ASCP Esty Talk – Ep 346: 3 Pillars to Achieve Skin Results

Date: September 10, 2025
Hosts: Ella Cressman & Maggie Stasik

Episode Overview

In this episode, Ella Cressman and Maggie Stasik explore the underlying philosophies and core components essential for estheticians to achieve meaningful, long-lasting results for their clients. Rather than focusing on products or symptom-based treatments, the discussion dives into the importance of functional aesthetics, clinical reasoning, and holistic care. The hosts share personal stories, professional insights, and actionable tips for elevating the client experience through a whole-person approach.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Moving Beyond Symptom-Based Skin Care (01:38–05:34)

• Western vs. Functional Medicine:
  Ella draws a parallel between the aesthetic industry and Western medicine’s tendency to “treat symptoms” rather than identify root causes.

  • “The aesthetic industry often mirrors the western medicine practice of this symptom chasing and that can lead to often missing the bigger picture.” – Ella (02:49)

• Functional Approach in Skin Care:
  Maggie explains functional medicine as a model for holistic consideration – not just the symptom, but the body’s context (03:26).

  • Holistic care involves understanding the impact of genetics, lifestyle, environment, and social factors on skin.

• Role & Scope of Estheticians:
  While bound by regulations and not permitted to diagnose or treat disease, estheticians are encouraged to guide clients through education and awareness of diet, lifestyle, emotional state, and skincare (04:35–05:34).

2. The Three Pillars to Achieve Skin Results

a. Pillar 1: Functional Aesthetics – Seeing Clients as Whole People (05:35–09:35)

• The skin reflects the body’s inner state (nutrition, stress, hormones, etc.).
• Estheticians are encouraged to move beyond the “magic wand” mindset and embrace curiosity, seeking out root causes for issues such as acne or rosacea.
• Certification vs. Scope:
  Gaining additional credentials (nutrition, advanced modalities) can enhance guidance, but it is critical to partner with allied professionals and stay within the legal limitations.
  • “You want to be careful that you’re not advising your client on diet and nutrition outside your scope, but partner with the dietitians and the nutritionists…” – Maggie (07:09)

b. Pillar 2: Clinical Reasoning – Looking Beyond Protocols (10:04–13:11)

• Definition:
  Clinical reasoning is the intentional process of evaluating each client’s unique needs before deciding on a course of action (10:04).
• Branded protocols are a good starting point but can be limiting; effective estheticians adjust treatments for each client.
• Practical Example:
  Ella describes adapting a microneedling protocol based on a client’s specific conditions, resulting in a custom brightening protocol instead (10:25).
• Consultation:
  Every appointment should include consultation, which is an ongoing process not reserved only for first visits (11:50).
• Face Mapping & Emotional Cues:
  Both hosts discuss the mental integration of techniques like Chinese face mapping to interpret skin issues, without overstepping professional boundaries (12:02–13:13).
  • “If somebody has a breakout or a redness in a certain part of their face, automatically I'm thinking, what's going on with this particular organ?” – Maggie (12:17)

c. Pillar 3: Holistic Care – Supporting Skin Between Visits (13:13–18:26)

• Holistic care extends outside the treatment room, supporting skin through lifestyle changes, stress management, and daily routines.
• Client Homework:
  Ella recommends “homework” such as breathwork, journaling, movement, sleep hygiene, and lymphatic support, always framed as suggestions rather than medical prescriptions (13:35–15:10).
• “It’s really about treating skin and spirit, studio and lifestyle. So there is power in this homework for the client that’s not necessarily skin related but has a direct effect on the skin.” – Ella (14:10)
• Retail as a Tool:
  Product recommendations should be reframed as tools for clients, not a sales push. The esthetician’s expertise is the most valuable implement in achieving results.
  • “You are the machine, you are the one deciding those things.” – Ella (18:26)
• The importance of mindfulness for both client and practitioner, including energy rituals and intention-setting.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “Approaching aesthetics holistically is the best way an esthetician can be treating the skin.” – Maggie (04:35)
• “As a very enthusiastic, just past fresh est, like the 'I know everything' part that I went through… I was fresh. I didn’t know anything. And then I was like, oh, yeah, no, I know everything. And then, well, wait, I don’t know. I feel like that’s a cycle for a lot of estheticians in their career.” – Ella (06:08)
• “Every appointment should have a consultation.” – Maggie (11:50)
• “The shift is how I’m reading this. The shift is in the esthetician, right? And how they are thinking about how they are approaching their client.” – Maggie (17:26)
• “Clients don’t always need more. They need meaning.” – Ella (19:40)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Intro & Purpose – 01:25–01:52
• Symptom-Based vs. Functional Approach – 01:52–03:48
• Functional Aesthetics & Root Causes – 04:02–05:34
• Certification, Nutrition & Emotional Guidance – 07:09–08:39
• Clinical Reasoning Explained & Example – 10:04–10:49
• Consultation Process & Face Mapping – 11:50–13:13
• Holistic Care & Client Homework – 13:13–18:26
• Reframing Retail; Practitioner Mindset – 18:26–19:40
• Call to Action & Wrap – 19:40–End

Flow & Tone

The conversation is engaging, candid, and often humorous, with both hosts drawing from their extensive practical and educational experience. Their tone is empowering, aiming to shift estheticians’ mindsets from rigid protocol-followers to client-centered, critical thinkers who view the skin as an extension of the entire person.

Actionable Takeaways

• Shift from symptom-chasing to seeking underlying causes in skin conditions.
• Customize every client experience through clinical reasoning and not just brand protocols.
• Extend care beyond the treatment room—encourage holistic, supportive habits at home.
• Remember your role: “You are the machine,” not the products, in creating client results.
• Ask deeper, more meaningful questions during consultations, every single time.

Call to Action

“What is one question you can ask differently this week?” – Share your thoughts with the hosts via Instagram, Facebook, or email.

For more information or to connect with Ella and Maggie, visit the show notes or the ASCP website.