Smart Aging Clinic's current campaign 

Watch the fifth episode of the "UNBOTALKS &ndash; Unfiltered Conversations" series, culminating the first season of the podcast. Klaudia Witczak, founder of Smart Aging Clinic, engages once again with Joanna Heidtman, a psychologist, sociologist, and business coach.
In this episode, they delve into the concept and definition of authenticity, exploring how, in an era dominated by narcissism and an obsession with one's social media image, we can endeavor to discover our authentic selves. Is it worthwhile to be authentic? Join Klaudia and Joanna for a full discussion.
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Learn more about Smart Aging Clinic - <a href="https://smartagingclinic.com/contact" target="_new">https://smartagingclinic.com/contact</a>
#smartagingclinic &nbsp;#unbotalks #beautyisnotcopypaste

UNBOTALKS Unfiltered Conversations - podcast 

Vogue Polska article about our "Beauty is not copy-paste" campaign 

Panel and exhibition "Beauty is not copy - paste"

This is the fourth episode of our podcast "UNBOTALKS or conversations without a corset"! Our guest Joanna Heidtman, a psychologist, sociologist, and coach, will tell us all about emotions.
Apart from discussing the psychological significance of emotions, we will also learn about where they originate biologically.
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We encourage you to listen to this highly intriguing conversation!
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Learn more about Smart Aging Clinic - <a href="https://smartagingclinic.com/contact" target="_new">https://smartagingclinic.com/contact</a>
#smartagingclinic &nbsp;#unbotalks #beautyisnotcopypaste

UNBOTALKS Podcast 

We invite you to watch another episode of the podcast titled: "UNBOTALKS or conversations without a corset," created by Smart Aging Clinic founder Klaudia Witczak, whose guest again is psychologist, sociologist, coach - Joanna Heidtman.
This time we talk about autonomy and consider how to protect and respect one's boundaries.
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Learn more about Smart Aging Clinic - <a href="https://smartagingclinic.com/contact" target="_new">https://smartagingclinic.com/contact</a>
#smartagingclinic &nbsp;#unbotalks #beautyisnotcopypaste

Podcast "UNBOTALKS or conversations without a corset".

