The Functional Aesthetician

Samantha Dench
  • 5.0 (24)
  • ALTERNATIVE HEALTH

Join licensed esthetician and student of functional medicine, Samantha Dench, to explore the deeper connection between your skin, gut, and hormones. The mission is to help you get to the root cause of your skin problems so you understand what your skin is trying to tell you.

  1. 2D AGO

    PCOS & Chronic Fatigue: Nervous System Healing & Root Causes

    Are you struggling with chronic fatigue, hormonal imbalance, or PCOS and feel like nothing you try is actually working?  In this episode of The Functional Aesthetician, I sit down with Dr. Jaday Garcia, board certified doctor of natural medicine, functional medicine practitioner, and founder of MindBodyRestored to talk about the root cause healing approach that conventional medicine keeps missing. Dr. Garcia shares her personal journey navigating PCOS, PMDD, chronic migraines, and chronic fatigue after years of being handed prescriptions with no real answers.  Her story is one every woman dealing with hormonal imbalance will recognize. We dig into why nervous system healing is the missing piece for women with chronic fatigue, PCOS symptoms, and gut health issues, and why your body literally cannot heal when it's stuck in fight or flight mode.  If you've been told it's just perimenopause, or that your labs are "normal," this episode is for you. Dr. Garcia also opens up about her daughter's PANS and PANDAS diagnosis, what finally worked after years of dismissal, and why functional medicine for women goes so much deeper than standard bloodwork. In this episode we cover nervous system regulation, gut health and hormone connection, insulin resistance in women, and why root cause healing requires treating the whole body, not just the symptoms. Whether you're dealing with PCOS, chronic fatigue, adrenal fatigue, hormone imbalance, or you just know something is off and can't get answers, this conversation will give you clarity on where to start. ➡️ In this Episode, You’ll Learn: Why you cannot heal if your nervous system is stuck in fight-or-flight no matter what supplements or protocols you followThe truth about PCOS: it goes way beyond hormones, facial hair, and fertility PANS/PANDAS diagnosis can go unrecognized for yearsThe insulin resistance connection that most women are completely missingWhy the perimenopause label is being handed out too soonFunctional testing vs. standard bloodwork: why knowing how to read results matters more than the test itselfThe one free, simple morning habit Dr. Garcia recommends to start calming your nervous system todayConnect with Dr. Jaday Website Instagram Dr. Garcia's Free Nervous System Regulation Guide

    27 min

  2. MAR 24

    Inside the Skin Games: Holistic Skin, Big Announcements & a New Direction

    This week, Samantha shares a full recap of her first-ever experience at the Skin Games in Dallas. From speaking on the holistic skin panel to connecting with some of the most inspiring aestheticians in the industry, this episode is equal parts behind-the-scenes and big-picture. Samantha shares what she witnessed, what she's building next, and why stepping outside your comfort zone is still the fastest path to growth, personally and professionally. Plus, she's announcing something brand new: the Inside Out Jumpstart, a 30-day functional medicine entry point built specifically for the woman who's not quite ready to commit to a full program but is absolutely ready for real answers.  In this Episode, You’ll Learn: The Skin Games isn't your typical trade show, it's an intimate, community-driven competition where the people changing the industry show up in personAestheticians are hungry for holistic skin knowledge is leaving a gap that needs to be filledStepping outside your comfort zone, even when it's scary, is where the real connections and growth happenSamantha is developing holistic skin education for aestheticians, rooted in the gut-skin connectionThe Inside Out Jumpstart is a 30-day functional medicine program with a full intake, personalized protocol, lab guidance, and a follow-up session.DM JUMPSTART on Instagram to grab a spot Ready to stop guessing and start getting answers? DM JUMPSTART on Instagram.  ➡️ And if this episode resonated with you, subscribe and leave a review, it helps the right women find this podcast.

