Podcast Summary: ASCP Esty Talk – Ep 336: Biohacking and the Backbar

Episode Information:

• Title: Ep 336 – Biohacking and the Backbar
• Host/Authors: Ella Cressman & Maggie Stasik, Associated Skin Care Professionals
• Release Date: July 23, 2025
• Description: In this episode, Ella Cressman and Maggie Stasik delve into the world of biohacking, exploring how estheticians can integrate strategic lifestyle and technological changes to optimize skin health and overall wellbeing. From topical ingredients to advanced therapies, the discussion offers actionable insights for skincare professionals aiming to enhance their practice and client outcomes.

Introduction to Biohacking

[01:57] Ella Cressman:
Ella opens the conversation by posing intriguing questions about lifestyle practices aimed at optimizing body performance, such as skipping breakfast for energy, intentional exposure to cold water, and tracking sleep with high-tech wearables.

[02:18] Maggie Stasik:
Maggie identifies these practices under the umbrella of "biohacking," a term that encompasses making small, strategic changes to one's lifestyle, biology, or environment to enhance physical and mental performance, health, and wellbeing.

Key Quote:

"Biohacking is defined as a practice of making small strategic changes to your lifestyle, biology or environment to optimize your physical and mental performance, health and wellbeing."
— Ella Cressman [02:29]

Categories of Biohacking

The hosts break down biohacking into four approachable categories:

1. Topical Biohacking
2. Internal Biohacking
3. Device-Based Biohacking
4. Advanced Biohacks

Topical Biohacking: Enhancing Skin Function

Adaptogens in Skincare:

[05:16] Ella Cressman:
Ella discusses adaptogenic ingredients like ashwagandha, rhodiola, and reishi mushrooms, highlighting their role in supporting the skin’s barrier resilience and managing environmental stressors.

[06:10] Maggie Stasik:
Maggie emphasizes the long-standing use of seaweeds in skincare, noting their adaptogenic properties that help block UV rays, prevent pigmentation, and enhance skin resilience.

Key Quote:

"Adaptogenic skincare will help ride out the weight of these other things happening, but keep it level. And so that level part is called homeostasis."
— Ella Cressman [07:07]

Peptide Therapy:

[07:22] Ella Cressman:
Ella introduces peptide therapy, likening peptides to the skin's personal trainers. Peptides signal specific cellular actions, such as collagen stimulation and melanin regulation, thereby optimizing skin function beyond mere appearance.

[09:12] Maggie Stasik:
Maggie points out that while peptides and adaptogens have been integral to skincare for decades, the contemporary trend of "biohacking" rebrands these established ingredients with fresh terminology.

Key Quote:

"Peptides are like the skin's personal trainers. They can signal specific things to happen in the skin, like stimulation of collagen, elastin, and stopping melanin synthesis."
— Ella Cressman [07:02]

Device-Based Biohacking: Technological Enhancements

Red Light Therapy:

[12:09] Ella Cressman:
Ella discusses red light therapy as a device-based biohack that stimulates mitochondrial activity, boosts ATP production, and encourages wound healing. She notes its strong scientific backing and availability to the public.

[13:21] Maggie Stasik:
Maggie expresses skepticism about the efficacy of red light therapy devices, despite acknowledging that some devices may be effective. She highlights the variability in device quality and the potential for misuse, such as accelerating product burns when used improperly.

Key Quote:

"Red light therapy can be used in a way that is not necessarily intended or can have undesirable outcomes."
— Ella Cressman [14:08]

Blue Light Therapy:

[15:51] Maggie Stasik:
Maggie explains the regulatory challenges surrounding blue light therapy, especially in states like Colorado where treating acne with blue light requires a prescription, limiting its use scope for estheticians.

Advanced Biohacks: Cutting-Edge Therapies

Cryotherapy and Cold Plunges:

[16:08] Ella Cressman:
Ella introduces cryotherapy practices such as cold plunges and ice rolling, discussing their benefits in stimulating microcirculation, reducing inflammation, and improving skin tone.

[17:42] Ella Cressman:
She elaborates on how these cold therapies function as biohacks by enhancing facial muscle re-education and cellular communication.

Exosome Therapy and PRP:

[18:20] Ella Cressman:
Ella touches on advanced biohacks like mammalian exosome therapy and Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) treatments (vampire facials), emphasizing their role in cell communication and skin repair processes. She underscores the necessity of professional supervision for these procedures.

Genetic and Epigenetic Skin Testing:

[19:37] Maggie Stasik:
Maggie highlights genetic and epigenetic skin testing as the pinnacle of biohacking in skincare, allowing for highly personalized treatment plans based on DNA and gene expression profiles.

Key Quote:

"Epigenetic skin testing for skin care is the ultimate biohack."
— Maggie Stasik [19:44]

Implications for Estheticians

[19:35] Ella Cressman:
Ella summarizes the discussion by stating that estheticians are entering a new era of skincare focused on optimization rather than transient trends. She encourages professionals to educate themselves, adopt evidence-based practices, and empower clients to actively participate in their skin health journeys.

Key Quote:

"The key is education. Start small, stay evidence based and empower your clients to become active participants in their skin health journey."
— Ella Cressman [19:35]

Audience Engagement and Conclusion

Ella invites listeners to share their biohacking practices via social media or email, fostering community engagement and knowledge sharing.

Key Takeaway: Biohacking in skincare is not a new concept but a rebranding of existing practices aimed at optimizing skin function and overall wellbeing. Estheticians are encouraged to integrate these strategies thoughtfully and professionally to enhance client outcomes.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• "Biohacking is defined as a practice of making small strategic changes to your lifestyle, biology or environment to optimize your physical and mental performance, health and wellbeing."
  — Ella Cressman [02:29]

• "Adaptogenic skincare will help ride out the weight of these other things happening, but keep it level. And so that level part is called homeostasis."
  — Ella Cressman [07:07]

• "Peptides are like the skin's personal trainers. They can signal specific things to happen in the skin, like stimulation of collagen, elastin, and stopping melanin synthesis."
  — Ella Cressman [07:02]

• "Red light therapy can be used in a way that is not necessarily intended or can have undesirable outcomes."
  — Ella Cressman [14:08]

• "Epigenetic skin testing for skin care is the ultimate biohack."
  — Maggie Stasik [19:44]

• "The key is education. Start small, stay evidence based and empower your clients to become active participants in their skin health journey."
  — Ella Cressman [19:35]

Final Thoughts: Episode 336 of ASCP Esty Talk provides a comprehensive exploration of biohacking within the skincare industry. Ella and Maggie successfully demystify the concept, presenting it as an evolution of established practices aimed at optimizing skin health through both traditional and innovative methods. The conversation underscores the importance of evidence-based approaches and professional guidance, positioning estheticians to effectively incorporate biohacking strategies into their services.