Skin | Earth | Vitality

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

59. Why Is Your Hair Shedding? A Holistic Deep Dive

Hair loss isn’t just about the scalp—it’s a reflection of what’s happening inside the body. Whether you’re experiencing thinning, excessive shedding, or brittle, weak hair, this episode will help you understand the root causes of hair loss from a holistic perspective.
Today, we’re diving into Western herbalism, Ayurveda, and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) to explore how stress, nutrient deficiencies, circulation, and imbalances impact hair growth. We’ll cover herbal allies for hair health, the role of the nervous system and stress, and practical rituals to nourish your hair from the inside out.
In This Episode, We Cover:
Why hair loss is often a sign that your body is asking for deeper nourishment
How chronic stress and adrenal fatigue can push hair into the shedding phase
The role of circulation and why blood flow to the scalp is key for regrowth
Mineral and nutrient deficiencies that can contribute to thinning hairHerbal support for hair health—including adaptogens, nervines, and blood-nourishing herbs
Ayurvedic & TCM perspectives on hair loss and how they connect hair to overall vitality
Mentioned in This Episode:
🔗 My Favorite Clean Hair Care Line – InnerSense 🔗 Pure Sensitive Care Complex by Blissoma – A deeply hydrating, barrier-repairing moisturizer 🔗 Plum Blossom Hammer for Scalp Health & Circulation 🔗 My Hair Support Oil Recipe on the Blog
🔗 Paavani Ayurvedic Scalp Oil 🔗 Organic Olivia’s Mane Magic 🔗 My YouTube Video on Using the Plum Blossom Hammer for Hair Growth 
Continue the Conversation:
💌 Loved this episode? Let me know! DM me on Instagram @stratumaesthetics– I’d love to hear your experience with hair loss and what’s helped you.📢 Share this episode with a friend who might find it helpful!🌿 Explore more holistic skincare & herbal offerings at stratumaesthetics.com

58. Skin Food Feature: Matcha

It’s March—the season of renewal, fresh starts, and the return of all things green. And what better way to embrace that than with one of the most vibrant, verdant skin foods out there? Matcha is more than just a wellness trend—it’s an ancient, skin-nourishing powerhouse packed with antioxidants, stress-reducing compounds, and detoxifying properties. But not all matcha is created equal, and in today’s episode, we’re diving deep into:
🌿 How matcha supports skin health internally (think antioxidants, cortisol balance, and liver support)🍵 Why matcha is different from regular green tea—and why that matters💚 Using matcha topically for inflammation, redness, and glow⚠️ How to buy high-quality matcha (spoiler: most matcha on the market is low-quality junk)
 
Plus, I’ll be sharing my favorite matcha skincare recipe and the brands I trust most for pure, organic, and lab-tested matcha.
Grab your matcha (or whatever you’re drinking), settle in, and let’s talk about matcha!
 
Resources & Links Mentioned:
🔗 Unburden Serum by Laurel – Available in my shop at stratumaesthetics.com🔗 My favorite matcha brands – Pique Matcha, Encha Matcha, Dr. Andrew Weil’s Matcha.com🔗 DIY Matcha Face Mask Recipe – SKIN EARTH VITALITY BLOG🔗 More holistic skincare tips on Instagram – @stratumaesthetics
If You Loved This Episode:
💚 Share it with a friend who needs a skin-supporting ritual in their life!💚 Tag me on Instagram @StratumAesthetics if you try matcha in your skincare!💚 Rate & Review the podcast—it helps more people find holistic skincare wisdom.
Until next time, keep nourishing your skin and soul. 💚

57. The Liver-Skin Connection, Part 2: Actionable Ways to Support Detox, Hormones, & Glowing Skin

This is part two of our deep dive into the liver-skin connection, where we move beyond theory and get into practical, sustainable ways to support your liver—without extreme cleanses or gimmicky detoxes.
Last week, we explored how the liver influences the skin, from hormonal acne and inflammation to premature aging. We also talked about the liver’s emotional connection, particularly how anger, frustration, and stress can physically manifest when the liver is stagnant.
Today’s episode is all about action—concrete steps you can take to optimize your liver’s detox pathways, support hormonal balance, and improve skin clarity.
✨ Takeaway: There’s no “one right way” to support the liver—it’s about small, sustainable shifts that work for you.
🎧 Listen now and learn how to naturally support your liver for radiant skin!
 
👉 Want a guided framework for skin healing from the inside out? My course, Reclaim Your Radiance, is relaunching soon as an evergreen program!
 
