profound societal shifts influenced by weight loss medications and evolving beauty standards, Ella and Maggie provide estheticians with valuable perspectives to navigate the ever-changing landscape of the beauty industry.
For more information on this episode or to connect with the hosts, visit the show notes and stay tuned for the next episode of ASCP Esty Talk.