    14 min

  3. MAR 17

    Eczema, Psoriasis & Chronic Inflammation: Why Healing Starts With the Nervous System

    What if your eczema, psoriasis, gut issues, fatigue, or chronic inflammation aren’t random at all, but signals from a nervous system that’s been stuck in survival mode? In this episode of The Functional Aesthetician Podcast, Samantha Dench sits down with holistic health coach and alternative health practitioner Sabrina Hall to unpack the deeper connection between nervous system dysregulation, systemic inflammation, and chronic skin and body symptoms. Sabrina shares her personal healing journey through eczema, IBS, celiac disease, lymphatic congestion, and autoimmune patterns, and how that experience led her to a whole-body approach that goes far beyond symptom management.  You’ll understand why so many women ignore the early whispers from their bodies, how limiting beliefs and chronic stress keep the body inflamed, and why true healing has to start with creating safety in the system. This conversation is a powerful reminder that your skin is not betraying you, it’s communicating with you. In this Episode, You’ll Learn: The link between chronic stress, nervous system dysregulation, and inflammationWhy symptoms like eczema, psoriasis, headaches, gut issues, and fatigue are often deeper messengersHow women get stuck in patterns of perfectionism, people-pleasing, and self-neglectWhy healing the body requires more than topical solutions and quick fixesThe role of the gut, lymphatic system, immune system, and detox pathways in skin healingHow nervous system support can become the foundation for long-term healingIf you’ve been trying to heal your skin from the outside in, this episode will help you start looking deeper. ➡️ Connect with Sabrina Website Facebook Instagram Join Sabrina’s Facebook community for women with eczema & psoriasis Free e-book: Beyond The Cream Sabrina's Monthly Masterclass

    40 min

  4. MAR 10

    Chronic Inflammation, Leaky Gut, and Skin Symptoms

    What if your bloating, fatigue, headaches, brain fog, and skin flare-ups were actually early warning signs of chronic inflammation? In this episode of The Functional Aesthetician Podcast, Samantha Dench sits down with naturopathic doctor Elizabeth Yarnell to break down what inflammation really is, how it shows up in the body and skin, and why most people miss the signals until symptoms become impossible to ignore. Elizabeth shares her personal journey of being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis at age 29, losing vision in one eye, and being told her condition would only worsen. That diagnosis pushed her to explore the powerful connection between food, inflammation, and autoimmune disease, ultimately transforming her health and her career. Together, Samantha and Elizabeth discuss the difference between acute vs. chronic inflammation, how inflammation shows up in the skin, gut, and brain, and the hidden triggers that may be keeping your body stuck in an inflammatory cycle. If you’ve ever wondered why symptoms like bloating, acne, fatigue, joint pain, or brain fog keep showing up, this episode will help you connect the dots. In this Episode, You’ll Learn: What chronic inflammation actually is (and why it's often misunderstood)The difference between acute inflammation vs chronic inflammationHow inflammation shows up in the skin, gut, brain, and jointsThe connection between leaky gut and chronic inflammationHidden inflammatory triggers in foods and everyday productsWhy symptoms like bloating, headaches, fatigue, and acne shouldn’t be ignoredSimple first steps to begin reducing inflammation naturally➡️ Connect with Elizabeth Website Facebook Instagram LinkedIN Listen to Elizabeth's Podcast Take her Inflammation Quiz

    42 min

  5. MAR 3

    Why Women Feel Off Even When Labs Are Normal: Hormone Imbalance, Inflammation & Nervous System Dysfunction

    Your labs are “normal.” Yet you’re exhausted, inflamed, bloated, and don’t feel like yourself. What if hormones aren’t the real problem… but a downstream symptom of something deeper? In this episode of The Functional Aesthetician Podcast, we sit down with functional medicine practitioner and aesthetician, Heidi Cooper, to unpack why so many women in their 30s, 40s, and 50s experience fatigue, weight gain, skin flare-ups, and hormone imbalance symptoms, even when bloodwork looks “normal.” We talk about the difference between conventional and functional medicine, and why standard lab ranges often miss early dysfunction.  You’ll learn how chronic stress, nervous system dysregulation, cellular inflammation, mitochondrial dysfunction, and gut health imbalances can disrupt hormone signaling and leave you feeling off. If you’ve been told your thyroid is fine, your hormones are fine, and everything looks normal, but you know something isn’t right, this episode will help you understand the root cause healing approach and why symptom management isn’t the same as true restoration. In this Episode, You’ll Learn: Why “normal labs” don’t always mean optimal healthThe connection between stress, your nervous system and hormone imbalanceHow inflammation impacts skin health from the inside outWhy mitochondrial dysfunction may be driving your fatigueSimple foundational steps to begin regulating your nervous systemIf you’re looking for answers beyond medications, injections, or quick fixes, this conversation is for you. ➡️ Connect with Heidi Website Facebook Instagram YouTube Take Heidi's Cellular Damage Quiz

