Skin | Earth | Vitality

This week on Skin Earth Vitality, Emily reflects on eight years of building Stratum Aesthetics and shares the eight biggest lessons from her eighth year in business. This episode is part business reflection, part philosophy, part nervous system debrief from the trenches of entrepreneurship. Emily explores what happens when creativity meets burnout, when intuition loses structure, and when constantly looking outward drowns out your own authority. From stepping away from social media to redefining what “feminine business” actually means, this conversation moves through energy, boundaries, white space, discernment, and the realization that not all growth is actually growth. Whether you own a business or not, these lessons are really about living with more intention, clarity, and self-authorship in a very noisy world. 🌿   Books & thinkers mentioned: The Obstacle Is the Way by Ryan Holiday This Is Marketing by Seth Godin Cal Newport Want more? ✨ Moonday Notes — my weekly love letter with seasonal rituals, skincare wisdom, and herbal support. Sign up here: https://stratumaesthetics.myflodesk.com/newslettersignup ✨ Stratum Aesthetics Apothecary — herbal skincare, castor oil packs, body oils, and tools I use every day. Shop here: https://stratumaesthetics.com/collections   If this episode resonated with you, consider leaving a five-star review and sharing it with someone building a life or business that asks them to stay deeply connected to themselves while navigating modern noise.

If your skin has been acting off lately, it might just be the season. Spring pulls the body out of a slower, more dormant state, and the skin doesn't always transition gracefully. Puffiness, congestion, that flat dullness that won't quit are all pretty normal this time of year. In this episode, we get into the three things that tend to make the biggest difference this time of year: lymph movement, mild exfoliation, and the sun conversation nobody's having. Products & Tools Mentioned Dry brushing tools (Garshana gloves, dry brush, lymph brushes) Live Botanicals Oasis Enzyme Mask Raw honey / Manuka honey (for honey tapping) Blissoma Photonic SPF (mineral sunblock) Laurel Sun Serum Want more? ✨ Moonday Notes — my weekly love letter with seasonal rituals, skincare wisdom, and herbal support. Sign up here: https://stratumaesthetics.myflodesk.com/newslettersignup ✨ Stratum Aesthetics Apothecary — herbal skincare, castor oil packs, body oils, and tools I use every day. Shop here: https://stratumaesthetics.com/collections

I left social media over six months ago as an experiment.  I wanted to see what it would look like to build my life and business without it. In this episode, I’m sharing an update from the field. We get into the subtle ways social media was shaping my sense of relevance, creativity, and even worthiness, and what it’s been like to sit with that without reaching for constant visibility. I talk about briefly logging back in and why it felt immediately off, the culture of positioning and self-censorship I didn’t fully realize I was part of, and how different it feels to create when I’m not performing. I also share what’s happening in my business without social media, and how my perspective on what’s “necessary” has shifted. And on a personal level, how much more grounded, clear, and intentional my life feels when I’m not constantly consuming things I didn’t choose.   🌿 Mentioned in This Episode Moonday Notes (my weekly newsletter) The Third Perspective by Africa Brooke Ear Oil (Karna Purana-inspired practice for nervous system support Episode 91: How 100 Days Off Instagram Gave Me My Brain Back Episode 79: Field Notes From Leaving Social Media  

The luteal phase is often when we see more activity on the skin: jawline breakouts, cystic acne, rosacea flares, puffiness, congestion, dehydration. In this episode, I walk you through what’s happening hormonally, neurologically, and metabolically during early and late luteal, and how those shifts show up on the skin. We explore: Why progesterone raises your temperature and shifts your nervous system Early vs late luteal (two very different personalities) How stress and unstable blood sugar amplify PMS and breakouts Why sleep becomes more fragile before your bleed Slower digestion, hormone recirculation, and jawline acne Why you can be oily and dehydrated at the same time Lymphatic stagnation, fluid retention, and cystic breakouts How I use warm gua sha to reduce inflammation and interstitial pressure Topical strategies for barrier support and sensitivity The foods that support luteal skin (warm carbs, healthy fats, elimination support) The herbal teas I reach for during this phase This episode blends modern physiology with a corneotherapeutic and herbalist lens.  Mentioned In This Episode:  Skin Care: Laurel Detox Mask Vibrant Garden Universal Oil Gua Sha Kansa Wand The Lymph Brush     Want more? ✨ Moonday Notes — my weekly love letter with seasonal rituals, skincare wisdom, and herbal support. Sign up here: https://stratumaesthetics.myflodesk.com/newslettersignup ✨ Stratum Aesthetics Apothecary — herbal skincare, castor oil packs, body oils, and tools I use every day. Shop here: https://stratumaesthetics.com/collections

