This summer, we’re diving deep into ingredient literacy to build discernment. In this short intro episode, I’m setting the stage for a new summer series where each week, I’ll unpack one skincare ingredient through a holistic lens. You’ll learn not only what the ingredient does, but why it’s used, how it interacts with the skin, and how to start thinking more critically about your products.

This series is for both consumers who want to feel more connected to their skin and estheticians who want to deepen their education beyond protocols and product hype.

I’ll also touch on:

• Why reading an ingredient list is helpful, but not the whole story

• The difference between ingredients that sit on, penetrate, and absorb into the skin

• How ingredient quality and energetic vitality matter just as much as the INCI name

• Why I believe skincare should empower, not create dependency

• How to start recognizing the difference between barrier-supportive skincare and trend-driven marketing

If you've ever looked at a label and wondered if a product was actually good for your skin, or felt overwhelmed by conflicting skincare advice, this series is for you.

Send me a message on Instagram @stratumaesthetics or email me. I'm covering both herbal and earth-based ingredients, as well as lab-derived actives, always through a holistic, barrier-focused lens.

Instagram: @stratumaesthetics Website: stratumaesthetics.com Email: emily@stratumaesthetics.com

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 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

• Gua Sha
• Facial Cupping
• Face Taping
• Microneedling
• Red Light Therapy
• Nervous System Regulation

• 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

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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 @stratumaesthetics Explore the shop + courses stratumaesthetics.com Sign up for emails HERE