Ep 297 – The Pressure of Skin Care: Well-Being Burnout

Summary

ASCP Esty Talk - Episode 297: The Pressure of Skin Care: Well-Being Burnout

Release Date: January 8, 2025
Host/Author: Associated Skin Care Professionals (ASCP)

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Introduction

In Episode 297 of ASCP Esty Talk, titled "The Pressure of Skin Care: Well-Being Burnout", hosts Maggie Stasik and Ella Cressman delve deep into the rising issue of well-being burnout among skincare professionals. This episode explores the paradox of wellness trends intended to promote self-care but inadvertently contributing to increased stress and burnout within the esthetician community.

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The Paradox of Wellness Trends

Maggie Stasik (B):
"We're focused so much on self-care and finding balance to avoid burnout, yet despite everyone's efforts, well-being isn't improving. In fact, the pressure to keep up with wellness trends is making people feel more unwell and leading to what they're calling well-being burnout." [01:23]

Maggie references a recent report by Lululemon, highlighting that 61% of people feel an overwhelming pressure to appear well, contradicting the intended purpose of wellness practices. This statistic underscores a growing concern: the very tools meant to reduce stress are becoming sources of additional anxiety.

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Personal Struggles with Wellness Expectations

Ella Cressman (C):
"I'm part of that 61%. It's stressful trying to find time for journaling or maintaining a rigorous wellness routine. I wake up, wipe out my mascara, let the dog out, make coffee half-awake, and still feel like I'm not doing enough." [02:10]

Ella shares her personal experience, illustrating the gap between ideal wellness practices and the reality many estheticians face. She emphasizes the societal pressures exacerbated by social media, where constant exposure to others' highlight reels fuels feelings of inadequacy.

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The Impact of Social Media and Trends

Maggie Stasik (B):
"Seeing others' wellness regimens makes me question if I should be doing the same, adding to my stress." [02:56]

Both hosts discuss how social media amplifies these pressures. The influx of wellness trends—from cold plunges to extensive meditation practices—creates an environment where estheticians feel compelled to adopt every new fad to stay relevant, often at the expense of their own well-being.

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Navigating Wellness in Practice

Ella Cressman (C):
"During acupuncture sessions, I incorporate guided meditation tailored to each client, fostering a more authentic and supportive environment." [06:03]

Ella highlights innovative approaches to wellness within their professional practices. By personalizing wellness experiences for clients, estheticians can create more meaningful connections and reduce the one-size-fits-all pressure that often leads to burnout.

Maggie Stasik (B):
"Adjusting treatments to meet individual client needs ensures that both the esthetician and the client can experience genuine well-being." [07:14]

Maggie underscores the importance of authenticity over trend-following, advocating for practices that align with personal and professional values rather than external expectations.

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Loneliness and Isolation in the Esthetician Profession

Maggie Stasik (B):
"89% of people experiencing burnout cite loneliness as a major factor. As solo practitioners, estheticians often work in isolation, making it easy to become isolated without meaningful connections." [10:09]

The conversation shifts to the impact of isolation on estheticians. Solo practitioners, in particular, face challenges in finding community and support, which are crucial for mental and emotional well-being.

Ella Cressman (C):
"Social media groups can sometimes be toxic, filled with catty exchanges rather than supportive interactions. Genuine connections are rare but essential." [11:03]

Ella points out the pitfalls of online communities, emphasizing the need for sincere, supportive interactions over superficial or competitive exchanges.

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Strategies to Combat Well-Being Burnout

Maggie Stasik (B):
"The report suggests three strategies to break the well-being burnout cycle: doing things that feel good, fostering a sense of community, and making genuine connections." [12:40]

1. Engage in Enjoyable Activities:
   Simple pleasures, like spending time in nature or engaging in physical activities, can significantly enhance well-being.

2. Build a Supportive Community:
   Sharing tips with friends or joining online skincare communities can provide a sense of belonging and mutual support.

3. Foster Genuine Connections:
   Establishing authentic relationships, as Ella experienced, can lead to emotional and spiritual fulfillment beyond conventional wellness practices.

Ella Cressman (C):
"Connecting with other estheticians has been transformative for my well-being. Building a support network through genuine interactions has provided me with emotional and spiritual energy that translates into my professional life." [14:07]

Ella shares heartwarming anecdotes of forming meaningful connections with fellow estheticians, highlighting the profound impact of vulnerability and support networks on personal and professional well-being.

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The Power of Vulnerability

Maggie Stasik (B):
"Allowing yourself to be vulnerable can broaden your network and enhance your sense of community, benefiting both your personal well-being and your business." [14:20]

The hosts discuss the importance of vulnerability in building deeper connections. By showing authenticity and openness, estheticians can create stronger, more supportive professional relationships that alleviate the isolation contributing to burnout.