Ovulation is the true main event of the menstrual cycle. While most of us were taught to organize our cycle around bleeding, biologically the entire month builds toward ovulation. This is your inner summer — a phase of outward vitality, peak circulation, collagen stimulation, and hormonal expression. It’s often when skin looks luminous and resilient… but it can also be when: • Breakouts begin forming • Redness feels amplified • Hyperpigmentation appears darker • Oil production shifts Mentioned In This Episode:  Skin Care: Live Botanicals Oasis Enzyme Mask Live Botanicals Oil Cleanser Laurel Oil Cleanser Live Botanicals Gel Cleanser Laurel Sun Serum Blissoma Photonic SPF   Resources: Episode 92. Your Skin & Your Cycle: Part 1:  The Menstrual Phase Episode 93. Your Skin & Your Cycle: Part 2:  The Follicular Phase Cookbook: The Moon Cycle Cookbook Book: The Fifth Vital Sign Want more? ✨ Moonday Notes — my weekly love letter with seasonal rituals, skincare wisdom, and herbal support. Sign up here: https://stratumaesthetics.myflodesk.com/newslettersignup ✨ Stratum Aesthetics Apothecary — herbal skincare, castor oil packs, body oils, and tools I use every day. Shop here: https://stratumaesthetics.com/collections

Understanding your monthly cycle is a literal superpower. When you begin to track and work with your cycle, you strengthen your relationship with your physical body and your intuition. This awareness creates clarity, agency, and self-trust, and honestly, I believe the world would be a better place if more of us lived this way! In today’s episode, we’re continuing our four-part series on the menstrual cycle and the skin, focusing on the follicular phase, the springtime of your cycle. We’ll explore what’s happening hormonally and physiologically, why breakouts can appear after your period, and how to support your skin so it continues to thrive. Mentioned In This Episode:  Skin Care: Refine Clay Mask Unburden Serum  Face Cupping Cups Resources: Episode 92. Your Skin & Your Cycle: Part 2:  The Menstrual Phase Book: Wild Power Book: The Fifth Vital Sign Want more? ✨ Moonday Notes — my weekly love letter with seasonal rituals, skincare wisdom, and herbal support. Sign up here: https://stratumaesthetics.myflodesk.com/newslettersignup ✨ Stratum Aesthetics Apothecary — herbal skincare, castor oil packs, body oils, and tools I use every day. Shop here: https://stratumaesthetics.com/collections

If your skin changes every month during your period, it’s easy to dismiss it as “just hormones.” But that explanation doesn't helps us understand what’s actually happening, or how to support our bodies more effectively. In this episode, we’re taking a closer look at what’s happening in your body during the menstrual phase and why your skin can feel drier, more sensitive, inflamed, or prone to breakouts during this time. We’ll explore how hormonal shifts, inflammation, circulation, and nervous system tone all play a role, and why pushing through your period can make skin symptoms worse. This is the first episode in a four-part series on your skin through the menstrual cycle. We begin with menstruation, the winter of the cycle, and talk about what changes in the skin are normal, which ones are common but not supportive, and how to work with your body rather than against it. Mentioned In This Episode:  Wild Power Book Want more? ✨ Moonday Notes — my weekly love letter with seasonal rituals, skincare wisdom, and herbal support. Sign up here: https://stratumaesthetics.myflodesk.com/newslettersignup ✨ Stratum Aesthetics Apothecary — herbal skincare, castor oil packs, body oils, and tools I use every day. Shop here: https://stratumaesthetics.com/collections

Just over 100 days ago, I went cold turkey off Instagram and all social media. What I didn’t expect was how much mental space, clarity, and inner authority I would regain. In this episode, I share a long-form reflection on why I left, what changed after stepping away, and what I’ve learned about attention, creativity, comparison, productivity, and emotional regulation along the way. This is not an episode meant to convince anyone to quit social media. If it doesn’t feel like a problem in your life, carry on. This is simply a field report for those who feel curious  Mentioned In This Episode:  Episode 79. Field Notes From Leaving Social Media Want more? ✨ Moonday Notes — my weekly love letter with seasonal rituals, skincare wisdom, and herbal support. Sign up here: https://stratumaesthetics.myflodesk.com/newslettersignup ✨ Stratum Aesthetics Apothecary — herbal skincare, castor oil packs, body oils, and tools I use every day. Shop here: https://stratumaesthetics.com/collections

