Biohacking Beauty: The Anti-Aging Skincare Podcast

Episode: The TRUTH About Botox They Don't Want You To Know
Host: Amitai
Guest: Anastasia Hojaeva, Co-Founder of Young Goose
Release Date: March 12, 2025

Introduction and Episode Overview

In this compelling episode of Biohacking Beauty, host Amitai welcomes back a significant figure in the anti-aging skincare community, Anastasia Hojaeva, co-founder of Young Goose. The focus of the episode is to unravel the truths about Botox—its benefits, drawbacks, and viable alternatives that promote youthful skin without invasive procedures.

Why Focus on Botox Alternatives?

Anastasia Hojaeva [00:31]:
"I have been getting multiple comments, whether if I'm in my early 20s. I'm 35, for the record. But yeah, so then comments of, you know, my skin just looking good because it's with Botox and fillers. So I thought, you know, it's about the time to address all of that and just honestly, you know, have nothing to hide."

Anastasia highlights the polarized opinions surrounding Botox. On one side, there's a staunch group that staunchly supports Botox as the go-to solution for maintaining youthful skin. On the other, a fervent faction views Botox as toxic and seeks natural alternatives. The podcast aims to bridge the gap by addressing the middle ground—listeners who may have used Botox and are now contemplating discontinuing it, or those seeking alternatives as they approach their mid-30s and beyond.

Anastasia’s Personal Journey with Botox

The conversation delves into Anastasia's firsthand experience with Botox, providing listeners with an authentic perspective.

Anastasia Hojaeva [05:53]:
"So have I ever done Botox? Yes. Yes. And I have never hit it. So how did I arrive at that point?"

Turning 30, Anastasia found herself the last among her friends and colleagues to consider Botox. Despite countless unsolicited suggestions from both friends and professionals to adopt Botox as a preventative measure against aging, Anastasia felt no immediate need. Her lack of deep facial lines and her active facial expressions meant Botox wasn't necessary for her unique skin.

However, her journey took a turn when she began experiencing severe TMJ (temporomandibular joint) issues, leading to chronic jaw pain and debilitating migraines. Botox was recommended as a solution for both her TMJ and migraine relief.

Amitai [07:47]:
"Maybe say what TMJ is for the one person here listening to this, no offense."

Anastasia Hojaeva [07:53]:
"I have, like, really severe jaw pain. So basically my jaws. You know, like, there is an issue where it happens to people that grind their teeth or just in my particular situation, it's just... I have very tense muscles, my jaw muscles. And I experience a lot of pain."

Despite the interventions, including Botox injections into her forehead, jaw, and temples, Anastasia found minimal relief. The treatments failed to alleviate her TMJ pain and did not address her gummy smile effectively. Additionally, she experienced unintended cosmetic effects, such as eyebrows appearing unnaturally high.

Anastasia Hojaeva [12:40]:
"They told me that I am one of like what, 5% of the population or something like that, that I just metabolize Botox really fast."

Her experience underscores that Botox isn't a one-size-fits-all solution and may not yield the desired results for everyone.

Understanding Botox and Its Implications

Amitai steers the conversation towards a deeper understanding of how Botox works and its potential long-term effects.

Amitai [16:31]:
"Yeah, so essentially, Botox paralyzes your muscles. So you block nerve signals to your muscles to contract."

Anastasia Hojaeva [17:03]:
"In her case, it did migrate to her lymphatic system and she got like Botox poisoning. So she got physical effects as well as mental effects. So it manifested like itself in anxiety."
(Referring to Jamie McGuire's adverse reaction)

Amitai [17:12]:
"First you mentioned muscle atrophy. Right. Another one might be the migration of Botox to your lymphatic system, for example."

They discuss the rare but serious side effects of Botox, including muscle atrophy and migration to the lymphatic system, leading to symptoms like anxiety and flu-like feelings. Anastasia emphasizes that while these side effects are uncommon, they are significant and warrant consideration.

Anastasia Hojaeva [19:48]:
"Botox is being recommended as a preventative measure all the time. Maybe somebody is listening and there is this one person that hasn't been recommended Botox as a preventative measure. I just want to say, what's the justification for it?"