Ella Cressman (C):
"Those heartfelt conversations are more valuable to my emotional health than any wellness trend. They provide the energy and motivation that directly impact my work and personal life." [14:49]

Ella emphasizes that genuine emotional connections are more beneficial than adhering to external wellness standards, reinforcing the episode's central theme that authentic relationships are key to combating well-being burnout.

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Conclusion

Maggie Stasik (B):
"We're encouraging our listeners to share their experiences with well-being burnout and the strategies they're using to overcome it. Building a supportive community is essential for the health of both the individual esthetician and the industry as a whole." [15:27]

In closing, the hosts invite listeners to engage and share their stories, fostering a broader conversation about well-being burnout and collective strategies to address it.

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Notable Quotes

• Maggie Stasik (B):
  "The pressure to keep up with wellness trends is making people feel more unwell and leading to what they're calling well-being burnout." [01:23]

• Ella Cressman (C):
  "Those heartfelt conversations are more valuable to my emotional health than any wellness trend." [14:49]

• Maggie Stasik (B):
  "Allowing yourself to be vulnerable can broaden your network and enhance your sense of community, benefiting both your personal well-being and your business." [14:20]

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Final Thoughts

Episode 297 of ASCP Esty Talk sheds light on the unintended consequences of wellness trends within the skincare industry, emphasizing the critical need for authentic connections and personalized self-care practices. By fostering genuine relationships and embracing vulnerability, estheticians can navigate the pressures of their profession and enhance their overall well-being, ultimately enriching their personal lives and professional practices.

For more insights and to connect with Maggie and Ella, visit the show notes or reach out via ASCP’s social media channels.

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This summary captures the essence of Episode 297, providing a comprehensive overview for those who have not listened to the podcast. It highlights the key discussions, personal anecdotes, and actionable strategies shared by the hosts to address well-being burnout in the skincare industry.

Transcript

[A]

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[B]

Foreign hello and welcome to ASCP's SD Talk. I'm your co host Maggie Stasik and ASCP's program director.

[C]

And I'm Ella Cressman, licensed esthetician, ingredient junkie and content contributor for Associated Skincare Professionals.

[B]

Ella, Happy New Year.

[C]

Happy New Year. How are you?

[B]

I am good. Glad to see you back here 2025.

[C]

Are you excited for the new year?

[B]

I am so excited. I can't wait in 2024. I'd like to point out we talked so much about self care and gratitude and finding balance to avoid burnout, all those things. But it turns out despite everyone focusing on their wellbeing, it's actually not improving. Oh, I know. In fact, Lululemon put out this report just this past year, I think it was in September. They reveal the pressure to keep up with all these wellness trends is actually making people feel more unwell and it's leading to what they're calling, well, being burnout. It's creating a lot of stress actually. And if you can believe it, 61% of people say they feel this overwhelming pressure to appear.

[C]

Well, I'm in there. I am part of that 61%. I think it's stressful to find time to journal, to like you talk to people. And they're like, I wake up in the morning and I take a cold plunge and then I get out and I and I journal my feelings and my thoughts and then I stretch and I do some yoga and then I do some deep breathing meditation. I'm like, I don't. I get out of bed, I wipe the remaining mascara out from under my eyes, I let the dog out, you know, like make coffee half awake and I feel like I'm not doing enough.

[B]

I am right there with you. Like hearing these people's regimens, to quote unquote be well, makes me feel this pressure, like, should I be doing that, too?

[C]

And even some of the appointments, like four or five years ago. And I hate Covid as the marker, but I would go to the chiropractor X amount of times a month I had. Acupuncture, I had. So I still do some of those, but the time to do the rest of them, even the gym, I do not go to the gym as much as I used to. The time and also the money. Because sometimes, like, 2024 was. Was a tough year for, I think, a lot of people, but a slow year, a scary year. So what does that really mean? And I know we've also talked a little bit about. We've kind of dropped in some of our podcasts, making wellness unique to you. You don't have to follow these things. But then we maybe part of our rituals, getting on social media and looking at all these other things people are doing and the highlights of their life and thinking, oh, dang, mean that maybe I could be stretching right now instead of creeping. But it's just a lot of pressure. And so that goes into our industry when we think of the pressure that we have as consumers and then also, perhaps for our clients, like the perfect skincare routine and then keeping up with the latest products, the latest solutions, the latest trends, trying to stay ahead of those as a practitioner and being ready to answer questions from our clients, then we add on that, aiming for the perfect skin. I'm at that age where I am having my skin is not my cell metabolism. It's definitely slowed. It's one of those parts of that. It just kind of slows down. So if I do get a pimple, the recovery time is a lot, a lot longer than it used to be, including, like, the dark mark. And I'm an esthetician, so the perfect skin, or even the perfect body, especially now that it feels like the trends are moving away from what I was hoping was the ideal shape. But, Alice, so all of this is just adding even more stress. What do you think?

