ASCP Esty Talk: Episode 325 – The Rogue Pharmacist: The Truth About Detox

Released on May 23, 2025

In Episode 325 of ASCP Esty Talk, host Maggie Stasik engages in an in-depth discussion with Ben Fuchs, a skincare formulator and pharmacist, about the intricate science of detoxification and its profound impact on skin health. This episode delves into the multifaceted nature of detox, exploring both internal physiological processes and external factors that contribute to skin wellness. Below is a comprehensive summary of the key topics, insights, and conclusions drawn from their conversation.

1. Introduction to Detox in Skincare

Maggie Stasik opens the episode by addressing the pervasive buzz surrounding "detox" in the skincare and wellness industries. She emphasizes the need to unravel the scientific underpinnings of detoxification to provide estheticians with a clear understanding of its true significance.

Maggie Stasik [01:29]:

"Detox, quote unquote, is a buzzword and a trend, but the science behind it often gets lost."

2. Understanding Detox: Body's Natural Processes

Ben Fuchs begins by redefining detoxification, highlighting that the human body inherently possesses robust detoxifying systems. He identifies the liver, kidneys, and skin as primary organs responsible for eliminating toxins.

Ben Fuchs [01:45]:

"Detox is kind of an interesting word because the body is a detoxifying system. We have a built-in ability to detox because we're surrounded with toxicity."

He underscores that the foremost method to detox is avoiding toxins altogether, particularly through mindful consumption of food and substances. This perspective shifts the focus from reactive detox measures to proactive prevention.

3. Fasting and Cellular Cleansing

Fuchs introduces the concept of fasting as a potent strategy to enhance the body's natural detox mechanisms. He explains how fasting triggers two critical processes:

• Autophagy ([03:09]): The body's method of cleaning out damaged cells at a microscopic level.
• Apoptosis ([03:32]): Programmed cell death, which eliminates unhealthy cells.

These processes collectively ensure both cellular and systemic purification, promoting healthier skin.

Ben Fuchs [03:09]:

"Autophagy is self-cleaning. The body cleans itself out on a microscopic level and a macroscopic level."

4. The Migrating Motor Complex and Digestive Cleansing

A significant portion of the discussion focuses on the Migrating Motor Complex (MMC), a neuromuscular system that activates the digestive tract during fasting periods. Fuchs explains how the MMC aids in thoroughly cleansing the digestive system by propelling residual food particles and toxins out of the intestines.

Ben Fuchs [03:32]:

"The migrating motor complex kicks in and cleans everything out. So that rumbling in your tummy is a sign that your body is cleaning itself out."

He emphasizes that effective detoxification involves both microscopic cellular cleansing and macroscopic digestive tract purification.

5. The Role of Water in Detoxification

Fuchs highlights water as an essential component of the body's detoxification process. Proper hydration ensures that toxins are efficiently flushed out through the kidneys. He warns against common diuretics like coffee and soda, which can lead to dehydration and impede detox efforts.

6. The Skin as a Detox Organ

Exploring the skin's role beyond its surface appearance, Fuchs refers to it as the "third kidney," indicating its significant role in eliminating toxins. However, he cautions against the use of occlusive topicals—moisturizers that block the skin's natural detox pathways.

Ben Fuchs [08:23]:

"The skin has been called your third kidney and that's a detox organ. But the main organs are the liver and the kidneys."

7. Bile: The Detoxifying Fluid

A critical insight from the episode is the importance of bile in the detoxification of hormones, particularly estrogen. Fuchs explains that bile production is essential for eliminating excess estrogen, a factor linked to various menopausal symptoms and health issues in women.

Ben Fuchs [05:00]:

"Bile is a detoxification fluid, and supporting bile is critical for detox, particularly for detoxification of one of the most important toxins in the body that nobody thinks of as a toxin, which is old hormones, especially old estrogen."

He recommends supporting bile health through supplements like bile salts, Swedish bitters, dandelion greens, horseradish, lecithin, and amino acids such as taurine and glycine. Fuchs also warns about the implications of gallbladder removal, which can significantly hinder bile production and detoxification.