If you’re coming out of the holidays, or really any period of indulgence, stress, illness, or disrupted routine.. you might be feeling bloated, foggy, sluggish, or noticing changes in your skin. Breakouts, dryness, sensitivity, and inflammation are common signals that something feels “off.” The instinctive reaction is often: I need to detox. In today’s episode, I want to reframe detox entirely. Instead of thinking of detox as something extreme that you do to your body, think of it as a natural process your body is already designed to do when the right conditions are present. This conversation is about understanding how detox actually works, why it slows down after periods like the holidays, and how to support your system so you feel better without punishment or extremes. Detox is not a juice cleanse, tea, or program. It’s a natural, ongoing physiological process.  In this episode I share a holistic herbalist point of view on detoxification and how you can support your skin by supporting this natural process.  🔗 Resources & Links Mentioned in This Episode Shop My Curated Apothecary StratumAesthetics.com (Skincare, body care, and wellness tools hand-selected by me) Castor Oil Support Castor Oil Pack (used for liver and lymphatic support) Podcast episode: Castor Oil: Everything You Want to Know Nervous System Support Yoga Nidra (YouTube): Ali Boothroyd EFT Tapping (YouTube): Tapping with Brad Skincare Products Discussed Laurel Detox Mask Live Botanical Oasis Enzyme Mask Laurel Unburden Serum Want more? ✨ Moonday Notes — my weekly love letter with seasonal rituals, skincare wisdom, and herbal support. Sign up here: https://stratumaesthetics.myflodesk.com/newslettersignup ✨ Stratum Aesthetics Apothecary — herbal skincare, castor oil packs, body oils, and tools I use every day. Shop here: https://stratumaesthetics.com/collections  

Have you ever set a New Year's goal you were genuinely excited about… only to burn out by February? In this episode, Emily shares the seasonal planning framework she stumbled into last year, a way of working toward goals that follows the intelligence of nature instead of relying on willpower, urgency, or constant output. Instead of rushing to become a brand-new person on January 1, this approach honors the natural sequence of change: winter for structure and rooting, spring for strengthening and direction, summer for expression and expansion, and fall for release and refinement.  Through this, you can create lasting and sustainable change in your life.  Emily walks through how this played out in her own life: from finances, to writing, to her annual fall shed, and why this method created more ease, clarity, and sustainable progress than any traditional goal-setting system she’d tried before. This episode focuses specifically on winter: how to use this season to build structure, shift identity, and create systems that actually hold your goals.   Mentioned in this episode: episode 80: The Art of Decluttering 2.0: The Fall Shed Ritual Want more? ✨ Moonday Notes — my weekly love letter with seasonal rituals, skincare wisdom, and herbal support. Sign up here: https://stratumaesthetics.myflodesk.com/newslettersignup ✨ Stratum Aesthetics Apothecary — herbal skincare, castor oil packs, body oils, and tools I use every day. Shop here: https://stratumaesthetics.com/collections

If your skin feels dry, sensitive, dull, or like it just wants a blanket this time of year, you’re not imagining it. Winter changes the light, the air, circulation, digestion, and hydration in the body, and your skin feels all of it! In this episode, Emily breaks down why winter skin behaves the way it does through a holistic, seasonal lens and shares practical ways to support your skin so it feels comfortable, nourished, and resilient throughout the colder months.   Join the waitlist for the upcoming Evergreen Facial Massage Program Listen to related episodes on circadian rhythm and internal weather Want more? ✨ Moonday Notes — my weekly love letter with seasonal rituals, skincare wisdom, and herbal support. Sign up here: https://stratumaesthetics.myflodesk.com/newslettersignup ✨ Stratum Aesthetics Apothecary — herbal skincare, castor oil packs, body oils, and tools I use every day. Shop here: https://stratumaesthetics.com/collections  

Once a month, I disappear from the world ... on purpose. No phone. No notifications. No chores. No pressure to be productive. Just a full day of white space that I call Moon Day. In this episode, I’m sharing the ritual that changed my relationship with rest, my creativity, and my work. It’s simple, nourishing, and surprisingly radical in the best way — because it asks nothing of you except to slow down enough to meet yourself again. 📚 Episodes + Resources Mentioned Holistic Herbalism Podcast  Digital Minimalism — Cal Newport Want more? ✨ Moonday Notes — my weekly love letter with seasonal rituals, skincare wisdom, and herbal support. Sign up here: https://stratumaesthetics.myflodesk.com/newslettersignup ✨ Stratum Aesthetics Apothecary — herbal skincare, castor oil packs, body oils, and tools I use every day. Shop here: https://stratumaesthetics.com/collections

Today I’m teaching you a new language.  A way of understanding your inner ecology so you can make sense of what’s happening inside your body and on your skin. This framework is the foundation for so many future conversations about rosacea, breakouts, digestion, nervous system patterns, and intuitive skincare. Once you learn it, your skin and your whole inner world start to feel more understandable. In this episode, I explore: Why your body behaves like a living landscape The 4 patterns that run your inner ecology: hot ↔ cold, dry ↔ damp, windy ↔ stagnant, tense ↔ lax How these patterns show up emotionally, physically, and on the skin Why you can experience “microclimates” in different parts of your body Simple ways to support yourself when you’re out of balance How this lens helps you avoid random internet trends and trust yourself more This episode is a introduction to a deeper kind of body literacy, one that helps you connect the dots between your emotions, your digestion, your skin, and your overall vitality. Mentioned in this episode: Magnesium Body Butter Paavani Tridoshic Body Oil  Castor Oil Packs Want more? ✨ Moonday Notes — my weekly love letter with seasonal rituals, skincare wisdom, and herbal support. Sign up here: https://stratumaesthetics.myflodesk.com/newslettersignup ✨ Stratum Aesthetics Apothecary — herbal skincare, castor oil packs, body oils, and tools I use every day. Shop here: https://stratumaesthetics.com/collections