[B]

I totally agree with you. And it's not just about looking well. So the report even says that 53% of people are confused by all the conflicting advice out there about what's best for their wellbeing. So it's like what you said, you know, wellbeing is gonna be different for everyone. So wellbeing for me may be taking a wet wipe to my face and, you know, scrolling my social. I feel good doing that. But, you know, for the other person who is, you know, doing their hot yoga and they're drinking their green tea and then they're going for a five mile run. Good for you. That is not me.

[C]

You know, I was listening to a podcast with Salma Hayek on it. Did I ever tell you about this one?

[B]

I don't know if you did.

[C]

I love her, she's really funny. And if you have a chance, it was with Kelly Ripa. So go check it out. But what she was talking about is meditation for her. She can't sit in a room and silently meditate. That that's not how she gets there. Cuz she'll start thinking about things. I'm like listening to it going, me too. I can't sit there. My mind wanders. Even when I'm getting acupuncture, you're supposed to like chill for a little bit. And I'm like, is my phone ringing? I wonder about that email. I can't. So I. After hearing that podcast, she says that she meditates by dancing.

[B]

Interesting.

[C]

So movement is her meditation. And I got to thinking about me and the times that I'm most transic is when I hear a certain type of music. Do you know what Kumbia music is? No.

[B]

Tell me.

[C]

Did you ever see the movie Selena?

[B]

Yes.

[C]

Okay. Do you remember the washing machine?

[B]

Yeah.

[C]

When the mom is teaching her daughter how to dance like a washing machine. That's cumbia music. And there's something about the rhythm of that and the random little melodies, but it's all the instrumental parts mostly. When I hear that, I can focus on a project, I can dive into work. If I'm working on a presentation or doing research, if I hear that in the background, I'm transic. So I'm in a semi meditative state. So hearing her say that, I'm like, oh, yeah, that works really well for me. So now in acupuncture, because you sit for like 30 minutes, I'll have her put on a guided meditation because at least my brain is going instructionally. Oh, I gotta, I gotta visualize this. I gotta visualize that. So I've brought that into my practice. When I have those visualization times, like during the mask or whatever, I give some of my clients who I think might benefit from it, I walk them through visualization.

[B]

I love that and I love what you're saying about incorporating that into your treatment space. As an esthetician, I could not handle the spa music day in and day out. And my mind would start going, thinking about my shopping list later that day or what's my next client coming in and I was not in tune to my client in the moment. And I felt like I had clients also who were not in the moment experiencing their facial. So I think adjusting your treatments to what your client needs for their wellbeing, you know, it's, it, it can't be the same for everybody.

[C]

No, it's not. In fact, it was so funny because a couple weeks ago I had another client in and for some reason, 80s love song playlist is so universal. So I had 80s love song playlist playing on a busy, busy Saturday and I had a client come in just talking and it was like during the exfoliation or something. And all of a sudden Tiffany came on and we were singing at the top of our lungs, like, put your arms around me. And we tumbled to the ground. But that's what she needed. We had the best time. She left looking gorgeous, bought $400 worth of retail, so. But it's what she needed. Same for me. There was a point when I'm like, if I hear any more indigenous flute music, I'm going to go nuts. I can't. Yeah, no, no, no way.

[B]

Right there with you.

[C]

Yeah. But there's, there's still that pressure and we get it from influencers, we get it from the TikTok shop and all of these, like me, targeted ads for supplements for not just better skin, but feeling better. So there's this constant barrage of you must try this, you must try that. And then they're leaping from one well intended wellness trend that didn't work to this other one. I told you, I'm doing beef organs now. Yes, going great.

[B]

Yes, we're going to talk about that later, Ella.

[C]

But really just kind of understanding, not just you. Listen, there's gonna be the people that have to get the next thing, the next thing, the next thing. But you don't, you don't have to be that person, would you say?

[B]

Yeah, no, I totally agree with you.

[C]

And you don't have to be that person as a practitioner either. You don't have to have, like, there is this other report on the esthetic trends. You don't have to necessarily be the person that offers every single one first or best or whatever. Make sure, just like we've talked about several times, that you're finding your niche and that it's supporting what your skincare philosophies are because that will make you a more genuine. Because I feel like sometimes following trends makes you disingenuous.

[B]

Would you say yes? I think it's a fine line to some extent. You want to follow the trends if it's what your clients are asking for. But a hundred percent I agree with you. Stay true to yourself and what you believe. If you don't believe in it, you can't sell it.