8. Liver and Enzyme Support for Estrogen Detoxification

Fuchs delves into the biochemical pathways involved in detoxifying estrogen, emphasizing the role of cruciferous vegetables rich in sulforaphane. He explains how these vegetables enhance liver enzymes responsible for breaking down toxins.

Ben Fuchs [06:30]:

"Cruciferous vegetables, in general, are very detoxifying. They support detoxification enzymes in the liver for women who have estrogen problems or any kind of detoxification, really."

Additionally, he discusses the importance of methylation and sulfur pathways in the body's ability to process and eliminate toxins effectively.

9. Other Toxin Sources and Detox Strategies

Fuchs broadens the conversation to include various sources of toxins such as prescription drugs, alcohol, xenoestrogens, and environmental pollutants. He advocates for reducing exposure to these toxins and outlines several strategies to mitigate their impact:

• Chelation Therapy ([14:10]): Utilizing substances like N-acetylcysteine (NAC), bentonite clay, and activated charcoal to bind and remove heavy metals and other toxins from the bloodstream.

  Ben Fuchs [14:12]:

  "Chelating agents... will pull toxins out of the blood. Substances like N-acetylcysteine... are super powerful detoxifiers."

• Supplementation: Incorporating vitamins E and C, selenium, and plant-derived minerals to bolster the body's antioxidant defenses.

• Dietary Adjustments: Reducing sugar intake and avoiding foods that metabolize into sugars, such as refined grains and processed foods, to prevent additional toxicity.

10. Diet and Nutrient Support for Detoxification

Fuchs emphasizes the significance of a nutrient-rich diet in supporting detoxification processes. He advocates for:

• High-Protein Sulfur-Rich Foods: Such as eggs and fish, which aid in sulfation—a critical detox pathway.

• Antioxidant Vitamins: Including vitamins E and C to protect cells from oxidative stress caused by toxins.

• Essential Fatty Acids and B Vitamins: To support liver function and overall metabolic health.

11. Practical Recommendations and Preventative Measures

Concluding the discussion, Fuchs offers practical advice for estheticians and individuals seeking to enhance their detoxification routines:

• Incorporate Fasting: Even short-term fasting can stimulate the body's natural cleansing mechanisms.

• Stay Hydrated: Prioritize water intake over diuretic beverages to facilitate toxin elimination.

• Embrace Natural Supplements: Utilize chelating agents and liver-supportive supplements to aid the detox process.

• Promote a Clean Diet: Focus on whole, unprocessed foods rich in essential nutrients and low in added sugars.

Key Takeaways

• Detoxification is a Multifaceted Process: It involves both avoiding external toxins and supporting the body's inherent systems for eliminating internal toxins.

• Fasting as a Detox Strategy: Fasting triggers autophagy and apoptosis, essential for cellular cleansing, and activates the MMC for digestive tract purification.

• Critical Role of Bile and Liver Health: Proper bile function is paramount for hormone detoxification, particularly estrogen, highlighting the need for supporting liver health through diet and supplements.

• Comprehensive Detox Approaches: Combining dietary adjustments, hydration, supplementation, and lifestyle changes creates a robust framework for effective detoxification.

Notable Quotes

• Ben Fuchs [03:09]:

  "Autophagy is self-cleaning. The body cleans itself out on a microscopic level and a macroscopic level."

• Ben Fuchs [08:23]:

  "The skin has been called your third kidney and that's a detox organ. But the main organs are the liver and the kidneys."

• Ben Fuchs [14:12]:

  "Chelating agents... will pull toxins out of the blood. Substances like N-acetylcysteine... are super powerful detoxifiers."

This episode of ASCP Esty Talk provides estheticians with a scientifically grounded understanding of detoxification and its pivotal role in skin health. By demystifying detox myths and presenting actionable strategies, Ben Fuchs empowers skincare professionals to enhance their practice and support their clients' overall well-being.