In this episode, Emily shares the five inner-ecology pillars that support the same outcomes people often seek from retinoids: smoother texture, brighter tone, fewer bumps, and a calmer, more resilient barrier. She also breaks down the difference between dietary vitamin A and topical retinoids, why supplements aren’t a shortcut, and how lifestyle, warmth, nourishment, movement, and nervous system harmony create skin that naturally renews from within.   Product of the Month December’s Product of the Month: the Tri-Doshic Balancing Abhyanga Oil, a favorite daily body oil ritual for grounding, nervous system support, and bringing more warmth and unctuousness into the body. 🛒 Tri-Doshic Balancing Abhyanga Oil – available in the Stratum Aesthetics online apothecary 📬 Moonday Notes – Emily’s weekly newsletter, a love letter for anyone craving slower, softer, more nourishing skincare. (sign up here)   Resources Mentioned You can link these as you like: Rose & pearl moon milk recipe  Lymph Brush for at-home lymph support CBD bath salts from Cause Medic (the best ever)   Gentle Reminder This episode is for educational and informational purposes only and is not individualized skincare or medical advice. Always check in with your own body and your own practitioners.  

Today’s episode is part two of the vitamin A mini-series. Last week we talked about retinoids, what they do, how they interact with the skin, and why they can be so destabilizing from a corneotherapy and vitalist perspective. This week, we’re shifting into something more exciting: retinoid alternatives that actually support the skin, not override it. If you've ever wondered: “What should I use if I don’t want to thin my barrier?” "Is bakuchiol actually a natural retinol?” “What ingredients mimic the benefits of retinoids without the irritation?” “Is tallow really ‘nature’s retinol’?” …this episode is for you.   🛒 Products Mentioned in Today’s Episode (From My Shop) Here’s everything discussed that you can find at stratumaesthetics.com: Laurel Skin Unburden Serum (Product of the Month) Live Botanicals Solar Return Serum (moth bean extract, plant peptides, antioxidants) Oasis Enzyme Mask (papaya + cranberry enzymes) Blissoma Smooth A+ Serum (niacinamide, carrot juice / provitamin A)   ✨ If you want personalized support You can browse all curated products + learn more about my holistic skincare philosophy at:   👉 stratumaesthetics.com   And if this episode resonated, please share it with a like-minded friend! Word of mouth is how this podcast grows, and I’m endlessly grateful.   Stay Connected ✨ Shop herbalist-formulated skincare & self-care — Shop here 💌 Join my weekly love letters —  Moonday Notes 🎧 Listen + subscribe wherever you get podcasts 📺 Watch on YouTube: Stratum Aesthetics 🌿 Explore more: blog posts, rituals, and resources at stratumaesthetics.com

In today’s episode, I’m diving into one of my most requested topics: retinol, Retin-A, retinaldehyde, retinol esters, the whole retinoid family, and how these different forms of vitamin A actually work in the skin. This episode is the first in a three-part Vitamin A series. Today we’re focusing on retinoids, the synthetic and preformed versions of vitamin A that bind directly to retinoic acid receptors in your skin. Next week we’ll explore retinol alternatives like carotenoids and plant-based ingredients, and in two weeks we’ll talk about internal vitamin A and skin health. I’m breaking down: The conventional view of retinoids The difference between retinol, retinaldehyde, retinyl esters, retinoic acid & Accutane What vitamin A actually does in the skin (differentiation, turnover, collagen) Side effects, irritation, contraindications & when not to use retinoids Why oxidized retinol can cause inflammation How the formula around vitamin A matters just as much as the vitamin A itself Why retinoids thin the barrier and disrupt the microbiome The wild history: the dermatologist who helped bring Retin-A to dermatology is the same doctor who later coined the term corneotherapy How the medical model shapes the way dermatology thinks about skin Why the “skin as machine” paradigm creates a very narrow way of treating skin And the corneotherapeutic + herbalist lens: what happens when we force cell turnover instead of supporting the skin’s natural intelligence If you want the full picture of retinoids this episode will help you understand exactly what these ingredients do, who they’re right for, and how they affect the skin’s ecology. Stay Connected ✨ Shop herbalist-formulated skincare & self-care — Shop here 💌 Join my weekly love letters —  Moonday Notes 🎧 Listen + subscribe wherever you get podcasts 📺 Watch on YouTube: Stratum Aesthetics 🌿 Explore more: blog posts, rituals, and resources at stratumaesthetics.com

