The TRUTH About Botox They Don't Want You To Know

Summary

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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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."

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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."

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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."

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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.

Transcript

[Amitai]

Welcome to Biohacking Beauty Podcast. The podcast where we take longevity and anti aging and we translate it into things that would benefit your skin. Today we have an incredible episode because back on the podcast is the number one guest in my eyes, in many other people's eyes, Anastasia Hojaeva, my co founder in Yungus.

[Anastasia Hojaeva]

Thank you. Thank you for having me back. And I apologize, guys, I don't have much of my voice, but I haven't appeared for a really long time. And we just said, you know what, we're not going to delay it any further. So there you have it.

[Amitai]

For the record, I'm asking you to join the podcast, like, every. Every time.

[Anastasia Hojaeva]

I know, I know. And the day that I agreed and we scheduled everything made room for it. I wake up with no voice.

[Amitai]

Yeah. So today we, we actually have a sort of a personal journey type episode. That's why, like, I was pressuring Anastasia to, to come on, because we're going to be looking at. We're going to explore Botox alternatives and we're going to talk about your personal journey.

[Anastasia Hojaeva]

Yes. So as you guys might remember, we did record an episode on Botox Alternatives a while back, and we didn't touch on whether I do Botox or I don't. And.

[Amitai]

But I'll tell you who touched on it. Every comment on every post you were ever on.

[Anastasia Hojaeva]

Yes, yes. So I have been getting multiple comments, whether if I'm 15 or 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. So I'm here to be transparent.

[Amitai]

Okay, good. Let me. So before we start, maybe I want to ask you, like, why do you think we are making a podcast on it? Like, why? What are we seeing as far as, like, demand from people, Demand for, for answers as far as listeners, like, why would we make podcast about alternatives?

[Anastasia Hojaeva]

Yeah, so there is definitely a demand on Botox alternatives. And also I think as new data emerges, there are two camps and they're getting more and more polarized. So there are people that just believe that, you know, if someone is saying their skin, you know, someone's looking great, their skin looks great, there's no way they're not doing Botox. And, you know, they're just like die hard fans of Botox. And there is also a group that really thinks that it's such A, you know, extremely toxic thing, that they would never touch it. And they were really the pioneers of seeking alternatives. So there are these two polarized groups.

[Amitai]

Yeah.

[Anastasia Hojaeva]

But also I would say that our audience and our community is somewhere in between. A lot of them maybe have already done Botox and now are thinking, okay, can I go without it? You know, or they're getting into their mid-30s, 40s, whatever the age number is. And they, they always planned that by this age they'll start doing Botox because it's just such a common thing. And now they're like, do I really have to go the Botox route or is there alternative? So that's kind of like the. I think this is the crowd that we're most catering to in general. And this podcast would also hopefully be helpful.

[Amitai]

Yes, I, I do want to say a couple things, which is like, what is, what is this not about? It's not about Botox alternatives as far as different neurotoxins that are competing with Botox on your doctor's shelf. Because this is technically. When you say a Botox alternative, that's really what you should be talking about. Right. Like, we're really not talking about alternatives. We're talking about alternative approaches to looking more youthful.

[Anastasia Hojaeva]

That's right.

[Amitai]

Yeah.

[Anastasia Hojaeva]

We're not really talking about things like.

[Amitai]

Dysport, I don't know.

[Anastasia Hojaeva]

Yeah, we're not. Yeah. And we also are probably. I don't know where the conversation is going to take us, but most likely we will not talk about something that will 100% rival Botox. So give you the same exact result. What will be done.

[Amitai]

Yeah, completely different. We're not talking about other ways to freeze your muscles per se. We're looking at if your goal is to look more youthful and that is why you are considering Botox, or that's what you refer to when you're thinking about or talking about Botox. This is an alternative approach to that. That is, I think it's just a clickbaity type thing that we're doing where we're saying, like, Botox alternative.

[Anastasia Hojaeva]

Oh, this is how a lot of people refer to it.

[Amitai]

So it's important to understand. Yeah, 100%. I would say that our goal, I think it's important to say in Yungoos and this podcast is to emphasize or display ways to achieve more youthful looking skin, a healthier skin overall and a skin that functions and is biologically younger than your chronological age or the average way a skin functions at your age.

[Anastasia Hojaeva]

Yeah. Basically, we want your skin to look as Young as you feel, or even more.

[Amitai]

Maybe you feel old. No. Never mind. Anyway, let's start with your journey. I think it's a good jumping point, so maybe you should start with what was your first experience with Botox?