The skin is one of the largest organs in our body, possessing its own immune system and microbiota. Skin balance is regulated by both local and systemic hormones, neurotransmitters, neuropeptides, and cytokines. Therefore, like other organs, the skin can react to stress, and research shows that many dermatological diseases are closely related to the body's exposure to stress and our mental state. How does stress affect the skin? What is psychoneuroimmunology? Which skin diseases are linked to stress? You will find answers to these and other questions in the following article.
Adaptations to Stress
When stress is too intense, it threatens our physical, mental, and social balance, inducing what is known as allostasis&mdash;a process stabilizing the internal environment of the body through specific physiological changes (adaptations). Adaptations triggered by stress occur through the interaction of specific organ systems and the substances they release. Firstly, stress activates the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, releasing cortisol, corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH), and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH). This leads to various processes preparing our body for stressful situations, such as an increase in blood glucose levels and a decrease in pain sensitivity. Secondly, stress activates the sympathetic nervous system, releasing adrenaline and noradrenaline. This results in increased blood pressure and heart rate, dilation of blood vessels in the heart, lungs, and muscles, and constriction in the intestines and kidneys. Stress can cause both positive adaptations, mobilizing us to act, and negative ones, such as diseases. The individual impact of psychological stress on the body depends primarily on the perception of experienced stressors, which varies among individuals due to differences in genes, experiences, and behaviors.
How Stress Affects Our Skin?
Just like for any organ, stress is not indifferent to the skin. Stress influences our hormonal balance, which is crucial for skin health. Stress mobilizes the immune system, generates chronic inflammation, increases the production of free radicals, potentially accelerating skin aging. Additionally, it diminishes the body's natural antioxidant abilities and accelerates the degradation of matrix components like collagen and elastin. Moreover, stress worsens the functions of the hydrolipidic mantle, increases the activity of sebaceous glands, and intensifies the dilation of blood vessels (teleangiectasia). It's worth noting that the skin contains numerous receptors for neurotransmitters, hormones, and cytokines, regulating its functions and modifying its response to psychological and environmental stressors. Therefore, the skin's reaction to stress is a complex process involving a broad network of immune cells, hormones, and neurotransmitters. The skin is a target for key stress mediators but is also a local source of these factors, forming its own psychoneuroimmunologic connections. The study of these relationships falls within the field known as psychoneuroimmunology.
Psychoneuroimmunology of the Skin
Despite numerous studies on the psychoneuroimmunology of the skin, the exact mechanism by which stress can trigger or exacerbate skin symptoms remains unknown. At the end of the last century, the Neuro-Immuno-Cutaneous-Endocrine (NICE) model was created, encompassing various overlapping mechanisms explaining probable stress-skin relationships. Mechanisms in the NICE model include:
<ul>
<li>Dysregulation of the HPA axis and the sympathetic nervous system</li>
<li>Interaction of various signaling substances within the skin on cells, nerve fibers, blood vessels, and skin glands</li>
<li>Overproduction of pro-inflammatory cytokines and neuropeptides in the skin and changes in the expression of receptors for these substances</li>
<li>Development of neurogenic inflammation Chronic stress, in particular, can cause neurogenic inflammation in the skin and simultaneously exacerbate the course of certain skin diseases. Neurogenic inflammation is a form of chronic skin inflammation resulting from the abnormal interaction of immune cells with skin nerve fibers. Numerous neurogenic factors and pro-inflammatory cytokines participate in the entire process. Diseases where neurogenic inflammation plays a role include urticaria, atopic dermatitis, and psoriasis.</li>
</ul>
Mast Cells and Neurogenic Inflammation
Mast cells play a significant role in the process of neurogenic inflammation and serve as a kind of link between the psychoneuroimmunological axis. Mast cells were described by Dr. Hans Selye, who coined the term "stress," as crucial in recognizing environmental threats (e.g., microorganisms, toxins, physical stress). Mast cells are versatile cells, capable of responding to various local and external factors, and have the ability to release many active substances, making them a unique link in integrating the immune and nervous systems. Mast cells contain 50-200 granules containing various bioactive substances, including biogenic amines (histamine, serotonin), cytokines (IL-1, IL-3, IL-4, IL-6), enzymes (chymase, tryptase), lipid metabolites (leukotrienes, prostaglandins), nitric oxide (NO), heparin, and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Under the influence of various factors, mast cells can undergo degranulation, the sudden release of granule contents outside the cell. Degranulation can occur due to contact with an allergen but also due to psychological stress. Additionally, mast cells may be located in the vicinity of nerve cells and, by producing serotonin, directly influence the activity of the nervous system. Most communication between mast cells and nerves occurs through the local release of active substances into the intercellular space, such as nerve fibers secreting neuropeptides like substance P.
Psychodermatology &ndash; An Interdisciplinary Approach to Skin Diseases
Psychodermatology is a relatively young field that encompasses psychology, psychiatry, and aesthetic medicine, based on the psychosomatic concept describing the inseparable connection between our body and mind. It's worth adding that the psychosomatic connection between the skin and the nervous system also arises from their common embryonic development, as both the skin and nervous system originate from the ectoderm. In Poland, in 2008, the Psychodermatology Section was established within the Polish Dermatological Society. Currently, psychodermatology categorizes skin disorders and diseases related to our psyche and stress into three groups:
<ol>
<li>Psycho-physiological disorders, where skin symptoms may appear or worsen under stress, e.g., atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, vitiligo, seborrheic dermatitis.</li>
<li>Primary psychiatric disorders, where skin changes taking the forefront are a result of mental disorders, e.g., obsessive-compulsive disorders.</li>
<li>Secondary psychiatric disorders, which are disorders that arise as a consequence of chronic skin changes, e.g., depressive and anxiety disorders. Research has shown that introducing psychiatric treatment in the form of medications or psychotherapeutic methods can have a positive impact on dermatological diseases influenced by stress. Therefore, individuals affected by skin diseases such as atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, vitiligo, and seborrheic dermatitis should consider including methods regulating stress responses in their therapeutic process.</li>
</ol>
Literature
<ol>
<li>Pondeljak N and Lugović-Mihić L. "Stress-induced Interaction of Skin Immune Cells, Hormones, and Neurotransmitters." Clin Ther. 2020 May;42(5):757-770.</li>
<li>"Psychodermatology. An Interdisciplinary Approach." Publisher: PZWL Warsaw 2023.</li>
<li>Theoharides T.C. "The Impact of Psychological Stress on Mast Cells." Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol. 2020 Oct; 125(4): 388-392.</li>
<li>Peters E.M.J. "Stressed Skin? &ndash; A Molecular Psychosomatic Update on Stress Causes and Effects in Dermatologic Diseases." J Dtsch Dermatol Ges. 2016 Mar;14(3):233-52; quiz 253.</li>
<li>Ferensztajn E. and Rybakowski J. "Concept of Allostasis and Neurobiology of Bipolar Affective Disorder." Neuropsychiatry and Neuropsychology 2012; 7, 2: 65&ndash;75.</li>
</ol>
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Learn more about Smart Aging Clinic - <a href="https://smartagingclinic.com/contact" target="_new">https://smartagingclinic.com/contact</a>
#smartagingclinic #beautyisnotcopypaste