In this episode, Emily dives into the heart of herbalism.   What even is herbalism? How is it different from “clean” or “plant-based” skincare, and why do herbalist-formulated products feel so alive? She shares how her love of plants began at the Denver Botanic Gardens (and the fairy-tree elderberry that started it all), why whole-plant medicine is so much more than supplements or buzzwords, and how herbalism reconnects us to the intelligence of nature. You’ll hear about: The roots of herbal medicine and how it became “alternative” in the West Why whole-plant formulas work differently from isolated actives Common misconceptions about herbalism How working with plants brings creativity, confidence, and embodiment back into self-care What makes herbalist-formulated skincare uniquely potent and gentle Whether you’re just herbal-curious or already steeping teas and mixing tinctures, this episode will leave you feeling inspired to reconnect with the land, and with your own body.   If this episode resonated, share it with a friend and let Emily know what landed for you. 📚 Books Mentioned The Beekeeper’s Apothecary by Kaylee Richardson Energetic Herbalism by Kat Maier Herbal Medicine for Beginners by Katia Swift & Rin Madura Body into Balance by Maria Noël Groves Medicinal Herbs: A Beginner’s Guide by Rosemary Gladstar 🌸 Stay Connected ✨ Shop herbalist-formulated skincare & self-care— Shop here 💌 Join my weekly love letters —  Moonday Notes 🎧 Listen + subscribe wherever you get podcasts 📺 Watch on YouTube: Stratum Aesthetics 🌿 Explore more: blog posts, rituals, and resources at stratumaesthetics.com 🪴 Disclaimer This episode is for educational and inspirational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment.  

In this episode, Emily talks about how her understanding of holistic living has evolved beyond the “natural lifestyle” checklist into a deeper, more textured practice. She shares why true holistic living is less about controlling every variable and more about cooperating with the body’s innate intelligence through rhythm, seasonal awareness, simple rituals, and herbs as allies. What you’ll hear: Why “holistic” is a worldview, not an aesthetic or a shopping list The difference between “natural,” “healthy,” and truly holistic living A systems-biology lens for everyday choices, without the reductionist trap How cycles matter: circadian rhythm, seasons, and the flows of a life Practical ways to make life feel nourishing instead of like a to-do list Gentle energy management: noticing leaks and restoring vitality Connect with Emily: Shop curated goods and favorites: Shop here Learn and explore: Visit the website Watch and subscribe: YouTube channel Get the Monday love letter: Moonday Notes If this episode resonated, share it with a friend and let Emily know what landed for you. Next week, she dives into what herbalism really is and how she weaves herbal wisdom into skincare.      

In this episode, Emily guides you through one of her favorite seasonal rituals, the Fall Shed.  This is a powerful process of releasing clutter, stagnant energy, and outdated identities in order to create spaciousness for renewal, vitality, and aligned growth as we transition into a new year. Rather than approaching decluttering as a chore, Emily reframes it as an intentional act of energetic refinement. She explores six key areas that hold energetic weight in our lives: Physical environment Digital space Finances Social life & relationships Time & schedule Health & fitness Through this practice, Emily discuses how clearing these spaces can restore flow, increase clarity, regulate the nervous system, and invite abundance and creativity back into one’s life. This episode is an invitation to slow down, release what no longer resonates, and prepare the inner and outer landscape for a fresh season of vitality. Whether you choose to shed in one of these areas or move through all six, this episode will help you reconnect to your own natural rhythms and step into the coming season with a renewed sense of peace, sovereignty, and purpose.   Mentioned In The Episode:  Banyan Botanicals Article: A Traditional Ayurvedic Cleanse   Connect with Emily 🌿 Moonday Notes Newsletter – Receive weekly seasonal guidance, skincare wisdom, herbal teachings, and rituals for aligned living: Newsletter Sign Up  🌿 Website – Explore offerings, workshops, and resources: stratumaesthetics.com 🌿 The Shop – Browse curated skincare, herbal remedies, and body care selected to support your skin and nervous system: stratumaesthetics.com/shop 🌿 YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/channel/

What really happens when you step away from social media: mentally, emotionally, and as a business owner? In this candid episode, I share my field notes from three weeks off Instagram: the unexpected grief, newfound peace, surprising business clarity, and the stories I didn’t know I was living inside of. This is an honest exploration of identity, self-worth, and whether our nervous systems and businesses can thrive outside of the algorithm. We explore: The false sense of self-importance created by constant visibility How algorithmic bubbles shape our worldview (without us realizing it) The difference between being seen and being watched The story I told myself about not being able to run a business without Instagram, and what actually happened when I stepped away What begins to flourish when we stop performing and start living again Whether you’re social-media-free-curious, deeply burnt out, or simply rethinking how you want to be visible in the world, this episode will speak to that longing for a slower, more sovereign, more embodied way of doing life and business. Connect with Me ✨ Website: https://stratumaesthetics.com 🛒 Shop the Apothecary: https://stratumaesthetics.com/collections/all 🎥 YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@StratumAesthetics 📬 Subscribe to Moonday Notes (my weekly email sanctuary): https://stratumaesthetics.myflodesk.com/newslettersignup    