[Anastasia Hojaeva]

Yeah. So have I ever done Botox? Yes. Yes. And. And I have never hit it. So how did I arrive to that point? So I turned 30, and a lot of my girlfriends were already getting Botox in their mid-20s, and I was literally, yes, like the. The very last, in this case, woman standing, not getting Botox. And thankfully, you know, I felt like it. It's really that. Like, it doesn't have to happen. You know, for me, I wasn't. I didn't experience. And I want to be upfront about it. Everyone has different skin. I didn't have, like, deep lines or really, that's what Botox addresses when you have deep lines. And I didn't have them. So there was no pressure for me to do it. From the point that my skin looks like it was more so like the age, the number, like, okay, I hit my 30s. That's what women do in their 30s. Also, I've been getting a lot of unsolicited advice. At the time, you and I were a lot in the medical field, and so in the medical community, I've been getting a lot of unsolicited advice about the fact like, oh, you don't do Botox. You should really start doing it. This is preventative. Your skin looks good now, but if you watching this right now, I am very expressive person. Like, I make. I move a lot of my facial muscles. And so, yeah, I've been getting that advice. Like, you know, over time, it will accumulate. And you should start your preventative measures now. So now separate from that, from the fact that I already was thinking about, okay, when I hit 30, I'll go and do it. Also have been struggling with TMJ from my early 20s, and it was just progressively getting worse and worse and worse.

[Amitai]

Maybe say what TMJ is for the one person here listening to this, no offense, that. That doesn't know what it is.

[Anastasia Hojaeva]

Oh, I should say. Yeah, sure. So 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. In my particular situation, it's just.

[Amitai]

It's an annoying. Yes.

[Anastasia Hojaeva]

Is a produced physician.

[Amitai]

That's a real.

[Anastasia Hojaeva]

Yeah, but the. The way, you know, I deal with it on a daily basis, I just really have very tense muscles, my jaw muscles. And I experience a lot of pain.

[Amitai]

Yeah.

[Anastasia Hojaeva]

So I've been told that Botox can help with that and there are multiple other things that you can do Botox for. So. Also because of my tmj, I've been getting migraines and sometimes they were like, really debilitating. And at the time I was dealing with been accepted to medical school and prior to that I was studying for my mcat. Like, my TMJ just was like, there was so much stress.

[Amitai]

Yeah. One day you woke up and you could not open your mouth.

[Anastasia Hojaeva]

Yeah, that also happened. Like, my jaw just clenched really severely and I literally couldn't open my mouth. So I spent like a week of sipping through my, through a straw. Like, I could only get smoothies. I kept waiting for it to open up. So anyway, needless to say, it's been a thing and if now you're listening and you're thinking to recommend me some modalities, I'm always open to it. I'll just say that I tried everything and believe us, we're in this field for a while. I tried every single natural modality there is. I keep on getting feedback that I just have to get a surgery for my jaw. I'm not planning to do it yet, still hoping to find a solution, but. But there I was, I was in a chair getting Botox injected into my muscles, my jaw muscles. Now, I don't remember exactly how many syringes I paid for, but basically they were spread between my jaw and some for my skull because I was getting migraines. So at the end there was some left in the vial and the person was like, hey, you have some left. And it's like, you know, such a precious thing. You not going to just waste Botox. Right. Left in a syringe. How about we do it here and there? And they just like, you know, picked couple of spots on my face. Now again, I don't remember exactly how many units, you know, we planned for and what. But we tried Botox for my forehead. And while again, I wasn't bothered by any lines or anything on my forehead, there was one thing cosmetically that I was bothered by and gave in at that moment is injecting it over my upper lip because I have a very gummy smile. So when I smile, if I'm like really laughing, it's just like my gums are out there. Again, speaking of unsolicited advice, I've been approached by so many dentists offering me to get a surgery for that as well. You can have a surgery and you not going to have a gummy smile again. I just like, I don't have anything against people that go for surgeries. I salute you. I'm not like, I think brave enough for that. And also I just, if I can fix something naturally, I will always try that route first. So anyway, here I was, I got Botox in my forehead and my gummy smile as well as the muscles of my jaw. And here for the migraine on my temples. So I go home, follow the directions sheet and do you remember what happened afterwards?

[Amitai]

I remember it didn't work exactly.

[Anastasia Hojaeva]

So it just didn't work. So I go back to the place and they're like, oh, you must be metabolizing Botox really fast or we didn't give you enough dose. Let's try the theory. So they put extra. So nothing worked. Like my jaw, my pain, the TMG pain didn't decrease. I've been getting the same migraines had zero effect on my mat, on my gummy smile. And I felt like it worked on my forehead because I felt like my eyebrows are sitting on top of my eyelashes. I felt like it was pressing on my eyes. And I think the movement in my forehead did decrease. But that's it. Like the least, the thing that I was least concerned about, it felt like something is there. Definitely something is working. But the areas that I really wanted to treat with Botox didn't. So they, they gave me extra for the gummy smile and, and in my jaw and the temples and do you remember what's, what's next?

[Amitai]

Didn't work exactly.

[Anastasia Hojaeva]

So there, there you have it. They told me that I am one of like what, 5% of population or something like that, that I just metabolize Botox really fast.

[Amitai]

So that's metabolize Botox really fast and baked goods. I think these are the two things.

[Anastasia Hojaeva]

Yeah, really fast.

[Amitai]

Yeah.