About psychoneuroimmunology of the skin, or how stress affects our skin

We invite you to see to the second episode of the podcast "UNBOTALKS - conversations without corset" created by the founder of Smart Aging Clinic Klaudia Witczak and her guest - Joanna Heidtman, sociologist, psychologist and coach.
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&nbsp;The topic of this conversation is the definition of identity and an attempt to find an answer to the question of how to maintain autonomy and not succumb to the influences of the world around us while remaining an integral part of society.
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Learn more about Smart Aging Clinic - <a href="https://smartagingclinic.com/contact" target="_new">https://smartagingclinic.com/contact</a>
#smartagingclinic &nbsp;#unbotalks #beautyisnotcopypaste

"UNBOTALKS or conversations without a corset" 

We invite you to see to the first episode of the <a title="UNBOTALKS - conversations without corset" href="https://youtu.be/QEbkMl1XMVo?si=nWOHwkBEsKbefWpF">podcast </a>"UNBOTALKS - conversations without corset" created by the founder of Smart Aging Clinic Klaudia Witczak and her first guest - Joanna Heidtman, sociologist, psychologist and coach. The topic of the conversation is the definition of femininity, how it was defined by earlier generations and how it is redefining itself today.
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Learn more about Smart Aging Clinic - <a href="https://smartagingclinic.com/contact">https://smartagingclinic.com/contact</a>
#smartagingclinic &nbsp;#unbotalks #beautyisnotcopypaste

 UNBOTALKS

"In the spirit of unbotoxed. First naturalness, then youthfulness."  Interview for Vogue Poland 

Join us for the next episode of the podcast where we discuss how to age smartly and consciously. What can we do to stay healthy and strong? These questions will be answered by the founder of Smart Aging Clinic, Klaudia Witczak. #SmartAging #SkinWorkout #UNBOTOXED
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The third episode of the Smart Aging podcast: Soul

This time, the main topic is the body. Anna Jurgaś and Klaudia Witczak discuss how to achieve psycho-physical harmony by using alternatives to "improving oneself" and taking care of the body and skin according to the philosophy of smart aging.
#SmartAging #SkinWorkout #UNBOTOXED
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The second episode of the Smart Aging podcast: Body

The first episode of the Smart Aging podcast: Mind Anna Jurgaś and Klaudia Witczak, the founder of Smart Aging Clinic, prove that maturity does not have to mean losing passion, dreams, and activity and can be a time in which we experience life wisdom and deepen our connections with other people. And the starting point for this is accepting the processes happening in our body.
 #smartaging #smartagingclinic #skinworkout
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The first episode of the Smart Aging podcast: Mind

