ASCP Esty Talk – Ep 356: The Rogue Pharmacist on Mitochondria

Date: October 24, 2025
Host: Maggie Stasik (ASCP Program Director)
Guest: Ben Fuchs (Skincare Formulator & Pharmacist)

Overview of the Episode

In this episode, Maggie Stasik and Ben Fuchs dive deep into the science and evolutionary history of mitochondria, unraveling what makes them “the powerhouse of the cell”—especially as it relates to skin health. The conversation traverses groundbreaking evolutionary milestones, the critical mechanisms behind cellular energy production, why modern lifestyle might be burning out our mitochondria, and actionable strategies (including nutrients, lifestyle tweaks, and treatments) to keep these cellular engines running optimally for healthy skin and overall wellbeing.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. What Are Mitochondria, and Why Are They Important?

• Rapidly Dividing Organs Need Energy:

  • Skin, digestive tract, immune system, nervous system, and heart are highly active, rapidly dividing organs/systems dependent on robust mitochondrial function.
  • "Skin is a very active organ… they're using energy very rapidly. And as you said, mitochondria are the power centers of the cell." (Ben, 00:27)

• Evolutionary Origin:

  • Primitive “prokaryotes” (cells without nucleus/organization) dominated early Earth.
  • The merger of oxygen-utilizing cells with prokaryotes created “eukaryotes” (advanced life forms), with the mitochondria being the legacy of these oxygen-using invaders.
  • "The mitochondria to this day have their own DNA. They're like their own organisms." (Ben, 02:35)

2. How Do Mitochondria Generate Energy?

• Energy Conversion Mechanics:
  • Food breaks down into glucose and fats, which mitochondria process via electron transfer to create ATP — the cell’s energy currency.
  • "Electrical energy in the form of subatomic particles get fed in from food… and the mitochondria do this magical stuff via electron transport, and they spit out ATP." (Ben, 04:29)

3. Essential Nutrients for Mitochondrial Health

• B Vitamins:

  • Vitamin B3 (Niacin) and Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) are vital for the electron transport chain.
  • "Deficiencies in these nutrients, which are not uncommon, especially niacin, can impair the movement of these electrons for ATP to come out." (Ben, 06:01)

• Role of NAD/NADH:

  • These are critical molecules derived from B vitamins, acting as electron carriers. Ben references NAD/NADH buzz in the biohacking community.
  • Supplementation routes include oral (less effective) or IV; NMN is noted as a more bioavailable oral option.

4. Modern Problems: Mitochondrial Burnout

• Overnutrition and Energy Overload:
  • Excess calories from today’s diet “fry out” mitochondria, contributing to burnout and related health issues—affecting skin, heart, brain, and immunity.
  • "A big problem with our food supply today is it has so much energy in it that we're frying out our mitochondria." (Ben, 06:50)

5. Strategies to Support and Protect Mitochondria

• Nutritional Support:

  • Vitamins & Antioxidants: Niacin, riboflavin, vitamin E, ionic minerals, vitamin C, melatonin, coenzyme Q10, resveratrol, PQQ, methylene blue, alpha lipoic acid.
    • "There are also a whole slew of nutrients that you can use to protect your mitochondria." (Ben, 08:01)
  • Notably: Melatonin isn’t just for sleep but also protective for mitochondria.

• Lifestyle Approaches:

  • Fasting & Calorie Restriction: Allows mitochondria downtime and protection from energy overload.
    • "Fasting kind of gives the mitochondria a break so that the mitochondria don't burn out as readily." (Ben, 07:22)
  • Exercise: Strengthens mitochondrial function.
  • Breathing/Oxygenation: Ensures proper oxygen supply for energy generation.
  • Sleep: Critical for mitochondrial recovery and overall health.

6. Practical Esthetician Protocols

• Combine Stimulation with Nutrition:

  • Stimulating procedures like alpha hydroxy acid peels “turn on” mitochondria—but must be accompanied by restorative nutrients (vitamin C, ionic minerals, antioxidants) to prevent cellular stress.
  • "All stimulating procedures which are great, need to have nutrients associated with them because you don't want to create energy or upregulate energy without having the balancing nutrients." (Ben, 07:56)

• Mitochondria-Protective Ingredients Post-Peel:

  • Vitamin C, ionic minerals, antioxidants, vitamin E, and occasionally retinol.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Evolution in a Sound Bite

  • "It's just mind blowing how [mitochondria] operate. ...Arguably what the mitochondria do is the most incredible thing, not only in the body, but in the universe." (Ben, 01:22)

• On Oral Supplements

  • "You can actually get NAD or NADH injections... oral supplements probably wouldn't work as effectively." (Ben, 06:22)

• On Why People Experience Burnout

  • "Calorie restriction—calories represent energy. ...That's one of the reasons why mitochondria are burning out because we're all getting too many calories." (Ben, 07:44)

• On Best Practices for Estheticians

  • "You always want to follow it up with vitamin C, ionic minerals, retinol—maybe not retinol, retinol's a little aggressive, but retinol still contributes electronic energy—antioxidants, vitamin E, fullerenes... things that are protective for the mitochondria should always be used following stimulating ingredients." (Ben, 08:07)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 00:20 — "Mitochondria: Powerhouse of the Cell" – introducing the cellular and evolutionary basics
• 02:35 — The merger of primitive cells and the origin of mitochondria’s unique DNA
• 04:29 — How mitochondria turn food into ATP (the magic of electron transport)
• 06:01 — The critical role of B vitamins in mitochondrial function
• 06:50 — Mitochondrial burnout: why today's diets are problematic
• 07:22 — Why fasting and calorie restriction support mitochondrial health
• 08:07 — Protocol: Why estheticians must pair stimulation with nutrient replenishment
• 08:53 — Protective nutrients and supplements (melatonin, coQ10, resveratrol, etc.)
• 09:45 — Mitochondria: Cornerstone of healthy lifestyle practices

Final Thoughts

This episode masterfully connects advanced cellular science to everyday esthetician practice and lifestyle choices, urging listeners to respect the mitochondria as both a scientific marvel and an actionable target for lasting health and beauty. As Ben succinctly puts it:
"When you do things that are good for your health, the mechanism...is their ability to support mitochondrial function." (09:45)