Skin | Earth | Vitality

69. Botox vs. the Body’s Wisdom: A Holistic View

What does it really mean to age with vitality—and does Botox fit into that conversation?
In this episode Emily explores how Botox affects the body’s energy, tissue health, and natural aging process—explored through holistic principles, fascia science, Traditional Chinese Medicine, and the concept of terrain.
This episode goes far beyond “natural alternatives” and dives into what it truly means to support skin health from the inside out.
Whether you’re considering Botox, currently using it, or looking for meaningful ways to support aging skin, this episode offers a grounded, informative, and compassionate take on a widely normalized practice.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
What Botox is and how it works in the body
Why Botox carries a black box warning from the FDA
The long-term impacts of Botox on fascia, lymph, muscle tone, Qi, and facial expression
Why the forehead and third eye region matter from a holistic and energetic perspective
The emotional messages behind facial tension and wrinkles
Why holistic practices are not "alternatives" to Botox—they are antidotes
Tools and therapies that support the skin’s natural function and vitality
Holistic Practices Discussed as Antidotes to Botox:
Gua Sha
Facial Cupping
Face Taping
Microneedling
Red Light Therapy
Nervous System Regulation
Who This Episode Is For:
Individuals curious about Botox but wanting more holistic context before making a decision
Current Botox users who are wondering how it may affect their skin and body over time
Estheticians and holistic beauty professionals looking to deepen their understanding of terrain-based skincare
Anyone interested in supporting aging skin with intention, intelligence, and care
Want to dive deeper into holistic skincare, herbal rituals, and terrain-based beauty practices?
Follow Emily on Instagram @stratumaesthetics for behind-the-scenes content, skincare education, seasonal wisdom, and thoughtful conversations on aging, nourishment, and vitality.
Explore online offerings, courses, and curated skincare and facial tools at https://stratumaesthetics.com
Subscribe to the Skin Earth Vitality newsletter to get new episodes, skin tips, and holistic insights delivered to your inbox.

68. 7 Lessons from My 7th Year in Business

This episode is for anyone navigating business, burnout, personal growth, or the uncomfortable gap between where you are and where you want to be.
In this reflective episode, you'll hear 7 hard-earned lessons from year seven of running a business. The kinds of lessons that come from pushing through doubt, hitting capacity, and choosing to grow anyway.
If you’ve ever felt like you're doing everything alone, second-guessing your direction, or trying to find a more sustainable way to build what you love, this conversation will resonate.
 
Mentioned in this episode (affiliate links):
Essentialism by Greg McKeown
Change Your Paradigm, Change Your Life by Bob Proctor
Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert
The Four Desires by Rod Stryker
To Be Magnetic (neural reprogramming work)
Past year-in-review reflections:
Year 5: Written Reflection
Year 6: Podcast Episode
If this episode speaks to you, send it to a friend, leave a review, or subscribe to catch future episodes.
 
Stay connected:Follow on Instagram @stratumaestheticsExplore the shop + courses  stratumaesthetics.comSign up for emails HERE

67. Cooking as Skin Care: Creating a Space That Nourishes You

Today’s episode is all about something most skincare podcasts never touch—your kitchen. Not the fridge contents (though that matters too), but the actual space, tools, and energy you bring to it. I’m sharing why a nourishing kitchen setup is one of the most underrated skin-care tools you can have.
We’ll talk about what whole food meals actually are (and aren’t), why cooking from scratch matters so much for your skin, and how to create a kitchen that feels not just functional, but sacred. Whether you’re just starting out or already love to cook, this episode will help you reconnect to the energy of food as a ritual, not a chore.
🔗 Resources & Links:
💌 Join the waitlist for Reclaim Your Radiance (returns June 1): https://stratumaesthetics.myflodesk.com/ay1hs3jd96
🛠️ Download the Well-Equipped Kitchen Guide (PDF) 
🕯️ Episode 64: Energetic Hygiene for Your Home
🌿 Learn more about my work: https://stratumaesthetics.com
🧴 Shop skin tools + products I love: https://stratumaesthetics.com/collections
📲 Follow along on Instagram: @stratumaesthetics
🎧 Challenge of the Week:
This week, try making one dinner where you set the vibe. Turn on a playlist you love, light a candle, pour your drink into a pretty glass, and cook like it’s your ritual. No podcast, no TV—just you, your space, and the food. Then DM me and let me know how it felt.