[Anastasia Hojaeva]

Yeah. And you know, I don't know what it like, I don't know. At the time I felt like a little bit frustrated because I, I really was holding off of trying Botox for my TMJ as a last resort. And I like, I know a lot of people that it helped. And that's just to say that Botox can be a helpful modality. But yes, it didn't help for my pain, unfortunately, didn't help my gummy smile. I'm lucky you like it and my family like it and I just, you know, I'm 35 years old, still working on liking it myself.

[Amitai]

Got it. I love you and I love your smile. Thank you. I don't know why it sounded so mechanistic. I love you. I love your smile. I am supposed to say that. Anyway, so when you then used skincare, did you refer to it in your head as. Okay, I'm, you know, this is now a Botox alternative or, you know, or no.

[Anastasia Hojaeva]

So first of all, also just to like, speak a little bit about maybe like a societal, you know, situation around it. So I remember, like, in months, like during months after I got Botox, when I would tell someone, like, oh, I tried Botox. It was interesting that, you know, there were like, a lot of my girlfriends were like, oh, my God, you know, finally, there you go. And they would say things like, that's why your skin looks so good. And it's strange because, like, I've been getting, you know, compliments on my skin. Like, I don't want to, you know, sound arrogant or anything, but all my life, and suddenly it's attributed to Botox. But also there was like a camp of people that were like, why, why on earth would you get Botox when you, like skin, you know, looks good? And like, you just like, who were those.

[Amitai]

My mom, like, who were those people?

[Anastasia Hojaeva]

No, no, there were some friends, but funny enough, like, some friends and co workers, a lot of them weren't ladies. Yeah.

[Amitai]

Okay, got you. Interesting. So maybe we should discuss, I mean, your journey is.

[Anastasia Hojaeva]

What was the original question when I, When I was answering that? Do you remember? No, because you answered something and it started from afar and then I wanted to.

[Amitai]

No, I asked you if you were looking at Botox as a. Yeah, so.

[Anastasia Hojaeva]

Here, here's why I wanted to go back to the question. Because I also knew that the Botox is completely out of my system because, A, I could move my muscles back. Right. But also I was wary of, like, toxic load and what, you know, what it, like the muscle atrophy, that was the thing that, you know, was on my mind and most of more than anything else, the lymphatic drainage, like, I just know how the system works there and how important that is for your overall health but also for, you know, your facial skin health. So after I've. I received all of my muscles, you know, moving like, as well as they were, which for me, again, because it didn't really work for me. For me, it was like probably a month and a half later, two months for somebody that might be six months. So after I received, like, all of my muscles started working, working well again. I went and I got like a really proper deep facial massage. So Just to make sure that, you.

[Amitai]

Know, I want to stop you there.

[Anastasia Hojaeva]

Yeah.

[Amitai]

And I want to discuss for a second how Botox works. I think it would, you know, for those who.

[Anastasia Hojaeva]

Yeah, so Botox, I mean, there. Yeah. Not a very long answer. It paralyzes your muscles. So you.

[Amitai]

It works on, on facial muscles, blocks nerve signals to your muscles to contract. And I think it's important to understand, like when we talk about lymphatic drainage or the lymphatic system that relies on muscles contracting. So let's talk about like the downsides a little bit. Potential long term effects of Botox maybe.

[Anastasia Hojaeva]

Sure.

[Amitai]

First you mentioned muscle atrophy. Right. Another one might be the migration of Botox to your lymphatic system, for example.

[Anastasia Hojaeva]

Yeah. And shout out to Jamie.

[Amitai]

Shout out to Jamie McGuire.

[Anastasia Hojaeva]

Yeah. That has been vocal and she shared her story and you might know it. If you don't know it. You know, you can listen to some of the past podcasts that Amita and Jamie recorded. But 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. And what else was.

[Amitai]

Was that anxiety? I believe it was you. I mean, I think she had like flu like symptoms. Yes, that's we would mention also shout out Kim Kardashian. I think some of the Kardashians. Kim Candle.

[Anastasia Hojaeva]

Okay. I know you don't know their names, so you're doing really well.

[Amitai]

Stephanie. I don't know.

[Anastasia Hojaeva]

I don't know. So one of them had Claudia.

[Amitai]

I don't know who else is there. But anyway, they. One of them had some kind of Botox reaction.

[Anastasia Hojaeva]

Oh, that's right. I think I know what you're talking about. On the face. Right? Like they had like swollen or something.

[Amitai]

That's a good question. That is the, that I don't know already. But I think that also brought it into the forefront as far as communication. Communication about, you know, Botox and some adverse reactions.

[Anastasia Hojaeva]

But yeah, and I did want to. Just as we're talking about Botox side effects and migrating, I, I wanted to reiterate that when I was talking about me getting a proper facial massage, I specifically, you know, mentioned that after I gained all my muscle back. Because really you shouldn't. Like what happened with Jamie is that she used a gua sha after her Botox appointment, like shortly after, don't remember how long, how much time has passed, but it wasn't. Was shortly after. And she sort of Moved it. And you know, she's always had, it's her fault, but now you know what could happen because it could just move on its own. And actually there was another lady that I listened to recently, I don't remember her name, but she found herself really learning how to use facial tape because she also had adverse reactions to Botox. For her, she was showing she was having like allergic reaction on her body. She had almost like hives and bruises all over her body from, you know, receiving Botox in the face. And all of what we're talking about is unlikely. That's like none of my close friends that have been doing Botox continue to do Botox experienced any of that. So it's not a high likelihood, but it's something to consider.

