INTERVIEW Monika Tutak-Goll November 12, 2024
People often think that getting Botox will lead to a better life. That looking better equals a better partner, a better job. But no, Botox is not a guarantee of a better life. It never will be. A conversation with Klaudia Witczak, the creator of the #Unbotoxed movement.
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Monika Tutak-Goll: &ldquo;The real &lsquo;me&rsquo; is authenticity. I am not a puzzle of others&rsquo; imaginations. Every imperfection on my face represents my identity. In a world full of copies, let&rsquo;s dare to be unique,&rdquo; say the protagonists of the film Exceptionalin the social campaign Beauty is not copy-paste that you initiated.
Klaudia Witczak: &ndash; For the film, we invited extraordinary people&mdash;those who&rsquo;ve turned their unique physical traits into strengths. These individuals, despite standing out, aren&rsquo;t afraid of judgment and boldly proclaim: &ldquo;Enough with uniform beauty standards. Enough with identical faces. We are different, and that makes us special.&rdquo;
They&rsquo;re also unafraid to show their bodies&mdash;beautiful but outside the beauty norms familiar to us from social media. Ola proudly displays her birthmarks, Marysia her gap teeth and a wild mane of red curls, while Łukasz reveals his porcelain-like delicate skin. They show us that giving in to the pressure of beauty standards isn&rsquo;t worth it.
&ndash; Because it&rsquo;s not. The pressure to conform to beauty standards is madness&mdash;unfortunately omnipresent. With this campaign, we wanted to encourage people to think and say out loud that everyone has the right to be authentic, to fight for their identity&mdash;something many lose in the process of trying to please others or fit in. I dream of a world where appearance is no longer the ticket to a better life. Health and psychophysical well-being should be our priorities, not perfectly filled lips or Botox-smooth foreheads.
You speak about the pressure of beauty, but you were once an investor in an aesthetic medicine clinic where Botox and fillers were administered. &ndash; And I saw younger and younger girls coming in for Botox. Some were gifted lip-enhancement treatments for their 18th birthdays. Each such case lit up another red flag in my mind. Why were they doing this? Why do women, teenagers, even young girls, dislike their appearance so much? What makes them want to look the same?
That&rsquo;s why I decided to make a change, knowing full well it wouldn&rsquo;t be easy.
Are you waging a war against Botox? &ndash; I wouldn&rsquo;t call it that. In fact, I think the word &ldquo;war&rdquo; is counterproductive&mdash;not just in business but in general. War has negative connotations; it creates conflict and shuts down dialogue. I&rsquo;m not fighting Botox, nor am I judging those who use it&mdash;that&rsquo;s their personal choice. I just want to raise awareness that there are healthy alternatives.
For now, we&rsquo;re the only place in Poland that has consistently eliminated such treatments. &ldquo;Revolution&rdquo; is a better word than &ldquo;war&rdquo;; it signifies that something new is coming. I hope others will slowly start to follow us.
Once, after a dermatologist appointment, I was told, &ldquo;You should enlarge your upper lip&mdash;it would make your mouth fuller.&rdquo; I was stunned. Why should I have bigger lips? I&rsquo;d always thought they suited me, but I went home and started examining myself. The doctor&rsquo;s words echoed, and I thought, &ldquo;Maybe my upper lip really isn&rsquo;t okay?&rdquo;
&ndash; That doctor crossed a line. I experienced something similar years ago when Botox was injected into my nose and forehead. It was a minimal dose, but I still felt like my expressions were frozen. I didn&rsquo;t feel like myself. My nose was supposed to be &ldquo;perfect.&rdquo; But what does that even mean? Whose definition of &ldquo;perfect&rdquo; are we using? That&rsquo;s when I realized: I like my nose because it&rsquo;s unique. It makes me memorable. With the supposedly &ldquo;perfect&rdquo; version, it felt like someone had stripped away part of my identity.
So why did you get involved in aesthetic medicine? &ndash; My journey began when I sat on the supervisory board of a clinic my partner and I had invested in. I observed how the industry worked, what treatments clients chose most often, and why they sought them out. Unfortunately, my observations revealed that many came in thinking, &ldquo;I&rsquo;m doing this because I don&rsquo;t feel okay with myself.&rdquo;
A lack of self-esteem and difficulty accepting the aging process often drove people to choose invasive methods. After a few years, I made a radical decision: we&rsquo;d abandon Botox and fillers entirely and focus solely on biocompatible regenerative medicine.
Unsurprisingly, we lost most of our clients and many doctors who didn&rsquo;t want to take this path. They simply lacked the courage.
Why not give up the clinic altogether? As an entrepreneur, you could have started something new. &ndash; I could have, but first, I have a rebellious streak and enjoy blazing trails others are hesitant to follow. Second, I believe aesthetic medicine has gone too far, and there&rsquo;s significant social change needed here. I had a profitable business but gave it up overnight. I decided to rebuild it on my terms.
It brings me satisfaction that money can&rsquo;t buy because my work is rooted in the values I believe in.
What&rsquo;s the goal of #Unbotoxed? &ndash; It&rsquo;s a manifesto for health&mdash;like wearing a t-shirt that says #don&rsquo;t drink or #don&rsquo;t smoke. We offer healthy alternatives to Botox and fillers because modern regenerative medicine allows us to do so. Sadly, people often wrongly assume that Botox will lead to a better life.
That looking better means a better partner, better job. But Botox is not a guarantee of happiness. If someone chooses unhealthy, fast-food-like solutions, that&rsquo;s their decision, and I have no right to judge.
What does aging mean to you? &ndash; I recently asked my mom, who&rsquo;s in her seventies: &ldquo;Mom, was there ever a moment when you noticed yourself aging and felt bad about it?&rdquo; She replied, &ldquo;No, I&rsquo;ve made peace with the fact that this is just how life flows.&rdquo;
Her beauty comes from her positive outlook on life. She still has the youthful joy and curiosity that inspire others. To me, that&rsquo;s what aging represents. Perhaps that&rsquo;s why it doesn&rsquo;t scare me or feel like a problem.
But not everyone has had such healthy role models. The pressure to look perfect has become a new corset society forces us into. The standards are so suffocating that we can hardly breathe. I want us to stop judging women for their wrinkles, their aging bodies, their gray hair. To let us&mdash;and ourselves&mdash;off the hook.
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Klaudia Witczak &ndash; Entrepreneur, founder of Smart Aging Clinic, creator of the #Unbotoxed movement, host of the Unbotalks &ndash; Conversations Without a Corset podcast, and the Beauty is not copy-paste campaign. She holds a degree in Applied Linguistics from Adam Mickiewicz University and is a graduate of the Academy of Leadership Psychology at the Warsaw School of Business.
This text is from <a href="https://www.wysokieobcasy.pl/wysokie-obcasy/7,171094,31450621,widzialam-coraz-mlodsze-dziewczyny-ktore-przychodzily-na-botoks.html">Wysokie Obcasy Extra </a>magazine, issue 12(150)/2024, on sale November 14. Editor-in-chief: Monika Tutak-Goll