Amitai expands on this by highlighting the structural changes Botox can cause over time. While Botox can effectively reduce wrinkles by paralyzing specific muscles, it can also alter the natural facial structure, potentially leading to an unnatural appearance.

Amitai [16:38]:
"When we talk about lymphatic drainage or the lymphatic system that relies on muscles contracting, we will actually exacerbate other parts of skin aging which are comparable."

Topical Alternatives: Peptides and More

Transitioning from Botox, the discussion shifts to topical alternatives that can offer anti-aging benefits without the invasive nature of injections.

Amitai [31:10]:
"Having said that, there are peptides that function similarly to how Botox."

Anastasia Hojaeva [31:37]:
"The most famous one will be the hexapeptide, a hexapeptide 8, which is also known as argirelline. There are SNAP8 peptides that have similar function structure and what they do, they relax muscles. Not paralyzing them, just, you know, very subtly, very gently relax them..."
(Reference to Snap8 being known as "Botox in a jar")

Peptides like GHK-Cu (copper peptide) and SNAP-8 are discussed for their abilities to stimulate collagen production, enhance skin barrier function, and provide anti-inflammatory benefits. While they cannot replicate the exact effects of Botox, these peptides offer a gentler, non-invasive approach to improving skin elasticity and reducing the appearance of wrinkles.

Amitai [31:24]:
"Let’s talk about neuropeptides. So maybe I'll have you kind of go through..."

Anastasia Hojaeva [33:01]:
"We incorporate SNAP8 in our eye care... that's going to give you the most of a lift and visual effect."

Despite their effectiveness, Amitai expresses skepticism about the overhyped marketing surrounding peptides, cautioning listeners not to expect miraculous results solely from these ingredients.

Amitai [34:23]:
"Even though we use it, it has its place. Just don't expect miracles, especially from peptides. They're not miracle makers."

Cellular Function and NAD Precursors

A significant portion of the episode delves into the role of cellular health in skin aging, with a particular focus on NAD (Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide) precursors.

Anastasia Hojaeva [34:39]:
"NAD is a molecule within our body. It's a precursor for ATP. And as we grow older, between the age 30 to 50, the amount of NAD circulating in our bodies go down by half... introducing NAD into the formulation raises two things: your skin cells have more energy to repair and regenerate, and it activates sirtuins, which are your repair genes."

NAD precursors play a crucial role in cellular energy production and the activation of repair genes (sirtuins). By replenishing NAD levels, these precursors support the skin's ability to repair damage, produce collagen effectively, and maintain overall skin vitality.

Amitai [36:23]:
"We published a study on showing that we can reduce basically we can have cells function 20 years younger. And that is one aspect of it. We showed how collagen genes function younger."

The integration of NAD precursors in skincare formulations represents a groundbreaking approach to cellular rejuvenation, offering a deeper, more holistic method of anti-aging compared to traditional Botox treatments.

Autophagy and the Elimination of Senescent Cells

The episode further explores the concept of autophagy— the body's mechanism for cleaning out damaged cells—and its significance in maintaining youthful skin.

Anastasia Hojaeva [39:04]:
"Autophagy... it eliminates bad cells, cells that are zombie cells, and ensures your skin renews itself properly. Without proper autophagy, senescent cells accumulate, leading to visible signs of aging like wrinkles, pigmentation, and dry patches."

Autophagy is essential for removing malfunctioning cells that contribute to skin aging. By enhancing autophagy, the skin can better eliminate these senescent cells, promoting a more youthful and resilient appearance.

Amitai [41:08]:
"Autophagy is like a good chimney. It not only helps by cleaning out the waste but also stokes the fire of repair."

This metaphor illustrates how autophagy not only removes cellular debris but also fosters an environment conducive to skin repair and regeneration.

Red Light Therapy and Its Role in a Botox-Free Routine

Red light therapy emerges as another alternative modality discussed in the episode. While it offers numerous benefits, Amitai and Anastasia emphasize that it should be complemented with other skincare nutrients for optimal results.

Anastasia Hojaeva [42:49]:
"Red light therapy is fantastic for longevity and wellness. I highly recommend it, but let's be real that sitting in front of red light alone won’t soften wrinkles immediately. It needs to be supported with biochemical nutrients."