[Amitai]

Yes. So I think one important thing that before we kind of move on from the, from the adverse effects of Botox, we need to talk about structural changes in the face. Because one of the things that give our face its structure and its muscles. Exactly. So not only the structure but also the appearance of a healthy, healthy functioning human being and one that has a correct genetic expression. It's kind of difficult to explain, but we have innately in our subconscious a, an ability to read. If someone is, you know, I really want to use very gentle terms but like genetically coherent if they're, if there, there, there are no like genetic mutations and things like that. And one of it is the facial function and structure, how the face move, how it's structured. And when we do something like Botox or fillers, sometimes those can alter, especially over time. And subconsciously we can't, we can actually pick up on that. So that's something I know most people don't talk about, but it is, it is there. So this is a little bit about, you know, the potential long term effects. I would also ask the question, does it really, you know, it is being marketed right now as a preventative measure. And let me tell you something even so, marketing wise, whether it's true or not, whether it is 100% true or 0% true, it would be marketed as that. Because when you can convince someone that you feel like is anyway going to do it when they're like 35, you're going to start to convince them, to convince them they need it when they're 25.

[Anastasia Hojaeva]

Yeah. And I think, I think every woman that's listening to this podcast now can relate. We've all gotten that notion that it's preventative and it can be from, you know, it's like you go to A dermatologist these days. I remember I had dermatitis, which bothered me. And you know, once we shared that, actually our very first product care really helped me to maintain that balance that was off. But I've been seeing dermatologist since my early 20s about that flare up. I have it, I still have it as it's dormant. It's contained now, but on my left side. And we tried different things, but here I am, came to the office about, you know, legit medical concern, skin concern, and I am being recommended Botox because I'm of a certain age. You know, I was like in my 20s and. And yes, it was marketed to me as a preventative tool by dermatologists. Also. If you were to go and, you know, to a med spot, that that could happen to you as well. You could come for just a facial, just, you know, clean facial and be recommended to get Botox. I'll tell you more. The same place that, you know, recommended me to put Botox, right, Like the leftover that I had from muscles into my forehead, whatever. They also recommended fillers. I never asked for fillers. Thank God I never got them. But. And now we have so much data about, you know, like really adverse effects. But yeah, you're just being recommended it as a preventative measure all the time. And maybe somebody is listening. And there is this one person that haven't been recommended Botox as a preventative measure. I just want to say, what's the justification for it is. And that's that since you're, you know, relaxing, paralyzing those muscles, they don't contract in the same place, so you don't create a wrinkle and therefore you'll just get it to, I guess, your 80s and be wrinkled less because you've never contracted the muscle in your forehead.

[Amitai]

And there is some truth to that, but the truth is you will. Your skin will age differently. So the reason that your skin ages is obviously basically unrepaired damage over time. If we move our face in a predictive manner, this is going to be more stark in some areas than in others. But your skin is going to age at the same rate if you didn't do anything else, obviously. And because we rely on muscle movement for anything from blood circulation to lymphatic drainage, we will actually exacerbate other parts of skin aging which are comparable. So our skin is definitely going to age differently, but it is going to age at least at the same rate if you do have Botox. Having said that, I think we're not completely Against Botox. Like, if people have Botox.

[Anastasia Hojaeva]

No, we are really not. And I will also, I won't mention the name, but there is a prominent, you know, influencer in the space. She talks about hormones and she has been very open about her skin transformation. You know, she shares, oh, here's how I used to look when my hormones were off. And here I am, I'm doing this protocol and, you know, it's like two or three years later since her wellness journey. And she looks incredible. Like, her skin used to be dull and dry and just like the, the pigmentation, you know, so many different signs of aging. And then you go to the comment section and she talks about all the things she does, which is proper nutrition, you know, physical fitness and supplementation. Right. Topicals. And all of the comments are like, it's Botox, Botox, Botox, Botox. And she's like, yes, I do get Botox, but Botox alone would never bring me from this to that. And this is exactly. Also, it kind of like goes back to that situation when I received it and everyone was like, oh, your skin looks so much better because you got Botox. Like, we just tend to attribute sometimes.

[Amitai]

Yeah. I have to say, though, I, I don't agree with the, maybe the kind of venomous comments, but I do think it's specifically, specifically, specifically, I agree with the message behind the comments. I don't think it's fair to. You don't have, like, you're, you don't have anything to compare it to. And I don't think it's fair to not mention it as one of the things that nobody is doing and that specific person did not mention it in their protocol. So, like, hey, one of the things that I do is bow.

[Anastasia Hojaeva]

Okay, okay, that's true.

[Amitai]

So.

[Anastasia Hojaeva]

No, okay, that's fair. You're right. I agree with you that she should have mentioned that she does get Botox, but I still want to insist that Botox would not help with dullness, dry skin and pigmentation.