Botox is a trade name for botulinum toxin type A, a substance that blocks signals between nerves and muscles. In medicine, Botox is used to treat a variety of muscular disorders, including neck dystonia, migraine, bruxism or hyperhidrosis but unfortunately also for wrinkle removal in aesthetic medicine.
We have examined what science says about it and whether it is worth using fast-food-like solutions associated with significant risks to extend our youthful appearance.&nbsp;
It is worth knowing that botulinum toxin type A, also known as sausage poison, was invented by a Belgian scientist in 1897 and isolated in 1944 at the US biological weapons research center in Fort Detrick. It belongs to neurotoxins and is produced by strictly anaerobic bacteria called Clostridium botulinum and a few other representatives of the Clostridium genus. Depending on the dosage, this substance can be highly toxic to the human body, causing muscle paralysis due to the disruption of acetylcholine secretion. Let's take a closer look.
Botox, the muscle-paralyzing neurotoxin Scientific studies published in journals such as the Journal of Neuroscience have shown that injections of botulinum toxin lead to significant disruptions in the functioning of healthy muscles. Researchers have found that paralyzed muscles contract and atrophy instead of returning to their normal state after the toxin's effects wear off, as previously believed. There is a substantial body of research confirming this hypothesis.
Among the complications identified in a literature review conducted by Omprakash et al., dysphagia, botulism, and breathing problems resulting from the potential spread of the drug in the body were found. Ward et al. indicated that injections of botulinum toxin lead to a decrease in contractile function in the injected muscle, contributing to asthenia and muscle weakness, which have been confirmed by numerous clinical studies.
Authors Varghese-Kroll E, Elovic EP confirmed the thesis that one of the most common severe side effects of botulinum toxin is muscle weakness. This can affect both the injected muscles and adjacent muscles or manifest as general muscle weakness. This broad range of symptoms related to muscle weakness or paralysis, dysarthria, dysphonia, dysphagia, and ultimately respiratory arrest is known as botulism. It depends on the dosage and results from the diffusion of botulinum toxin from the injected muscles to neighboring muscles. Interestingly, botulism poisoning can occur even several years after continued injections. The toxic effects of botulinum toxin usually appear at the 10th or 11th injection after previous uncomplicated injections. Clinical symptoms of botulism occur from 0 to 36 days after injection, mainly between the 2nd and 6th day.
Allergic reactions, visual disturbances, and other side effects Another independent study published by Advances in Dermatology and Allergology in 2020 by Witmanowski H, Błochowiak K, not only identified serious side effects following the use of botulinum toxin, including dysphagia and muscle weakness but also allergic reactions. These symptoms include a wide range from swelling, localized erythema or redness at the injection site, extensive erythema, systemic urticaria, to anaphylactic shock. Authors Roy D and Sadick NS confirmed the link between the absorption of small amounts of botulinum toxin into the bloodstream and its systemic effects. In addition to the general mechanism of diffusion, another source of serious side effects is anaphylactic shock due to the chemical structure of the toxin, causing hypersensitivity. Repeated injections may increase pathological innervation, leading to exacerbation of local symptoms and ultimately muscle fibrosis.
Researchers have also confirmed the likelihood of side effects within or around the eye, such as visual disturbances, accommodation difficulties, retinal detachment, and corneal irritation. The mechanism by which botulinum toxin injections cause adverse effects within the visual system most likely results from the blockade of acetylcholine at the parasympathetic nerve endings due to systemic diffusion.
Finally, researchers Hristova AH, Joseph LN, Sathe SA, and others have shown that botulinum toxin may be capable of crossing vascular walls. Experimental studies have confirmed the existence of botulinum toxin receptors in the central nervous system and the fact that even a small amount of botulinum toxin can cross the blood-brain barrier. The diffusion of botulinum toxin into opposing muscles and the risk of accidental intravenous delivery when injecting into a muscle have also been observed.
Source: Compilation of scientific studies on botulinum toxin available in scientific literature prepared by Smart Aging Clinic.
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Botox Under the Scrutiny of Scientists

"The #UNBOTOXED idea is about embracing imperfect naturalness - something that is unforced, authentic, and unique. It takes courage to be unconventional and free in our choices, regardless of the voices coming from our surroundings.
 Unfortunately, in today's world full of botox and fillers, naturalness has lost its original, pristine meaning. It has become artificial, altered and flawless - in short, fake. We have lost it somewhere along the way to an ideal, retouched world without weaknesses.
 I believe that the essence of our lives lies in following our own path, according to our own unique signposts, with the courage to be different and make autonomous decisions. This is the only way we have a chance to remain ourselves.
The #UNBOTOXED idea is a call to fight for this true naturalness, and I hope that by standing up for it together we can recover it".
Klaudia Witczak, the creator of the #UNBOTOXED idea and founder of Smart Aging Clinic.

Why did I create #UNBOTOXED? 

