Podcast Summary: ASCP Esty Talk

Episode 361: Guilty Pleasures – Food and Skin Health
Released: November 19, 2025
Hosts: Maggie Stasik & Ella Cressman

Episode Overview

This episode of ASCP Esty Talk dives into the relationship between food "guilty pleasures" (think pizza, candy, cheese, wine, and fries) and skin health. Hosts Maggie Stasik (ASCP Program Director) and Ella Cressman (licensed esthetician) unpack the myths and truths behind common beliefs about diet-induced breakouts, inflammation, and aging. Their friendly banter makes space for practical insights and tips for estheticians counseling clients who fret about food-skin connections.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Food Confessions & The Reality of Indulgence

• [01:40–03:29]:
  • Maggie and Ella share their own food cravings and confessions: pizza (any kind), potatoes in all forms, salty snacks, and leftover Halloween candy.
  • Ella admits to giving in to sugary mini candy bars at the shop, while Maggie declares her love for all things potato and salty.
  • Tone: Light-hearted, relatable, confessional.

2. Alcohol & Skin Health

• [04:12–07:27]:
  • Alcohol's Impacts:
    • Dehydrates skin cells, interrupts sleep, disrupts hormones, and increases inflammation (via compounds like acetaldehyde).
    • Weakens skin's defenses; promotes oxidative stress and free radical damage.
    • Common aftermath: puffiness, redness, dry hands, and mouth.
  • Nutrient Depletion: Drains vitamins A, C, and B.
  • Red wine “health” claims: The hosts acknowledge antioxidants in wine (resveratrol) but remind listeners that moderation matters far more than isolated ingredients.
  • Tequila chat: Straight liquor is less problematic (if consumed in moderation) than sugary cocktails.
  • Notable Quote:

    "Your body turns this irritating compound and throws a little inflammation party under your skin. Hello, puffiness. Hello, redness." — Ella [05:31]

3. Dairy & Acne: Sorting Fact from Fiction

• [07:27–10:54]:
  • Dairy Debate: Not clear-cut; impact varies by individual. Skim milk and whey protein correlate more with breakouts, possibly due to bioactive hormones and insulin-mimetic growth factors.
  • Personalization is Key: Some people are sensitive, others not.
  • Fermented Dairy & Probiotics: Yogurt and kefir may reduce inflammation and acne by supporting the gut microbiome.
  • Fun Host Takes: Both Maggie and Ella love cheese (“There is no joy in a world without cheese.” — Ella [10:28])
  • Notable Quote:

    “Some studies show a correlation, not causation, between dairy, particularly skim milk, and increased acne breakouts." — Ella [08:10]

4. Greasy Food Does NOT Equal Oily Skin

• [10:54–13:52]:
  • Myth Busting: The oil on your plate and face aren't directly connected. Greasy foods don’t convert to oiler skin.
  • Root Issue: It’s more about inflammation, especially from trans fats and refined oils, which can worsen redness, swelling, and delayed healing.
  • Carb Companions: The refined carbs that come with greasy foods (fries, pizza crust) spike insulin and increase inflammation.
  • Advice for Estheticians: Talk dietary patterns, not isolated incidents; approach client discussions without judgment.
  • Notable Quote:

    "The math ain't mathing for greasy food causes a greasy face. It's more that it causes inflammation..." — Ella [12:13]

5. Sugar & Skin: The Inflammation Cascade

• [14:04–16:05]:
  • Sugar’s Effects: Quickly spikes insulin and inflammation, leading to increased oil and keratinocyte production (which can mean more breakouts).
  • Glycation: Sugar binds to collagen, making skin cells brittle (described as “caramelizing” your collagen) — a long-term aging factor.
  • Practical Tips: Don’t chase perfection; focus on healthy patterns. Indulge mindfully and balance sugary treats with foods that support collagen repair, like proteins or healthy fats.
  • Notable Quotes:

    "Glycation is when the sugar binds to collagen and it stiffens it. And that stiffening...causes fragility in the skin." — Ella [15:06]
    “If you want the brownie, if you want the nine little tiny baby candy bars, go for it. But add in something that will help rebuild and replace the fragile collagen.” — Ella [15:44]

6. Patterns, Not Perfection

• [16:05–end]:
  • Key Message: Skin health isn’t about one meal or indulgence — it’s the consistent patterns that count.
  • Advice for Estheticians & Clients: Hydrate, moisturize, and drop the guilt. The joy of guilty pleasures doesn’t need to come at the cost of your skin.
  • Hosts’ Closing Thoughts: Encourage sharing stories and tips via social media, emphasizing a supportive, non-judgmental conversation in the skincare community.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On individuality and moderation:
  “I cannot live in a world without cheese. I did it for two years. There is no joy in a world without cheese.” — Ella [10:28]

• On client honesty:
  “Nobody's going to come and be like, whoa, I had a big bender last weekend and I ate all the pizza and had 19 beers...you have to infer and kindly dig a little deeper.” — Ella [13:52]

• On approaching conversations:
  “Getting to the root of it in a non judgmental way... could take you further with understanding.” — Ella [13:36]

Timestamps for Key Segments

| Segment | Start Time | |------------------------------------------|------------| | Food Confessions | 01:40 | | Alcohol & Skin Health | 04:12 | | Dairy & Acne | 07:27 | | Greasy Food Myth | 10:54 | | Sugar & Glycation | 14:04 | | Patterns, Not Perfection | 16:05 |

Tone & Approach

Conversational, warm, and non-judgmental — the hosts acknowledge both science and real-world eating habits, affirming estheticians and clients alike in enjoying food without guilt while staying mindful of long-term patterns and evidence-backed skin care.

Final Takeaway

It’s not about demonizing your favorite guilty pleasures! Instead, understand their impact on your skin, practice moderation, and foster honest, supportive conversations with your clients. Hydrate, nourish, and moisturize—and love your skin and your life, with zero guilt.