[Amitai]

So definitely structure, facial structure, which has improved dramatically. Yeah, yeah, I agree. So let's go. Since we've poo pooed Botox for a while now, let's talk a little bit about alternatives that are like, topical alternatives.

[Anastasia Hojaeva]

Will we talk about people that do get Botox and what we recommend for them?

[Amitai]

Yes, yes, yes, we will. Even though, again, this podcast is more about alternatives, we can definitely talk about what we recommend.

[Anastasia Hojaeva]

I will just say one thing, is that if you're in a place where you don't want to let go of Botox pets completely fine. Right. And I will just say whenever you get your muscles, like your muscle starts the function of your muscle, you regain it and it works properly. Get a really good facial massage drain. So have, you know, the lymphatic fluid drained, have that muscle worked by a professional and yeah, yeah, I will be better off. And then you can go and get your nets products.

[Amitai]

Yes. And it feels to me like since we've started recommending this facial. Lymphatic. Facial lymphatic drainage, professional facial lymphatic drainage has become more popular. You know what I'm saying?

[Anastasia Hojaeva]

Yes, definitely. And I. And you, you just need to find the right person to do it because.

[Amitai]

Yeah, okay. Fantastic. Hey there.

[C]

This is Amitai, co founder and CEO of Young Goose and host of the Biohacking Beauty Podcast. I wanted to take a brief moment to share something really special with you, our dedicated listeners. At Young Goose. We've always been about more than just skincare. We are about cellular care. We believe in not just addressing the signs, but truly diving into the very source of skin aging. The reality is, as time goes on, our skin undergoes damage and this damage accumulates gradually, leading to those signs of aging we all see and know very well. But what if we could hit the rewind button? What if we could delve deep, not into the layers of the skin, but into the life sustaining mechanisms of our skin cells? That's exactly what we're doing at young OOCs. We're pioneering a renaissance in skincare by employing principles from regenerative medicine. By rejuvenating and restoring the cellular functions, our products aim to rewind time, gifting your skin a youthful, vibrant glow. And for our Biohacking Beauty listeners, we have a special treat. Head over to yonghoos.com right now and use the code PODCAST10 to get 10% off your first purchase. Discover the magic of truly transformative skincare. And hey, because we value our returning customers just as much, use podcast five on your subsequent purchases to get 5% off. And the best part, that this discount can be combined with subscriptions and our already discounted systems. So why wait? Dive deep into the realm of regenerative skincare with Young Goose and let your skin, skin. Thank you. Remember, it's not just skin care, it's cellular care. And now back to our conversation.

[Amitai]

So let's talk about, I mean, like top skincare ingredients that are, you know, they fall into the category of like, botox alternative. Yeah, First I want to talk about not the most effective thing, but probably the Most popular thing to. To talk about, which is neuropeptides and muscle relaxing ingredients. Well, let's even talk about peptides as a whole. Like GHKCU for example, is not a neuropeptide, but it is definitely alternative. So let's talk about GHKCU or copper peptide first. So ghkcu, copper peptide, we use this term interchangeably. But this is a peptide that basically stimulates collagen production, production hyaluronic acid production and is very important for like skin barrier and result resolving inflammation. So all of these things obviously create a healthier skin, but it will not rival Botox. It will not rival Botox. And again, actually there is, I would argue that peptides in general, when we talk about peptides not do it, are very difficult, are very overrated. They're just overrated.

[Anastasia Hojaeva]

Mm.

[Amitai]

Having said that, there are peptides that function similarly to how Botox.

[Anastasia Hojaeva]

And you were saying topical peptides.

[Amitai]

Topical peptides, yes. Obviously if you, if you inject peptides, it's something else actually. Ghkcu, copper peptide injected is magical.

[Anastasia Hojaeva]

Yeah. I just want to make sure that we don't leave any doubts or mis communication here.

[Amitai]

Let's talk about neuropeptides. So maybe I'll have you kind of go through.

[Anastasia Hojaeva]

Yeah, well, there, there are multiple peptides. 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. Can. And that sometimes may lead to a visual wrinkle relief. And it has been proclaimed to be the Botox in a jar.

[Amitai]

Yeah. Or in a bottle or whatever.

[Anastasia Hojaeva]

Yeah. For cosmetics formulations. So I think because you kind of like, you know, said, oh, there are like the least effective things, I think they have their place. And we incorporate snap8 in our eye care. And this is a product for anyone that's listening and using eye care. You can back me up on that. That leads to the most dramatic like change after a short period of time. Actually, this product has opened a lot of doors for us to like plastic surgeon offices, med spas, because really on the market, compared to any other eye cream that you might use. Yeah, that's the one that's going to give you the most of a lift and visual effect. And we have a lot of people that have told us like you can never change the formula.

[Amitai]

Yeah.

[Anastasia Hojaeva]

Because this One works so well, so it can work. And, and we always have our individual biochemistry. So I'm not saying it's going to do that magic for every single person, but we did something right. And Snap8 is, you know, and we.

[Amitai]

Use many neuropeptides in many products that we have shout out to you three daily using, you know, argire. Ellen, like you mentioned, I just.