Interview by Klaudia Witczak for “High Heels” magazine

The guest of the upcoming episode of Klaudia Witczak&rsquo;s podcast UNBOTALKS: Unfiltered Conversations is Angelika Wierzbicka, a model and friend of Smart Aging Clinic who actively champions the <a class="yt-core-attributed-string__link yt-core-attributed-string__link--call-to-action-color" tabindex="0" href="https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/unbotoxed" target="">#UNBOTOXED</a> movement. 
How did she embark on her modeling career? And what challenges come with pursuing this path? Is it possible to build a successful career in the fashion industry today while staying true to authenticity? What does her skincare routine look like, and why has she consciously chosen to avoid invasive procedures and &ldquo;fast-food&rdquo; solutions like Botox and fillers? 
We highly recommend tuning in for the full conversation.
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Learn more about Smart Aging Clinic - https://smartagingclinic.com/contact &nbsp;
#smartagingclinic #unbotalks #beautyisnotcopypaste

UNBOTALKS podcast new episode

In this episode of the podcast UNBOTALKS: Unfiltered Conversations, Klaudia Witczak, founder of Smart Aging Clinic, welcomes Witold Pyrkosz, the creator of the Manual Therapy Studio and Training Academy Pan Kobido.
The conversation delves into the art of communicating with the body through touch, specifically focusing on the unique Kobido Up facial massage and the messages that tissues convey during treatment. It explores the importance of respecting the body and its tissues, the concept of "good pain" that helps release traumas, and the impact of introducing foreign substances like Botox, fillers, or lifting threads&mdash;substances that can remain "locked" in the tissues for years.
Witold highlights his aversion to phrases like "anti-aging," "fighting against time," and "fighting wrinkles." The philosophy of Pan Kobido Studio aligns closely with that of Smart Aging Clinic, where the focus is on skin regeneration using only biocompatible solutions. Be sure to watch and listen!
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UNBOTALKS season 2

