Podcast Summary: ASCP Esty Talk, Episode 305 – Overcoming Consultation Roadblocks

Introduction

In Episode 305 of ASCP Esteetalk, hosted by Ella Cressman and Maggie Stasik, the conversation delves into common challenges estheticians face during client consultations. Titled "Overcoming Consultation Roadblocks," this episode addresses prevalent myths, misunderstandings, and misconceptions that can hinder effective communication and treatment planning with clients. Released on February 19, 2025, the episode aims to equip estheticians with strategies to navigate these roadblocks, ensuring optimal client outcomes and satisfaction.

Understanding Consultation Roadblocks

The hosts begin by empathizing with the frustration estheticians may feel when encountering repetitive or misguided client responses during consultations.

• Ella Cressman shares her exasperation:

  "It's like, if I could roll my eyes, I would. And I don't mean that disrespectfully to clients."
  [02:08]

• Maggie Stasik concurs, highlighting the universal nature of these challenges:

  "I a hundred percent know what you mean."
  [03:05]

They emphasize the importance of understanding clients' perspectives without judgment, recognizing that misconceptions often stem from varying personal experiences and information sources.

Importance of Hydration in Skincare

A significant portion of the discussion focuses on the role of hydration in skin health, addressing common client queries and misconceptions.

• Ella Cressman explains the multifaceted benefits of water intake:

  "Water maintains skin hydration from the inside out, which is really important... Every single skin cell, nerve cell, bone cell, brain cell, they need this to function."
  [05:29]

• Maggie Stasik adds insights on client perceptions:

  "Hydrated from the inside out, you're going to see less of that [fine lines]. The skin's going to be brighter, those fine lines are going to be less visible."
  [07:09]

They discuss how proper hydration supports circulation, nutrient delivery, and the skin's ability to repair and renew itself, ultimately contributing to a healthy and youthful appearance.

Debunking the 'Natural Skincare' Myth

The hosts tackle the prevalent notion that natural skincare products are inherently better or safer, dissecting the complexities behind this belief.

• Ella Cressman questions the blanket preference for natural products:

  "It's not always natural is better... There are some synthetic or lab created ingredients that have the benefit or are an evolution of these natural components."
  [12:11]

• Maggie Stasik emphasizes the need to understand clients' definitions of "natural" and "sensitive":

  "There's a lot of misunderstanding about what is natural... What is the experience that you're having on your skin that's leading you to believe you need this thing."
  [13:30]

They highlight that natural ingredients can sometimes cause irritation or allergic reactions and that lab-created ingredients often offer refined benefits with minimized adverse effects. The discussion encourages estheticians to discern clients' motivations and educate them on the nuanced differences between natural and synthetic skincare components.

Risks of DIY Skincare Remedies

Addressing the surge in DIY skincare trends, especially those popularized on platforms like TikTok, the hosts caution against homemade treatments without proper formulation knowledge.

• Ella Cressman criticizes simplistic DIY approaches:

  "Just something to keep in mind... we're not saying that we should nix the DIY, but... it might interrupt what we're going to do in here."
  [16:11]

• Maggie Stasik shares a cautionary tale:

  "I have known somebody who did this thinking that this is going to be some sort of gentle enzyme to the skin and actually they gave themselves a very deep chemical peel because they left it on."
  [16:20]

They discuss potential risks such as improper ingredient combinations, incorrect application times, and compromised product stability due to lack of preservatives. The hosts advocate for professional oversight when clients use DIY remedies to prevent adverse skin reactions and ensure cohesive treatment plans.

Addressing the Misconception about Moisturizers for Oily Skin

A common myth explored in the episode is the belief that individuals with oily skin do not need moisturizers.

• Ella Cressman clarifies the distinction between oil and hydration:

  "Oil is not the same. Hydration is the water content in your skin."
  [19:58]

• Maggie Stasik outlines her approach to recommending moisturizers:

  "For somebody who is more oily, I'm looking for a water based moisturizer... for my more dry clients, I'm looking for something that's oil based."
  [20:44]

They emphasize that moisturizers are essential for all skin types to maintain the skin barrier, prevent overproduction of oil, and support overall skin health. By choosing appropriate formulations—such as water-based moisturizers for oily skin and oil-based ones for dry skin—esthetician can tailor treatments to individual client needs.

Importance of Regular Sunscreen Use

The conversation shifts to the critical role of sunscreen in skincare routines, addressing misconceptions about its necessity only during direct outdoor exposure.

• Ella Cressman discusses the pervasive impact of UVA and blue light:

  "Even if you're sitting by a window... blue light... contributes to degradation of cells."
  [22:35]

• Maggie Stasik shares her personal commitment:

  "I have heard this one... I have always been that way. It's part of my routine."
  [25:09]

They highlight how UVA rays penetrate glass and contribute to aging, while blue light from screens can generate free radicals and cellular degradation. The hosts advocate for continuous sunscreen application, even when indoors, to protect against indirect UV exposure and technological light sources. They also mention advanced sunscreen formulations that include high-energy visible light (HEV) blockers to address these modern challenges.

Conclusion

Episode 305 of ASCP Esteetalk provides estheticians with valuable insights into overcoming common consultation obstacles. By addressing myths around hydration, natural skincare, DIY remedies, moisturizers for oily skin, and sunscreen usage, Ella Cressman and Maggie Stasik empower skincare professionals to educate clients effectively. The hosts emphasize the importance of understanding client perceptions, fostering open communication, and providing evidence-based recommendations to enhance skincare outcomes.

Notable Quotes

• "Water maintains skin hydration from the inside out... Every single skin cell, nerve cell, bone cell, brain cell, they need this to function."
  — Ella Cressman
  — [05:29]

• "Hydrated from the inside out, you're going to see less of that [fine lines]. The skin's going to be brighter, those fine lines are going to be less visible."
  — Maggie Stasik
  — [07:09]

• "It's not always natural is better... There are some synthetic or lab created ingredients that have the benefit or are an evolution of these natural components."
  — Ella Cressman
  — [12:11]

• "Oil is not the same. Hydration is the water content in your skin."
  — Ella Cressman
  — [19:58]

Final Thoughts

This episode serves as a comprehensive guide for estheticians to refine their consultation strategies, debunk common skincare myths, and foster a more informed and trusting relationship with their clients. By implementing the discussed approaches, skincare professionals can enhance their practice, leading to more effective treatments and satisfied clients.