[Anastasia Hojaeva]

Yeah, so I just think for.

[Amitai]

Yeah, I know this particular product gives.

[Anastasia Hojaeva]

The most, like, you can feel it. You can actually feel.

[Amitai]

I agree.

[Anastasia Hojaeva]

We apply the eye care. Some people feel, like, tingling, some people feel burning, some people feel cooling. That's the test at work.

[Amitai]

I agree. And I think they have their place. I'll tell you why me, as a contrarian, like, I have a problem with it. It's because it's become such a marketing term. Peptides, it's just overhyped. And that is why I feel like I'm against it. Even though we use it, it has its place. Just don't expect miracles, especially from peptides. They're not miracle makers. Talking about a miracle maker, though, NAD precursors, I think that is, if something has opened door for us, opened doors for us, it would be NAD precursors.

[Anastasia Hojaeva]

So, yeah, we opened the door of NAD precursors into the world.

[Amitai]

Yeah. So it's us who opened the door. But let's talk about NAD and like, you know, cellular function, fibroblasts, like, what's going on there, that would fall into that category of things that we. That improve the way our skin look.

[Anastasia Hojaeva]

Yeah.

[Amitai]

Can replace Botox for those who don't want to use it.

[Anastasia Hojaeva]

Yeah. So for some of you listening that don't know what NAD is, you know, it's a molecule within our body. It's a precursor for ATP. And if suddenly you don't have it in your body, you just die in 10 seconds. So it's pretty vital. And as we grow older, between the age 30 to 50, the amount of NAD circulating in our bodies go down by half. So as you earlier alluded to in this podcast, what's aging really is the accumulation of unrepaired damage. And for our, in this case, skin cells, we could talk about skin. To function properly, they need the energy to do so. And that's what NAD is. You know, it's your energy currency of the body. And so when we introduce NAD into the formulation, Right, we did the precursors because that's the only bioavailable way to deliver it to your skin. And then by raising nad, two things happen. So first, your Skin cells now do have the energy to go better about repair, regeneration, whatever their tasks are that day. But also the mere like function of suddenly raising NAD activates sirtuins, which are your repair genes. And I could go into, you know, other supportive molecules that we have to support this whole thing because we have things like resveratrol or we think have things like coenzyme Q10 to, to really because all of this happens in mitochondria to improve mitochondrial function. But since we're talking about NAD plus. Yeah, that's what it is it the energy. And it's also something that helps turn on those repair genes.

[Amitai]

Yes. Which is important. So these genes are going to those, those repair the Sirtuins or 17 other ones that we normally lump up together with them. They're important for your body to even know how to make collagen properly. So let's say we went to the end, did the most like expensive, expansive, crazy collagen stimulation procedure on the market, whatever that being vague on purpose. And your skin now wants to make all the collagen it can make. It's going to do it poorly if you did not repair the mechanisms, if they are. If you're 50, your skin makes collagen like it's a 50 year old. Unless you did something to make it create Collagen like a 30 year old, which we actually 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. Right. So that's an example. But I like the analogy with, with what you did with nad. I think an apt segue as far as like molecules is talking about autophagy and you know, skin detoxification, if you would or cleanup. Okay, so why would autophagy or the process of recycling all the to new. I kind of gave it away. But anyway, like why would that be important if we want to have you more youthful looking skin?

[Anastasia Hojaeva]

For sure. So the topic of senescent cells is becoming more and more talked about. So hopefully those of you listening, you know, already know what this is. But if you don't know the word senescence, maybe you heard the word zombie cells. Anyway, in our body what ends up happening is that our cells, you know, when everything functions well, so the cells divide, they go do their job and they're like basically eliminated out of your body. But with the process of aging and accumulation of damage, there's also like faulty mechanisms that happen. So sometimes the cell that is dead and supposed to be eliminated. It just, like, sticks around, becomes a zombie cell. And then it releases, like, pro inflammatory cytokines and makes other good cells, bad cells. So you have that issue, or, you know, you have multiple other issues of that nature.

[Amitai]

Of malfunction.

[Anastasia Hojaeva]

Of malfunction. And so the process of autophagy, that's the process that makes sure that it cleans up all the cellular debris, all those bad cells, cells that are, you know, zombie cells or just, you know, that was bad cells. Yeah. So it eliminates that. So that process, the process of autophagy, unfortunately, starts to be more and more faulty as we grow older. And now, you know, you need to think about, like, okay, well, if I don't have my autophagy working properly, how can this manifest in my skin? So you will be accumulating those senescent cells, the dead cells. And what does that mean really, for the skin? It can actually be pretty dramatic because as you talk often, there is a direct connection between the skin and the brain. So there is a skin brain axis. So those senescent cells that originated in your skin can actually migrate to your brain. So by, you know, really keeping up with your autophagy process, you can actually support your overall wellness. But definitely, as we all know, skin is the largest organ. So it's not surprising that it's also the organ that accumulates the most amount of senescent cells. And those senescent cells, because, you know, we're talking about the organ that we can actually see. It's our skin. Right. How will those cells look like for us? Well, they will look like signs of aging. You know, so when you have wrinkles, pigmentation, different, like dry patches of your skin, some of that are your senescent cells.