This week, Emily shares her Fall Self-Care & Wellness Bucket List. This is a cozy, grounding lineup of ideas designed to help you feel nourished, rooted, and more at home in your body as the season shifts.   If you’ve been feeling dry, scattered, or craving warmth, this episode is for you.   From breath work and warming foods to herbal cold-season prep and evening routines, you’ll learn how to align your self-care with the rhythms of fall: the season of lungs, letting go, and renewal.   Grab a cup of tea and your notebook; this one’s full of inspiration.   Mentioned in This Episode Fall Face Massage Workshop — now open for enrollment Fire Cider Recipe Blog Pavoni Tri-Dosha Abhyanga Oil Raw Silk Garshana Gloves Episode 40. The Art of Letting Go Through Decluttering   🌿 Connect with Emily ✨ Website → stratumaesthetics.com Explore the apothecary, current workshops, and seasonal offerings. Everything here is curated to support your skin + spirit through every season. 🛍️ Shop the Apothecary → stratumaesthetics.com/collections/all Barrier-supportive skincare, herbal oils, teas, and tools — hand-selected with integrity and intention. 💌 Join the Weekly Newsletter → Subscribe Here This isn’t promo spam — it’s a weekly letter full of nourishment, slow-living inspiration, and gentle reminders to come back to your body and the seasons. 🎧 Listen + Share If this episode resonated, share it with a friend who could use a little grounding this fall. Word-of-mouth is how this community grows since Emily has stepped away from social media.

In this episode, Emily explores wrinkles through a vitalist lens... seeing them not as flaws to fix, but as messages from a living, intelligent body. She unpacks how aging became something we fear, how modern culture taught us to see our faces as broken parts, and what it means to come home to vitality instead of perfection. You’ll hear about: Emily’s own shift from “fix it” thinking to reverence for the aging face Why modalities like facial massage, cupping, and face taping aren’t “natural Botox,” instead, they’re the antidote to stagnation The 3 types of wrinkles: dehydration, dynamic, and static How modern beauty ideals grew out of industrial, mechanical views of the body What energetics really means (hint: it’s not vibes, it’s qualities) The five core patterns that can show up in the skin as wrinkles: dryness, tension, stagnation, heat, and depletion.. and how to restore balance in each Through herbal wisdom, lifestyle practices, and a vitalist approach, you’ll learn how to listen to what your skin is saying instead of waging war against it. Workshop Emily’s next Live Facial Massage Workshop begins November 17th, with tickets opening October 13th. Six weeks of live community practice centered around facial massage, gua sha, cupping, and intra-oral work. Join the waitlist HERE   Connect with Emily : Shop Moonday Notes: The weekly newsletter YouTube Flora x Face Substack Publication Website

In this episode, I explore the idea that beauty is sacred: not something to pathologize, fix, or commodify. We’ll talk about how cultural grooves train us to see flaws instead of presence, why fix-it culture is actually a desecration of the holy, and how we can begin to shift into reverence instead of panic.   This episode is the foundation for next week, where I’ll share practical, sacred ways to tend to wrinkles with love instead of fear.   Mentioned in the episode:  Nephrite Pro Gua Sha Stone   Connect with me further:  🌿 Instagram: @stratumaesthetics 🎥 YouTube: Stratum Aesthetics 🛒 Website + Shop: stratumaesthetics.com 📆 Sign up for the waitlist for my face massage workshop, sale of the workshop will open Monday October 13, 2025.    💌 Join my email list: Sign up here to get weekly updates and insights from my newsletter: Moonday Notes 🌘    ✨ Thank you for sharing this podcast with your friends on Instagram—it means the world to me! If you loved today’s episode, please leave a 5-star review so more people can find this work.

This week, we’re exploring how autumn invites us to tend to ourselves in deeper, more nourishing ways. In a world where beauty is often defined by surface fixes and staying forever young, this episode redefines beauty as harmony with nature and vitality from within. We’ll look at what it means to live in rhythm with the seasons, why this matters for your skin, and how practices drawn from Ayurveda and Western herbalism can help you build reserves of vitality: what’s called ojas in Ayurveda and jing in Chinese medicine. Autumn (Vata season) brings airy, dry, restless energy, and I’ll share grounding foods, rituals, and self-care practices to stabilize and resource yourself. This isn’t a checklist.  Instead, take what feels delicious and leave the rest. Links & Resources Mentioned: My favorite raw silk garshana gloves Abhyanga oil available in my shop Ear oil Connect with me further:  🌿 Instagram: @stratumaesthetics 🎥 YouTube: Stratum Aesthetics 🛒 Website + Shop: stratumaesthetics.com 📆 Sign up for the waitlist for my face massage workshop   💌 Join my email list: Sign up here to get weekly updates and insights from my newsletter: Moonday Notes 🌘    ✨ Thank you for sharing this podcast with your friends on Instagram—it means the world to me! If you loved today’s episode, please leave a 5-star review so more people can find this work.