[C]

Absolutely. For sure.

[B]

So the report also highlights, like I said, wellbeing, burnout, quote, unquote. I think that's a big issue that we're seeing across self care practices. Our industry included, 89% of people who experience burnout say loneliness is a major factor. And in our industry as estheticians, we're often alone, if you will. It's us as solo practitioners in the treatment room by ourself. It's easy to become isolated and not find those branches where we can reach out to other fellow estheticians and collaborate or bounce ideas. And sometimes it's often very competitive industry as well. And it's not just about the right products, it's also about connections. So like I was saying, yourself, your clients, your routine, and it aligns with the idea of skincare as part of a holistic experience. Would you agree?

[C]

Yeah, absolutely, absolutely. And sometimes when you get that loneliness, like, where are you reaching out? Because I see some things on Facebook in particular, some of these Facebook groups where they're reaching out for help and there is a venomous response. Why would you even ask that? Are you even an esthetician? What? And then this like catty exchange in the comments amongst each other. So it's. It doesn't feel good. I can imagine doesn't. I mean, listen, I'm reading them all, but it doesn't feel good. It doesn't feel like a wellness thing. So the connections are important. And you know, there's that other adage that they say, if you want to know about a person, look at their friends. So who are you surrounding yourself with and who are you mingling with and where are you spending your extra time for your connections? Because your mental health, your emotional health are a part of the experience in our profession that, you know, transcends to our clients.

[B]

Yeah. The report also suggests three strategies for getting out of this wellbeing burnout cycle. And one of them focuses on doing things that feel good, like moving your body or spending time in nature. We talked about forest bathing in the past. That's something that can absolutely align with in skincare. It's about simplicity and feeling good in your own skin. So I think a sense of community is also important in improving your well being. It's not just about the products that you're applying. It's about Making connections that feel genuine and supportive. So that could mean sharing tips with friends or even joining online skincare communities where the focus is really about elevating the industry. And I think in doing that, you're elevating yourself.

[C]

This happened to me yesterday. It was so cool. Two really cool things happened to me yesterday. So I connected with an esthetician. I'm working on this class, and in that, I'm reaching out to several people around the country, but one of them was this esthetician in Missouri. And we got to talking, and I felt, oh, this is cool. It's fun. And a way to connect with somebody outside of Colorado was fun. But at the end of it, I know so much about her now. Like, a lot. And she cried at the end of this conversation. Like, it was so sweet and it was so raw and it was so vulnerable that it made me go, I'll be vulnerable with you, too. Let me tell you something. So now we're texting this morning, like, hey, how's it going? So I feel like I've got a friend in Kansas City, Missouri, now that supportive that I can bounce ideas off of, that's going to do the same for me. And then another phone call that I was on yesterday was someone here in Colorado. Oh, my gosh, I loved her. I didn't realize it was her. We connected about again, about this class that I'm doing, and she's like, yeah, I met you at that event. And I was like, oh, my gosh, is that you? Is there. Are you the one that. We were just cracking up. We were having such a good time. Cracking up, laughing, so much fun, not talking about skincare, that we have this connection. And I didn't even know it was her. She didn't know it was me. And then we were connecting. I'm like, oh, this is so amazing. So I love that. Broadening and bringing together. So my circle got bigger even just yesterday.

[B]

I think a lot of people are afraid to be vulnerable, especially when they're in a professional setting.

[C]

Absolutely. Because you're fronting. Because I'm tough, and I know what I'm doing, and I'm skilled. And I'm not gonna let you know that I don't know that.

[B]

Yeah, yeah. But if you can allow yourself to kind of drop that shield and show a little bit of yourself and be vulnerable, you're gonna make a connection like you did with these two lovely women. And it broadens your network, even potentially across state lines. Makes you feel better as a human. And also, I think it benefits your business.

[C]

Well, you know what that is for me? Wellbeing.

[B]

Yeah, a hundred percent.

[C]

Those conversations for me are more valuable to me, my physiology, my emotional health, my spiritual health than a cold plunge. But yeah, I think I got more energy than I would have in any other capacity. And it was in like, it was energetic energy, spiritual energy, if you want to call it that, that translated into physical energy. I went home and I had the best night cleaning my house. And I like my, my shop is spotless this morning. My pencils were all wind up when I got to my desk. You know, that kind of situation. So think about that as an out of the box well being ideas.

[B]

Now listeners, we want to hear from you. Are you experiencing well being burnout? What are you doing to overcome this challenge? Share with us on social media, through Instagram, Facebook or by emailing getconnectedscpskincare.com thank you for listening to ASCP STT Talk. And as always, for more information on this episode or for ways to connect with Ella and myself, or to learn more about ascp, check out the show notes.