[Amitai]

Yeah. And I wouldn't, you know, I'm working on an analogy. Maybe I'll do it better this time. I don't think I make. I'm doing a good job in the meantime. But autophagy is like a good chimney. It does not only help by cleaning out or by sucking out the waste, but it also also also stokes the fire of repair. Right. So better autophagy.

[Anastasia Hojaeva]

I lost you in this.

[Amitai]

Yeah, you did. That's the thing I'm not doing.

[Anastasia Hojaeva]

I doubt.

[Amitai]

Let's do it again. So let's do it again. So bad cells, like malfunctioning cells, like cells that just function older, they don't only, like, create issues, but they also are like, stopping the natural process of renewal. So they're also bad on their own, but they're also like making our skin not renew itself as well. So when we release our skin of those cells, our skin then is significantly more inclined to renew itself better and more properly. In fact. Master. So it's not only like detox, it's also stimulation for repair. That's what I'm saying.

[Anastasia Hojaeva]

Yeah. And I didn't touch on that. So sketch.

[Amitai]

Let's talk briefly because we're really getting kind of, it's getting pretty expansive and extensive here. Let's talk about the role of red light therapy in a routine that is geared towards, you know, again like trying to achieve a botox free youthful routine.

[Anastasia Hojaeva]

Yeah. So first of all, I want to reiterate a fact I thought that Demet, I shared is that you know, a lot of these things that we will talk about, they will not replace the exact effect of Botox. So I see it pretty often when the red light therapy devices are being sold as alternatives to Botox. One for one really like. Well, I have seen that when not.

[Amitai]

Getting those ads, I know when it's.

[Anastasia Hojaeva]

Been like said, you know what this is the, you know, you, you will use red light therapy and you just will, it will just flat iron those wrinkles and, and it will also, in case with the red light therapy will also remove your pigmentation spots and sunspots and yada yada. So you know, red light therapy is fantastic modality for your longevity, for your wellness. I highly recommend it. You know, it's a staple in our routine. But let's just be real and, and, and, and you know, clear the air here that it will not, you know, by you sitting in front of red light, you will not see directly like, you know, your wrinkles softening. Especially when you just do the red light.

[Amitai]

Yeah.

[Anastasia Hojaeva]

Without supporting it, supporting your, you know, bio, with other biochemical nutrients. But the, the notion here is that what does really red light therapy do, you know, it's a photobiomodulation. So it really helps to stimulate the mitochondria to produce more ATP. And similarly to how we talked about, you know, the benefits of an ad, when you have more ATP, you have more energy. So there is more support for like should your body need energy for repairing regeneration, you now have this energy.

[Amitai]

That's correct. But so you, you were, I think I want you to finish your thought around other biochemical support.

[Anastasia Hojaeva]

Yeah.

[Amitai]

Because you, you're not supporting, you're not providing any nutrient.

[Anastasia Hojaeva]

Exactly.

[Amitai]

So maybe with more blood, like you're getting more blood to the tissue so maybe more nutrients come that way. But there is no Building blocks for like collagen or. I'll let you.

[Anastasia Hojaeva]

You know what, I'll just open the door and I want you to do it, but specifically for the red light therapy, because if you, if you want it for facial rejuvenation, you do need to support it. We have created the products that.

[Amitai]

Yeah, we have, we've created a product called Ladder Light Activated DNA Repair Serum, which funny enough, also has the other things that we've mentioned, which are like spermidine, NAD precursors. Actually it has new complex that, that proprietary complex that's called NAD Apex that actually makes you also make more nad, but also provides precursors, antioxidants, collagen, produ promoting peptides, and neuropeptides. But it also has. So. So. And it also provides building blocks for things like collagen, like improving mitochondrial function, all of that. So red light therapy on its own is just a stimulatory effect. Now we need the substance. It's like, what did I say in a different podcast? It's like having a building crew, but not providing them bricks. Bricks, cement. And then I blanked. I was like, I don't really know what you need for construction.

[Anastasia Hojaeva]

And this is why I'm like, why are you going back to this analysis?

[Amitai]

Whatever you need for construction. I'm not. Apparently, as you. As you have now, you know, found out I'm not your guy. I don't know what materials you need, but you're not getting them with red light, that's for sure. So it's like a building group had a lot, has a lot of energy, none of the supplies or not more supplies than they had before, and you got to supply them. That's why we created Ladder Serum. And it actually 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, which is if you are guilty of, you know, exposing your skin to the sun for longer than you needed, that can help. And that's the only product that tells. That helps with that. Okay, let's kind of wrap things up. Let's give an honorable mention to like, facial exercise and myofascial release and like face taping.

[Anastasia Hojaeva]

Yeah. So it's funny, I actually was getting a facial yesterday from a lady that, you know, happened to know about our brand and listening to a podcast and this was my first time with her, like, you know, and she does all the things. She's super holistic, very holistic to a point that she wouldn't do microneedling, which we support. But she's like, no, only nano needling. And I respect, you know, everyone's perspective and opinion.