We invite you to listen to the new episode of the UNBOTALKS podcast, hosted by Klaudia Witczak, the founder of Smart Aging Clinic.
&nbsp;In this episode, we are pleased to welcome Jarek Szulski, the director of Artes Liberales High School.
We will discuss many important topics related to education and youth development. This conversation is particularly valuable for parents of teenagers, but everyone will find something interesting in it.
We warmly invite you to tune in!
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UNBOTALKS season 2 podcast

In this episode of our podcast UNBOTALKS The Unique Ones, Klaudia Witczak, the founder of Smart Aging Clinic, hosts a special guest: Łukasz Bogusławski. Łukasz is a model, finalist of the 9th edition of "Top Model," mental health advocate, and author of the poetry collection 110299.
Łukasz candidly shares that without authenticity, his online presence would be meaningless. He confesses that despite overcoming many challenges and working on himself extensively, he still grapples with the desire to be liked by everyone. He acknowledges, however, that this is an unrealistic expectation&mdash;we can't all be universally loved like tomato soup...
Łukasz is also one of the ambassadors for Smart Aging Clinic's social campaign The Unique Ones, which is geared towards young people. His distinctiveness&mdash;nonconformist, striking appearance, and poetic sensitivity&mdash;makes him a perfect example of the value of authenticity, even when the journey is tough.
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Season 2 of the podcast - UNBOTALKS  The Unique Ones

Is what is different beautiful? Does uniqueness have value? Smart Aging Clinic is launching a new edition of the social campaign "Beauty is not copy-paste." The goal of this initiative is to draw attention to the issue of negative self-perception among young people and to encourage them to develop self-awareness and take care of their mental and physical health.
A significant problem among young people is the lack of acceptance, the feeling of shame for not being enough, and thus the willingness to overstep their own boundaries to earn someone's acceptance or belong to a group.
According to the Unaweza Foundation report "Young Minds: Opening Up About Mental Health," published in 2023, 31.6%, or 1 in 3 young people, do not like themselves. One-third of students judge themselves based on their physical appearance, 29.3% regularly act against their own will to be accepted by others, and in 42.6% of cases, peer bullying is related to physical appearance.
"The pressure created by social media has a huge impact on the level of self-acceptance and identity among youth, young adults, and even mature individuals. We want this problem to be thoroughly addressed," says Klaudia Witczak, founder of Smart Aging Clinic.
Another issue is the lack of adequate education and support in this area, as well as the lack of dialogue between psychologists, psychotherapists, educators, caregivers, and doctors of various specialties. As a result, very young people increasingly resort to "quick" ways to improve their mood, such as "enhancing" their appearance.
"The results of the report are only part of a much broader picture showing the current state of mental health among young people, highlighting their problems with identity, self-acceptance, and building self-confidence. Through the 'Beauty is not copy-paste' campaign, we want to not only speak out loudly about this but also take action to ensure that these sad statistics become a thing of the past, not the future, for young people," adds Klaudia Witczak.
The protagonists of the film promoting the new edition of the social campaign "Beauty is not copy-paste" are three unique young individuals: Aleksandra Poślada, Karolina Maria P&oacute;łtoraczyk, and Łukasz Bogusławski. They were given complete freedom to express their opinions on this important issue for all of us. This production is a platform where they have a VOICE, showcasing through their own examples how important self-acceptance and embracing one's uniqueness are. "The real Me is authenticity," says one of the protagonists.
We invite you to watch the film "Unique" - a story created by young people for young people, which serves as a strong appeal for necessary social change. The partner of the social campaign is KINOTEKA.
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"Unique" Social Campaign

<h3>&nbsp;</h3>
<h3>Everyday, both online and offline, we surround ourselves with people and information that match our beliefs and preferences, giving us a sense of cognitive comfort. However, this seemingly personalized reality, though convenient, often confines us to narrow thematic areas, making it difficult for us to access diverse perspectives.</h3>
Climate change, norms of normality and health, pressure regarding appearance, social ethics, capital and redistribution, education and science, (over)production and (over)consumption of goods &ndash; these are topics that often become polarized and misinformed. Internal and external filters suggest content that aligns with our preferences, ignoring alternative options, which distorts our perception of reality.
How aware are we of our information bubbles? Is it possible to step out of them and seek a broader spectrum of facts and viewpoints? Is it worth believing everything that comes our way?
Reflection on this phenomenon is the theme of one of the exhibitions at this year's Gdynia Design Days. Ewelina Antonowicz and Eliza Gawrjołek from Fashion Revolution Poland, together with us &nbsp;Smart Aging Clinic and Snapwear, seek answers to questions about how to make the information that shapes our perception of the world and daily choices truly our own. How can we distinguish facts from opinions?
&ldquo;Information Bubble&rdquo; is more than just an installation &ndash; it&rsquo;s a participatory experience that encourages critical thinking and active engagement. Through exploring the exhibition space, visitors are invited to verify, share, and expose various sources of knowledge and narratives about the world, consumer habits, beauty, and authenticity. This interaction is key to breaking down invisible barriers, opening up to a more comprehensive view of our surroundings, making informed decisions, and collectively building a more sustainable future.
Details:
Dates: June 22&ndash;30, 202
Location: Riviera Center, ground floor, entrance from SKM Wzg&oacute;rze św. Maksymiliana,
 Exhibition open during Riviera Center hours More information: Gdynia Design Days
Accompanying Events:
<ul>
<li>Lecture: On-Demand Production &ndash; Information and Innovation as Ways to Escape the Excess Bubble - June 24, 2024, 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM</li>
<li>Lecture: How Was My Clothing Made? From Greenwashing to Critical Thinking in the Fashion Industry - June 27, 2024, 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM</li>
</ul>

