Age Well with Dr Sophie Shotter Podcast

In this episode of Age Well with Dr Sophie Shotter, I’m joined by one of the most well-respected names in the beauty and aesthetics world – award-winning journalist, author and founder of The Tweakments Guide, Alice Hart-Davis. Known for her refreshingly honest approach and encyclopaedic knowledge of treatments, Alice has spent more than two decades exploring the world of tweakments, and trying most of them herself!

Together with my co-host Fiona, we unpack the truth about what really works, what doesn’t, and how to navigate an increasingly crowded and often confusing aesthetic landscape with confidence.

The power of transparency in aesthetics

Alice’s open-book approach to aesthetic treatments has earned her immense respect in a space where transparency is still rare. As she puts it in the episode: “Most people regard treatments with suspicion because of the lack of regulation… but what they don’t realise is that there are fantastic practitioners doing work that’s so good, it’s undetectable.” It’s a sentiment that perfectly sums up her mission to demystify aesthetics, and one I share.

We explore how the stigma surrounding treatments is beginning to fade, but why celebrity secrecy still sets unrealistic expectations. Alice calls out the tired line that glowing, lifted skin is thanks to “olive oil and sleep,” adding, “When you see someone in their 50s looking the same as they did in their 30s, you know something’s going on.”

Treatments that actually work, according to Alice

We dive into the tweakments Alice comes back to time and time again. From toxin in the forehead and jaw (for both softening movement and stopping teeth grinding), to polynucleotides and energy-based devices for skin quality, Alice is all about layering subtle, well-planned treatments over time. “All these things work,” she says. “And the beauty of it is that you can do quite a lot and not look like you’ve had loads done.”

She also shares why she loves muscle relaxing injections in the underarms (no sweat patches!), why she occasionally has filler to support areas of facial hollowing, and how skin conditioning injectables like Profhilo and polynucleotides have become essentials in her toolkit – describing the latter as “DNA fragments derived from salmon sperm… but incredible for skin quality.” 

Skincare, bruising, and what’s overhyped

We couldn’t let Alice leave without getting her take on skincare, supplements and managing common side effects like bruising. She opens up about her post-treatment toolkit, including Alastin Inhance Serum for healing bruises and her surprising love for drugstore classics like Altruist sunscreen and CeraVe cleanser. And yes, she has some very firm thoughts on what’s overhyped too.

“People want one magical, minimally invasive thing that gives them facelift-level results,” she says, “but that’s not how this works. Often, what gets overhyped is people’s expectations, not necessarily the treatment itself.” 

Why regulation still matters, and what needs to change

Alice and I share a deep concern for the lack of regulation in the UK aesthetics industry. She’s outspoken about the risks of non-medics performing advanced procedures, and the dangers of patients being lured in by low prices or Instagram trends. We discuss the role of education and responsibility in creating safer patient journeys, and highlight trusted directories like Save Face, BCAM, and The Tweakments Guide for finding properly qualified practitioners.

Ageing well is personal, so make a plan

One of the most valuable takeaways from this episode is the importance of having a long-term strategy. Alice encourages listeners to find a practitioner they trust, work within their budget and lifestyle, and build a treatment plan that evolves with them. “Everything doesn’t have to be done at once,” she reminds us. “It’s about what matters to you, and what makes you feel your best.”

Why this episode is worth a listen

Whether you’re curious about your first tweakment or refining your long-term aesthetic strategy, this episode is packed with expert insights, lived experience, and the kind of honest, intelligent commentary you won’t find on Instagram. Alice’s candid reflections on everything from injectable schedules to why she doesn’t bother hiding bruises make this a must-listen for anyone navigating the world of aesthetics.

Listen now to Age Well with Dr Sophie Shotter on Spotify or Apple Podcasts to hear the full conversation with Alice Hart-Davis. It’s honest, expert-led and full of practical advice from someone who has truly tried it all.