Join the waitlist here: RYR Waitlist
 
Links mentioned in the show: 
Gua Sha stones for around the eyes
Traditional medicinals bitters recipe
Happy Bum Coffee Enema
 
📲 Connect With Me:
Instagram: @stratumaesthetics
YouTube: Stratum Aesthetics
Website: stratumaesthetics.com
 
Loved this episode? Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend who’s struggling with breakouts! 💛

56. The Liver-Skin Connection: What Spring Means for Hormonal Acne

Spring is liver season in many traditional medicine systems, and if you've been noticing more breakouts along your jawline, there’s a reason for that. Your liver plays a major role in hormone balance, detoxification, and even how your skin ages—but there’s a lot of confusion about what this actually means.
In today’s episode, I’m cutting through the noise to talk about:🌿 Why spring is the season of the liver (and what this means for your skin)💛 How the liver affects hormonal acne, inflammation, and even aging⚖️ Why the skin isn’t “pushing out toxins” (and what’s really happening instead)🧘‍♀️ The connection between the liver, emotions, and stress (ever felt extra irritable in the spring?)😮‍💨 The surprising way sighing supports liver function & skin health
This is part 1 of a two-part series! Next week, I’ll be covering practical, sustainable ways to support your liver—including foods, herbs, and even the famous (or infamous) coffee enema conversation.
If you want to dive deeper into how lifestyle impacts skin health, my program Reclaim Your Radiance is opening for enrollment again soon as an evergreen course! Stay tuned for details.
🔗 Join the waitlist here: WAITLIST
 
📲 Connect With Me:
Instagram: @stratumaesthetics
YouTube: Stratum Aesthetics
Website: stratumaesthetics.com
 
Loved this episode? Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend who’s struggling with breakouts! 💛

55. Face Massage Is Not Just A Beauty Hack

Facial massage is one of the most powerful ways to support your skin, but the way it’s often talked about online is missing the point. In this episode, I break down what makes facial massage so special, why it’s about flow rather than freezing, and how we can move beyond using it as just another beauty fix. We’ll talk about how stress patterns show up in the face, why the beauty industry keeps selling us the same impossible standards (just in a “natural” package), and how you can build a facial massage ritual that actually supports your skin, your nervous system, and your self-connection.
✨ What You’ll Learn:✔ Why facial massage is not a replacement for Botox—it’s the antidote✔ How tension patterns shape the face & how to release them✔ The difference between sculpting with care vs. trying to control your face✔ Why mainstream facial massage content feels off & how to reclaim the practice✔ How facial massage supports the nervous system, circulation, and overall vitality✔ The truth about wrinkles: how they reflect internal health & what you can do✔ The ritual of face massage—how to make it a sensory, nourishing experience
💆 Want to Learn Facial Massage for Yourself?Join my self-care facial massage workshop where I teach you step-by-step techniques to release tension, support your skin, and build a ritual that actually feels good.
 
Sign up here → Vital Bloom
 
📲 Connect With Me:
Instagram: @stratumaesthetics
YouTube: Stratum Aesthetics
Website: stratumaesthetics.com
🎧 Loved this episode? Share it with a friend & leave a review—it helps so much!

54. Flower Essences & The Emotional Body: A Gentle Path to Balance

In this episode, we’re diving deep into the world of flower essences—what they are, how they work, and why they’re such a powerful yet underrated tool for emotional healing. We’ll explore the ancient history of vibrational plant medicine, Dr. Edward Bach’s journey from homeopathy to flower essences, and the hidden forces that pushed natural medicine to the margins.
We’ll also get into the fascinating link between flower essences, fascia, and the nervous system, breaking down how these subtle remedies help release stored emotions, shift energetic patterns, and even support skin health.
By the end of this episode, you’ll understand:🌿 What flower essences actually are (and how they differ from essential oils & tinctures)🌿 How Dr. Bach developed the 38 original Bach flower remedies🌿 The vibrational science behind water, fascia & frequency medicine🌿 How flower essences support aging, self-acceptance & emotional balance🌿 Practical ways to use them—internally, topically, and even in skincare🌿 How to make your own flower essence at home
This is a conversation about subtlety, deep healing, and reclaiming a lost connection to nature’s quiet medicine. If you’ve ever been curious about flower essences, vibrational healing, or how emotions impact the body, this episode is for you.
Resources & Mentions:🌸 Alexis Smart Flower Remedies (Mentioned blend: My Personal Assistant)🌸 Herbal Medicine Maker’s Handbook by James Green🌸 Bach Flower Remedies
✨ Connect with Me:💻 Website: Stratum Aesthetics📷 Instagram: @stratumaesthetics📩 Join My Email List: Newsletter Link🛍️ Shop My Favorite Skincare & Tools: Shop 
 
If you loved this episode, please leave a review, share with a friend, or reach out—I’d love to hear your experience with flower essences! 💛
 
As always, this podcast is about exploration, not prescription. Flower essences are a beautiful tool for emotional and energetic support, but they aren’t a replacement for medical care. If you have any health concerns, be sure to consult with a trusted practitioner.