Interactive installation - Information bubble as part of Gdynia Design Days 2024

We are launching the second season of the UNBOTALKS podcast - The Unique Ones, with a compelling conversation between Klaudia Witczak, founder of the Smart Aging Clinic, and Zuzanna Krzątała, a model, activist, and Sustainability Manager at Vogue Poland.
Join us as we delve into the widespread issue of objectification in today's society, the quest for truth, and the importance of being aware of what truly benefits us. Understanding our needs is a complex matter, often requiring a long and introspective journey. We also explore how to address feelings of emptiness.
Our discussion covers the pervasive judgment in the fashion and beauty industries, as well as on social media, and highlights the importance of replacing judgment with care and compassion.
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Learn more about Smart Aging Clinic - https://smartagingclinic.com/contact &nbsp;
 #smartagingclinic #unbotalks #beautyisnotcopypaste

Season 2 of the podcast 

This is the third and final episode of the triptych on beauty, youth, and wealth in the UNBOTALKS, Unfiltered Conversations podcast.
Klaudia Witczak, the founder of the Smart Aging Clinic for regenerative medicine, once again engages in conversation with Dariusz Duma, a philosopher, entrepreneur, and business coach. Is poverty or wealth determined solely by the contents of one's wallet? Isn't our greatest wealth actually time and the ability to decide how and with whom we spend it? What truly enriches us and what cannot be quantified in money? Be sure to listen to this inspiring conversation.&nbsp;
We also encourage you to check out the two previous podcast episodes featuring Dariusz Duma.
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Learn more about Smart Aging Clinic - https://smartagingclinic.com/contact &nbsp;
 #smartagingclinic #unbotalks #beautyisnotcopypaste

Third episode of conversation with Dariusz Duma

It is the second episode of the podcast 'UNBOTALKS Unfiltered Conversations' in which Klaudia Witczak, founder of Smart Aging Clinic, engages with Dariusz Duma, philosopher, entrepreneur, and business coach.
Together, they delve into topics like the cult of youth, the nature of impermanence, and the crucial role of ethics in the practices of experts across various fields, particularly those in aesthetic medicine and longevity sectors, including aesthetic medicine doctors.
We invite you to explore the universal dreams of beauty, youth, and wealth, and to consider the ethical standards necessary for those who pledge to help achieve these dreams.
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Learn more about Smart Aging Clinic - https://smartagingclinic.com/contact &nbsp; #smartagingclinic #unbotalks #beautyisnotcopypaste

Another episode of the conversation with Dariusz Duma 

We are excited to launch the second season of "UNBOTALKS, Unfiltered Conversations&rdquo; with a compelling dialogue between Klaudia Witczak, the visionary founder of Smart Aging Clinic, and Dariusz Duma, a renowned philosopher, entrepreneur, and business coach. This episode delves into intriguing questions: How does today's society understand and value beauty compared to the ancient philosophers?
How can the timeless beauty found in classical art and literature enrich our modern lives and perspectives? Dariusz Duma offers profound insights into the importance of philosophy in fostering meaningful conversations, his lifelong curiosity about the world, and his approach to recognizing and appreciating beauty in the mundane.
This conversation is more than an interview&mdash;it's an exploratory journey that reveals beauty as a fundamental, deeply ingrained aspect of human existence.
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Learn more about Smart Aging Clinic - https://smartagingclinic.com/contact &nbsp; #smartagingclinic #unbotalks #beautyisnotcopypaste

Second season of the podcast 

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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<iframe title="YouTube video player" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0pWRB41ztns?si=_4F9v7ZxygdPOpaU" width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>
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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">