    36 min

  6. FEB 24

    Skin Barrier Damage: The Truth about Barrier Disruption and Skincare Products

    In this episode of The Functional Aesthetician Podcast, we sit down with licensed esthetician and founder of LBH Skincare, Heather Reay, to break down the truth about the skin barrier. We discuss signs of barrier disruption. Heather explains the difference between clinical skincare and over-the-counter formulations, how low pH and proper exfoliation support skin regulation, and why layering multiple actives may be dysregulating your skin. We also address the growing trend of tweens using corrective skincare and why young skin does not need aggressive active ingredients. If you’re overwhelmed by skincare trends or struggling with persistent skin issues, this episode brings the focus back to simplicity, barrier health, and long-term skin function. In this Episode, You’ll Learn: What the skin barrier actually doesWhy low pH cleansing mattersThe difference between professional-grade and over-the-counter skincareHow active percentages impact resultsProper exfoliation techniquesThe danger of layering multiple serumsSocial media influencer misinformationWhy tweens and children don’t need corrective skincareHeather explains her philosophy behind simplified routines: gentle cleansing, proper exfoliation, appropriate lipid support, and sun protection. If you’ve been “attacking” your skin hoping for results, this episode will help you rethink your approach. ➡️ Connect with Heather Website Instagram LinkedIN

    34 min

  7. FEB 17

    Eczema Isn’t a Skin Problem (Here’s What It Really Is)

    If you’ve been treating your eczema with creams, prescriptions, and elimination diets, but it keeps coming back, this episode will change how you see your skin.  Eczema isn’t just a surface issue. It’s a signal from your gut, nervous system, and immune system that something deeper needs attention. In this episode, I’m joined by functional nutritionist Krista Harcus to unpack the root causes of eczema and why true healing starts inside the body. We talk about the gut-skin connection, microbiome health, nervous system regulation, stress, hormones, and why steroid creams and restrictive diets often miss the bigger picture.  If you’ve tried every topical product and still feel frustrated, this episode will help you understand how to calm inflammation, heal leaky gut, and support your skin naturally, from the inside out. In this Episode, You’ll Learn: Why eczema is not just a skin condition but a systemic issueThe gut–skin connection and how leaky gut drives inflammationHow the microbiome impacts eczema and psoriasis flaresWhy restrictive diets can increase stress and worsen symptomsThe placebo vs. nocebo effect and how mindset influences healingThe Hierarchy of Healing: Nervous System → Gut → Hormones → SkinHow cortisol, stress, and trauma affect chronic skin conditionsSimple first steps: dairy, gluten, sugar, and processed food swapsWhy steroid creams may suppress symptoms but delay true healing➡️ Connect with Krysta Instagram  YouTube  5 Step Emergency Flareup Protocol

    27 min

  8. FEB 10

    Breathwork: The Missing Link to Regulate Your Nervous System

    If your body feels stuck in stress mode, it could be a nervous system issue. In this episode, our special guest, Brenda Mundt, talks about how breathwork regulates the nervous system, influences cortisol, and helps bring the body back into balance. She explains why most people have shallow breathing, which keeps you in a state of stress, and how intentional breathing can signal calm and safety to the body. We also discuss how trauma, sometimes passed down through generations, can live in the nervous system and shape how the body responds today.  This conversation is about understanding stress at its root and learning how to support real regulation, not just temporary relief. In this Episode, You’ll Learn: How breathing directly impact nervous system regulationThe connection between breath, cortisol, and chronic stressHow breathwork helps restore balance and releaseHow trauma and generational stress are stored in the nervous systemWhy regulation starts with the body, not more effortConnect wtih Brenda: Website Instagram Facebook Podcast

    23 min
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5
out of 5
24 Ratings

About

Join licensed esthetician and student of functional medicine, Samantha Dench, to explore the deeper connection between your skin, gut, and hormones. The mission is to help you get to the root cause of your skin problems so you understand what your skin is trying to tell you.

Information

  • Creator
    Samantha Dench
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    25
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Functional Aesthetician
  • Show Website
    The Functional Aesthetician