66. How Circadian Rhythms Impact Acne, Aging, Sensitivity & Skin Repair

In this episode , we’re diving into one of the most foundational (and underrated) elements of skin health: your circadian rhythm. As modern life pulls us further away from natural light cycles and seasonal rhythms, our skin—and whole body—feels the strain. From wound healing to breakouts, pigmentation to premature aging, your body’s 24-hour clock influences it all.
Whether you’re new to circadian health or ready to deepen your seasonal living practices, this episode will give you tangible insights and gentle inspiration to support your skin from the inside out.
✨ Featured Product
Blissoma Free Herbal Gel Cleanser & Makeup RemoverGentle, effective, and filled with botanicals like yerba mate, self-heal, plantain, linden, and raspberry leaf to calm inflammation, support your microbiome, and cleanse without stripping.🔗 Shop it here 
🔁 Want to Go Deeper?
Reclaim Your Radiance returns June 1st!This 8-week foundational program blends holistic skincare with lifestyle, nutrition, and circadian alignment. It’s perfect for estheticians and skin-lovers alike who want to go beyond products and tap into the real roots of vibrant, healthy skin.🌿 Join the waitlist: Here
💻 Hang Out With Me Online
Website & Shop: stratumaesthetics.com
Instagram: @stratumaesthetics
YouTube: Stratum Aesthetics
Podcast Hub: Skin Earth Vitality
Newsletter: Sign up for weekly herbal skin tips + seasonal inspiration at stratumaesthetics.com
🧾 Disclaimer
This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute individualized skincare or medical advice. Please seek out the support of a qualified practitioner who resonates with your unique path and needs.

65. Skin Food Feature: Pearl Powder

In this episode, I’m sharing a deep dive into one of my favorite skin foods—pearl powder. This gentle, mineral-rich tonic has been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine and Ayurveda for centuries to support not just the skin, but the nervous system, emotional balance, and deep cellular nourishment.
We’ll explore how pearl powder supports collagen production, antioxidant defense, moisture retention, and the internal terrain behind breakouts. I’ll also touch on sourcing ethics, the difference between collagen powders and pearl, and how to incorporate it into daily rituals like moon milk.
 
🛍 Products Mentioned:
🌿 Ambient Moisture Liquid Serum by Live Botanical – Available in the Stratum Aesthetics shop
🦪 Pearl Powder by Cultivate Elevate – The one I personally use (not sponsored)
🧡 Stay Connected:
✨ Instagram: @stratumaesthetics
🎥 YouTube: Stratum Aesthetics on YouTube
🌐 Website + Shop: www.stratumaesthetics.com
🌙 Related Links & Resources:
Rose + Pearl Moon Milk Recipe
 

64. Energetic Hygiene and Resisting Fear Frequency

What even is energetic hygiene — and why does no one teach us how to do it?This episode is a deep dive into the practices, mindset shifts, and daily habits that protect your life force, stop energy leaks, and bring clarity back into your body, your mind, and even your skin.
Emily shares her personal energetic hygiene rituals — from oil pulling to digital boundaries and shaking out heavy energy — and unpacks why so many of us were never taught how to tend to our energy field in the first place.
 
📌 Resources + Links Mentioned:
Fontana Candle Co. (non-toxic beeswax candles)
Brenda’s Botanicals (pine + copal incense)
Paavani Ayurvedic (rose water eye drops)
Book: Essentialism by Greg McKeown
Book: Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer
Episode 40: The Fall Shed: The Art of Letting Go Through Decluttering
Join the waitlist for Reclaim Your Radiance: The eight week program that supports the foundations for great skin! 
📲 CONNECT WITH EMILY
Want more rituals, reflections, and skin-deep wellness?Here’s where to find me and explore more of my work:
💻 Website: stratumaesthetics.com
🌿 Instagram: @stratumaesthetics
🛍️ Shop: My favorite holistic skincare tools + products
If this episode spoke to you, the best way to support the show is to share it with a friend, tag me on IG stories, or leave a review on Apple Podcasts — it helps others find this work.
 

63. What I’m Doing in My 30's for My Skin in My 40's and 50's

In this episode, I’m sharing the 10 things I’m doing right now — in my late 30's — to support the skin I want to live in during my 40's, 50's, and beyond. This isn’t about trying to stay young or avoid aging. It’s about creating a foundation of nourishment, strength, and intention so that I can move through perimenopause and beyond with vitality and softness.
We’ll talk collagen, fascia, blood sugar, breathwork, circadian rhythm, and why I believe your skincare routine is only as powerful as the lifestyle behind it. Whether you’re in your 30s too, already in your 40s and beyond, or just starting to think about skin longevity, I hope this episode inspires you to care for your future self — one intentional practice at a time.
 