Amitai [44:55]:
"We created a product called Ladder Light Activated DNA Repair Serum, which doubles the effects of red light therapy and in some cases has an effect that red light therapy alone would not have at all, which is reversing UV-induced DNA damage."

The integration of red light therapy with specialized serums can enhance its efficacy, addressing not only superficial signs of aging but also deeper cellular damage caused by factors like UV exposure.

Additional Alternatives: Facial Taping, Massage, and Professional Treatments

Anastasia shares her personal experiences with alternative treatments such as facial taping and massage, while Amitai mentions professional modalities like microneedling and peels.

Anastasia Hojaeva [47:22]:
"Facial taping is the closest thing you can get to temporary muscle relief that mimics the effects of Botox. I personally think it works and recommend it."

Amitai [50:28]:
"Professional treatments like microneedling and facials are essential for skin longevity. We recommend copper peptide peels, which provide the benefits of traditional peels without the adverse effects."

These practices support skin health by promoting lymphatic drainage, enhancing blood circulation, and stimulating cellular renewal, all of which contribute to a more youthful complexion.

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

The episode concludes with a balanced perspective on Botox and its alternatives. While Botox offers immediate and noticeable results, it comes with potential side effects and long-term implications that listeners should consider. On the other hand, natural alternatives demand consistency and commitment but provide sustainable and holistic benefits.

Amitai [53:03]:
"The major point of this discussion is the magic of Botox. The alternative would be habits and consistency at a much more demanding level... but that's all we have for today."

Anastasia Hojaeva [53:05]:
"Proper skincare and consistency will always result in better-looking skin out of anything else that we talked about."

The overarching message emphasizes that while Botox can be a part of a skincare regimen, integrating natural, consistent practices and using advanced skincare formulations can achieve and sustain youthful skin more healthily and responsibly.

Amitai [54:44]:
"Anyone listening, please leave your review, leave a comment, and within the comment, please mention the fact that you would want Anastasia on more episodes."

Anastasia and Amitai thank listeners for their time and encourage engagement, highlighting the importance of community feedback in shaping future discussions.

Key Takeaways

1. Botox is Not Universal: While effective for many, Botox doesn't work the same for everyone and can have unintended side effects.
2. Natural Alternatives Exist: Ingredients like peptides, especially SNAP-8 and GHK-Cu, offer gentler, non-invasive options for anti-aging.
3. Cellular Health is Crucial: NAD precursors and enhancing autophagy can significantly impact skin health by promoting cellular repair and eliminating damaged cells.
4. Holistic Approaches Yield Sustainable Results: Practices like red light therapy, facial taping, and professional treatments, when combined with proper skincare, contribute to long-term skin vitality.
5. Consistency Over Convenience: Natural alternatives require daily commitment but provide lasting benefits without the risks associated with invasive procedures.

Notable Quotes

• Anastasia Hojaeva [00:31]:
  "I have been getting multiple comments, whether if I'm in my early 20s. I'm 35, for the record. But yeah, so then comments of, you know, my skin just looking good because it's with Botox and fillers."

• Anastasia Hojaeva [05:53]:
  "So have I ever done Botox? Yes. Yes. And I have never hit it."

• Amitai [16:31]:
  "Botox blocks nerve signals to your muscles to contract."

• Amitai [31:10]:
  "Having said that, there are peptides that function similarly to how Botox."

• Anastasia Hojaeva [34:39]:
  "NAD is a molecule within our body. It's a precursor for ATP. And as we grow older, between the age 30 to 50, the amount of NAD circulating in our bodies go down by half."

• Amitai [41:08]:
  "Autophagy is like a good chimney. It not only helps by cleaning out the waste but also stokes the fire of repair."

• Amitai [53:03]:
  "The major point of this discussion is the magic of Botox. The alternative would be habits and consistency at a much more demanding level."

Final Remarks

This episode of Biohacking Beauty serves as an enlightening guide for those considering or currently using Botox, presenting viable alternatives that prioritize natural and cellular health. Through candid discussions and personal experiences, Amitai and Anastasia empower listeners to make informed decisions about their anti-aging strategies, emphasizing the importance of a holistic and consistent approach to skincare.

For more insights and transformative skincare solutions, listeners are encouraged to explore Young Goose's offerings and stay tuned for future episodes featuring experts like Anastasia Hojaeva.