In an interview for Vogue magazine, the founder of Smart Aging Clinic, Klaudia Witczak, says: "The #UNBOTOXED idea comes from the fact that I don't like to impose on others how they should look. Our facial features are our story, and only we should decide whether we want to change them&rdquo;.
 The slogan Stay #UNBOTOXED is meant to encourage replacing quick, invasive, and often complication-prone solutions with safer alternatives, and to encourage people to maintain their own individuality. Instead of botox and fillers, the clinic offers signature solutions that help maintain a beautiful and healthy skin appearance for years to come.
Skin workout instead of botox and fillers
Smart Aging Clinic encourages regular skin workout, which involves systematic training of the skin using non-invasive laser boosters. The aim is to teach the skin the process of autoregeneration and to remember this habit so that it ages slower and more gracefully. Klaudia Witczak compares this process to muscle training at the gym and emphasizes that regularity is key, just like in muscle training.
Smart Aging Clinic focuses on using professional tools and bio-compatible products in the right hands to stimulate the skin's repair processes without interfering with the facial features. &bdquo;We have abandoned quick and dangerous solutions in favor of smart and systematic skin care in line with the Smart Aging philosophy, as modern medicine now fully enables us to do so", says Klaudia Witczak.
<img src="https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/smart-aging-unbotoxed.appspot.com/o/images%2F1677845583587.jpeg?alt=media" alt="" width="1500" height="1000">
 You are OK!
Smart Aging Clinic isn't afraid to break the norms and spreads the idea that wrinkles are OK, taking a clear stance in the discussion on current beauty standards and the fight against aging. It emphasizes the importance of cultivating kindness towards oneself and calls for the protection of our individuality, which makes us unique.
"Stay #UNBOTOXED is an encouragement to engage in social discussion about the role of self-acceptance in a world dominated by pressure to look perfect, and is also a strong voice of support for all self-development methods that strengthen this self-acceptance, contributing to a healthier and more autonomous life, regardless of external opinions", says Klaudia Witczak.
 Your skin &ndash; your decision
The Stay #UNBOTOXED campaign calls on doctors to educate their aesthetic medicine clients about the products they use, and encourages clinic customers to boldly set boundaries when making decisions about their appearance.
 "We can only explain what modern regenerative medicine is and that quick and short-term methods of improving ourselves or others are often a dangerous and addictive path to nowhere. However, we do not have the right to impose such a decision on anyone - ultimately, we ourselves decide which path we want to take", adds Klaudia Witczak.
No matter what we decide, it's worth making this decision independently, without the pressure of social media, the environment, or finally - the doctor, carefully verifying the products or devices used, because our skin belongs to us.

Stay #UNBOTOXED. Your face, your right to say STOP

Dr Pamela Sahawneh
"I work in accordance with the #UNBOTOXED&nbsp; idea because it is important for me to maintain facial expressions and express emotions freely. I am against correcting the appearance &nbsp;using synthetic substances. If you want to avoid the use of synthetic substances, ask your doctor for the exact composition of the product. Your skin belongs to you - you have the right to decide".
Dr Ada Nowatorska &ndash; Bourget&nbsp;
"I am a supporter of the #UNBOTOXED idea created by Smart Aging Clinic because I value naturalness. As a doctor, I know that botulinum toxin and fillers are associated with complications and are only temporary solutions. I believe in regular skin workout".
Dr Edyta Lech &ndash; Kasprowicz&nbsp;
"Aging is a natural process of the body that cannot be avoided. As a doctor, I am convinced that to look good, one does not need to interfere with facial features using botulinum toxin or fillers. Let's age with dignity. Let's take preventive care of our skin before it gets damaged, while also thoroughly verifying the products or devices our doctors use. Our appearance is our decision. Let others not make it for us".
Dr Ewelina Gulas
"I support the #UNBOTOXED idea initiated by Smart Aging Clinic because in my daily work, I do not use botulinum toxin, synthetic filling substances such as L-polylactic acid, calcium hydroxyapatite, or cross-linked hyaluronic acid. I am a supporter of natural stimulation of the skin's self-renewal, as I know that modern regenerative medicine fully enables us to do so".
Dr Mirella Ziomek
&nbsp;" I chose the Smart Aging Clinic because it is the only aesthetic medicine clinic in Poland that does not offer its clients botulinum toxin and synthetic fillers. Our motto is unenhanced naturalness, and the entire team of doctors is faithful to this idea. By creating treatment plans based on skin autoregeneration, we have become an alternative for those who want to take care of themselves but do not want to undergo enhancements".<img src="https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/smart-aging-unbotoxed.appspot.com/o/images%2F1678009795291.jpeg?alt=media" alt="" width="1500" height="1023">

#Unbotoxed