[Amitai]

I disrespect her. No, no, I'm kidding. Okay, okay.

[Anastasia Hojaeva]

Not nice. Not nice.

[Amitai]

No, no, I'm kidding. I know she's listening to it.

[Anastasia Hojaeva]

So I know.

[Amitai]

Okay, I know.

[Anastasia Hojaeva]

So where was I? So we were chatting everything. Skin health and everything. Botox alternatives. Fun enough. Yesterday, randomly, and I mentioned that I started face taping sometimes last year, like, and she has not jumped on this trend yet. So for anyone listening, I will say that in my personal experience, the face taping is the closest thing you can get to, like, getting that temporary, like, temporary, temporary muscle relief that you actually see the effects associated with Botox where you normally would have a deeper line and suddenly it softened. I am not a face tape expert yet, so I haven't shared any of the way that I apply facial tape because I just feel like there are better resources out there. But I will just say that I personally think that it does work and I recommend it. Now, I know some of you listening will be like, oh, but what about the adhesive? And here you just, you know, you need to do your own research, but there are companies that make it, you know, with. It's all done with, you know, with your skin health in mind most of the time. So there are better companies, and in general, I recommend Japanese manufacturers. So keep that in mind then. Facial massage. Yes, that's another thing that I started doing last year. I actually signed up to a course, and I've been getting many, many, many courses on facial massage, and I have shared some of techniques that I personally see a huge difference with. So I will also say that last year was a year where I experienced the worst skin of my life. And I was postpartum. So. And that's, I think, where I, for the first time, you know, just experienced aging like the way that you experienced, I guess, in maybe perimenopause. You know, I just. Yeah, I had all of those things that never happened to me, obviously, because of the hormonal shift and skin appearance was one of them. And, you know, I didn't resort to going back to Botox because it just wasn't really an option for me because of the way I metabolize it. So I then started doing the facial massage and the facial taping. With facial massage, I will say it really helps with lymphatic drainage, and I feel like it helps with visual lifting and sculpting the face but not so much with wrinkles, obviously not with pigmentation. But I recommend those modalities. Yes, absolutely.

[Amitai]

Two more modalities really I'll mention and will more they are professional only, so I will mention them. But they are more like, hey, find a good person and do it. I would go for any type of like needle going into your face, whether it's like acupuncture or microneedling. These two things are really, really good. Very much so. A I think a kind of must do for someone who's looking for skin longevity and a more natural way to stimulate renewal. And another one is peels. Now peels are very, very problematic from a longevity standpoint because they call on reservoirs. They, they're not natural to the skin. Your skin does have mechanisms to repair from injury. But peels, since they're so they, they, they cover a very large surface which is your entire face. They, that kind of deviates from how your skin is used to like getting stimulation for renewal. So this is another area where like red light therapy where your skin doesn't get with it kind of the, the building blocks for recovery. And we don't work with a lot of practitioners, but we work with enough that there is probably someone in your area, the people who listen that uses our copper peptide peels, which are really the answer to. That's really all of the good of facial peels. Stimulation, renewal, even increase in hydration and skin elasticity without the drawbacks which actually make your skin older on a biological level. So these are kind of honorable mentions again because you need professionals. We've, I've, I kind of kept them towards the end, but yeah, that is, that is, that's what we have for today. I, we have to be short because we want to keep it under a certain amount of time. Conclusion is we don't, we don't tell you not to use Botox, but if you do, here's what you can do instead if you don't. Yeah, there is a middle ground. Like I believe that you could do Botox very, very rarely and use skincare products especially like neuropeptides or other things like the copper peptide peels, which would allow your skin to, to appear as if, you know, it actually extends a little bit the life, life of Botox.

[Anastasia Hojaeva]

Yeah.

[Amitai]

In a healthy way.

[Anastasia Hojaeva]

I mean there, I don't know if you have the same algorithm on Instagram, but I've seen a lot of kind of funny videos where you know, the, the message was like, well if, if you're on a budget and you invest in Botox, but then you use like drugstore skincare, it's not going to really work for you, you know. So, yeah, if, like, even if, for, you know, if you were using Botox or not, proper skin care as a consistency with it will be, I think, in my opinion, I think that, you know, results in a better looking skin out of anything else that we talked about.

[Amitai]

Exactly. I think this is the, the major point of this discussion is the magic of Botox. You go once to your provider and you supposedly look better for the next like three to six to nine months. The alternative would be habits and consistency at a much more demanding level. Like it's, it's a daily commitment that would provide results that are an alternative. But that's all we have for today's first time. So, Anastasia, thank you for the work that you are really Yungos. Like if people like Yungus, they like you. And if people like you, they like Yunggoos. So anyway, thank you so much for being convinced to come on this podcast. 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. So you, you provide the leverage that I need to bring her here more often.

[Anastasia Hojaeva]

Thank you. Thank you everyone. Thank you for listening to us and taking us along, whatever you were doing right now.

[Amitai]

Yeah, thank you guys. Bye.