In this midweek bonus episode, Emily speaks  about emotional, energetic, and cognitive sovereignty in a time of chaos. In the wake of violent, uncensored media flooding our social feeds, she explores what it means to protect your mind, body, and spirit from the collective swirl of fear. Why doing so is more than self-care: it’s soul care. We talk about: Why witnessing horror without consent is traumatizing, and how to step out of the outrage loop The difference between tribal thinking and true discernment Reclaiming your attention, ritual, and nervous system as daily forms of sacred resistance The energetic cost of constant consumption, and what happens when we unplug Why tending to your temple is a way of keeping humanity intact in a dehumanizing world What it means to create new timelines instead of feeding existing fear loops How to choose creation over collapse : without bypassing real grief or shadow Herbs, nervous system practices, and grounding routines to bring you back to earth ✨ Plus: Emily’s nighttime rituals for energetic protection The herbal nervines she reaches for in chaotic times A recommendation for the book Humankind: A Hopeful History Why she’s obsessed with Yoga Nidra and how it changed her relationship with fear 🌿 Mentioned in this Episode: Cal Newport podcast episode on Better Thinking  Allie Boothroyd’s Yoga Nidra on YouTube Humankind: A Hopeful History by Rutger Bregman Herbs: Passionflower, Milky Oat Seed, Chamomile, Tulsi, Lemon Balm, Hops, Catnip Connect with Emily: Shop curated skincare & herbal goods → stratumaesthetics.com Instagram → @stratumaesthetics Sign up for the email list for more grounded seasonal wisdom and offerings Leave a 5-star review if this episode supported you — it helps others find the show 🌿

Every organ, every cell, even your skin, is timed by your circadian clock.  The 24 hour clock that is governed by light and dark, eating patterns, even movement.  When you live in sync with this rhythm, your body anticipates what it needs: your skin repairs itself overnight, your digestion runs smoothly, your mood feels grounded.     In this episode, I share:  Why light is the most powerful signal for your circadian rhythm (and how different spectrums: sunrise, midday, sunset, and firelight affect your skin and hormones). How your circadian rhythm controls skin repair, barrier strength, microbiome balance, wound healing, and antioxidant defenses. Practical ways to reset your rhythm in modern life: morning light, eating with the sun, firelight evenings, true darkness, and more.  Why syncing your daily habits with circadian rhythms isn’t a “hack” but a way of reclaiming your  self healing potential. ✨ Mentioned in this episode: Carrie B Wellness Viva Rays Glasses Bagby alarm clock  Bon Charge Book Lamp  This isn’t just about sleep or skincare. It’s about remembering you are nature, you are not separate from it, and beauty begins with rhythm.   Connect with me further:  🌿 Instagram: @stratumaesthetics 🎥 YouTube: Stratum Aesthetics 🛒 Website + Shop: stratumaesthetics.com 💌 Join my email list: Sign up here to get weekly updates and insights from my newsletter: Moonday Notes 🌘 

In this episode I share my own journey from feeling like beauty was “shallow” to realizing it is sacred. Along the way we unravel: How Big Beauty thrives on shame, scarcity, and impossible standards The difference between natural consumption and the frenzy of consumerism Why excess is actually scarcity in disguise How capitalism and commerce aren’t inherently the enemy but it’s our relationship with them that matters How to start untangling your own relationship with beauty as conditional worth I also leave you with pointed questions: an invitation to go deeper with yourself around beauty, scarcity, and consumerism. This is big, lifelong work, but it’s where the shift begins. 🛒 Shop with Intention If this conversation resonated, explore my curated collection of skincare, body care, and wellness products at SHOP HERE 🌿 Connect with Me Let’s keep this conversation alive: Instagram: @stratumaesthetics for daily shares, reflections, and beauty as ritual. YouTube: Stratum Aesthetics for deeper dives into holistic skincare, herbalism, and seasonal living. Website: stratumaesthetics.com for shopping, workshops, and all my offerings. Sign up for the waitlist for my Fall Facial Massage Workshop here ✨ If you loved this episode, leave a five-star review! It helps other kindred spirits find the show.

After a nourishing summer pause, I’m back in the studio with a fresh season of episodes that dive deeper into the heart of holistic skin health. In today’s episode, we’re opening the conversation around hyaluronic acid. Is it worth the hype? Is it helping or hurting your skin? We’ll explore: Why context is everything. The difference between internal vs. topical hydration. When it can be helpful, and when it may actually dehydrate you! The bigger question behind dryness: what is your skin trying to tell you? If you've ever used a hyaluronic acid serum or been curious, this one's for you!  ----more---- Mentioned in this episode: 🌿 Ambient Moisture Liquid : my favorite HA serum (with herbs + lipids that actually support the skin) 🛍️ Shop the Apothecary – curated, herbalist-vetted skincare and body care 📝 Join me on Substack – for essays, seasonal reflections, and all the analog beauty musings 📧 Got questions or feedback? Email me at [email protected] 📸 Let’s hang out on Instagram: @stratumaesthetics If you found this episode helpful or if it got you thinking differently about hydration, let me know! Your reviews, shares, and messages truly mean the world.