🛍 Product Mentioned:
Skin Earth Vitality Cupping Cups — My cupping set designed to support lymphatic flow, fascia, and collagen with gentle, effective suction. Includes a guide to help you get started at home.
📚 Resources & Next Steps:
Join the Reclaim Your Radiance Waitlist — my 8-week lifestyle program for healthy, resilient skin returns June 1st as an evergreen, self-paced experience. Click here to join the waitlist.
Try my favorite overnight herbal infusion recipe for skin hydration and mineral support.

62. Acne = Sensitive Skin: Why Harsh Treatments Are Making Things Worse

In this episode, Emily dives into why acne should be considered a sensitive skin condition and how treating it gently, with a focus on supporting the skin barrier, is key to healing. Learn how conventional acne treatments can strip and irritate the skin, leading to a cycle of inflammation and chronic breakouts. Plus, discover which ingredients to avoid and which products to embrace for healthier, more balanced skin.
Products Mentioned in This Episode:
Free Herbal Gel Cleanser by Blissoma
Support Cooling Cleanser by Laurel
Pure Moisturizer by Blissoma
Recovery Balm by Laurel
Smooth A+ Serum by Blissoma
Temperate Forest Serum by Live Botanicals
Unburdened Serum by Laurel
Oasis Enzyme Mask by Live Botanicals
Shop all products mentioned here:Stratum Aesthetics
Special Offer:
The Art of Slow Beauty course launches May 1st, 2025!A transformative course for both consumers and practitioners to shop smarter, cut through marketing noise, and build a skincare routine that supports your skin's health from the inside out.Join my mailing list to be the first to sign up! Join Here
Downloadable Resource:
The Ultimate Barrier Guide — Your go-to checklist for smarter skincare shopping.Get it here: Download Guide
Follow Stratum Aesthetics:Instagram: @StratumAesthetics
Thanks for listening!If you found this episode valuable, please leave a 5-star rating to help others discover the show!

61. Skin Minimalism Addition By Subtraction

🎙️ Episode 43 — Skin Minimalism: Addition by Subtraction
What it is, what it isn’t, and how it can transform your skin (and your life).
In this episode, Emily explores the philosophy of skin minimalism—a rebellion against the belief that more products, more steps, and more effort automatically lead to better skin. You’ll learn how simplifying your skincare routine can actually create space for deeper nourishment, presence, and glow.
You’ll hear about:
What skin minimalism is (and what it’s not)
Why “less” doesn’t mean lifeless—it can be deeply juicy and luxurious
How to begin simplifying your skincare routine without neglect
Why minimalism creates the conditions for abundance
💫 Plus:Emily shares why she loves the Live Botanicals Nourishing Cleansing Oil as the perfect product for a skinimalist routine—and what makes ingredients like meadowfoam, pumpkin seed oil, and whole-plant infusions so special.
🌿 Featured in this episode:
Live Botanicals Nourishing Cleansing Oil – A deeply supportive, essential oil-free cleanser infused with lemon balm, chamomile, self-heal, rose, and more.
Fall Shed: The Art of Letting Go + Decluttering (Episode 40) – A companion episode on energetic clearing and seasonal simplicity.
Reclaim Your Radiance – Emily’s holistic skin + lifestyle reset program, returning next month! Get on the waitlist here.
📬 Stay connected:
Website + Shop
Instagram
Get on the email list for updates, rituals, and product recommendations
🎧 If this episode spoke to you, please consider sharing it with a friend or leaving a 5-star review. It means so much.

60. Looks Clean, Acts Dirty: A Skincare Reality Check

Clean skincare is everywhere. But what if clean isn’t enough?In this episode, I’m breaking down one of the biggest misconceptions in the beauty world: that clean, natural, or non-toxic skincare automatically equals good skincare. Spoiler alert—it doesn’t.
We’ll explore:
What “clean” really means (and why it’s not regulated)
Why some clean products still leave your skin dry, flakey, or reactive
How to tell if a product actually supports your skin’s function
Why apps, influencers, and pretty packaging can still lead you astray
The signs of truly skin-respecting skincare
A gentle ritual to help you reconnect with your skin’s needs
Whether you’re a skincare lover, a label reader, or a holistic practitioner, this episode will help you rethink the way you shop, recommend, and care for your skin.
Mentioned in this episode:🫧 Laurel Recovery Balm – for clean and functional skincare
Want to go deeper into ingredient awareness?I’ve got something coming soon that’s going to change the way you read a label forever. Join my email list to be the first to hear when it drops: HERE