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. 🔍 Want me to cover a specific ingredient? 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. 📬 Stay Connected Instagram: @stratumaesthetics Website: stratumaesthetics.com Email: [email protected] 

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.

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

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.

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 Remover Gentle, 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: 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.

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  

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.  

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.

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!

🎙️ Episode 61 — 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 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.

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

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 hair Herbal 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

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. 💚

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! 💛

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! 💛

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!

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.  

In this episode, we dive into how to transform your relationship with your skin from one of self-critique to self-love. We’ll explore the subtle ways media and influencer culture shape how we view our skin and how to protect your mental space by curating what you consume. I’ll share practical, nurturing rituals like face massage and abhyanga to reconnect with your skin, plus how using products that are alive can turn your skincare routine into a sacred act. Whether you're a skincare newbie, a seasoned client, or a fellow esthetician, this episode is your invitation to step back from perfectionism and embrace the beauty of your natural skin. 💫 What You’ll Learn: How social media, reality TV, and influencer culture impact your skin mindset Why turning down the outside noise is essential for skin confidence The power of face massage as an act of self-love (and a sneak peek at my upcoming course!) Why overdoing skincare can create stress instead of healing The difference between mass-produced products and alive, plant-based skincare How body rituals like abhyanga nourish your whole self, not just your skin A quick gratitude practice to deepen your appreciation for your skin 🌿 Mentioned in This Episode: My Face Massage Course—going on sale next Friday, February 14! Get on the waitlist ----> here Paavani Oils for abhyanga  💌 Connect with Me: Website: https://stratumaesthetics.com/ Shop:  https://stratumaesthetics.com/collections Newsletter: https://stratumaesthetics.myflodesk.com/newslettersignup YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCY3I84QTWRiIMhsnxnd8Vmg Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stratumaesthetics/ Email: [email protected]

In this one year anniversary episode, In this episode, Emily reflects on the transformative journey of podcasting over the past year. The host discusses the challenges of visibility, the importance of consistency, and the difference between motivation and devotion in content creation. The episode encourages listeners to embrace their fears and take small steps towards being more visible in their own lives.     Let me know your biggest take away, email me at [email protected]   You can find Emily’s curated skincare shop on her website here: https://stratumaesthetics.com/collections Hang out with her on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/stratumaesthetics/ Find Emily on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCY3I84QTWRiIMhsnxnd8Vmg

In this episode, Emily discusses the transition from tea bags to loose leaf tea, exploring the benefits, methods, and simple blends for beginners. She emphasizes the health concerns associated with tea bags, the advantages of loose leaf tea, and provides practical tips for sourcing herbs and brewing methods. The conversation is rich with insights into herbalism and encourages listeners to experiment with their own tea blends.     Purchase loose leaf herbs from Mountain Rose Herbs   You can find Emily’s curated skincare shop on her website here: https://stratumaesthetics.com/collections Hang out with her on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/stratumaesthetics/ Find Emily on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCY3I84QTWRiIMhsnxnd8Vmg      

In this episode, Emily, a 17 year esthetician, discusses the topic of dermaplaning. The conversation delves into the reasons for moving away from dermaplaning, emphasizing the importance of understanding skin health and anatomy. The host shares personal experiences and insights on skin care, advocating for a more informed approach to treatments and alternatives to dermaplaning.   We are prepping for our one year anniversary show and want to hear from you!  Submit questions you would like answered on the show to [email protected]    You can find Emily’s curated skincare shop on her website here: https://stratumaesthetics.com/collections Hang out with her on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/stratumaesthetics/ Find Emily on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCY3I84QTWRiIMhsnxnd8Vmg      

In this episode, we explore the skincare philosophy of corneotherapy, which emphasizes the importance of the skin barrier and long-term skin health over aggressive treatments. The host shares their personal journey from conventional skincare practices to discovering the benefits of corneotherapy, highlighting the significance of nourishing the skin and respecting its natural processes. The discussion covers the core principles of corneotherapy, essential ingredients for healthy skin, and the types of treatments that align with this philosophy. The episode concludes with a historical perspective on corneotherapy and its revolutionary impact on skincare practices. You can find Emily’s curated skincare shop on her website here: https://stratumaesthetics.com/collections View the corresponding blog post: How to Build a Barrier-Friendly Skincare Routine: A Corneotherapeutic Approach Download The Ultimate Barrier Health Ingredient Guide