When people ask me what it really means to age well, I always say the same thing. It is not about chasing youth. It is not about trying to erase the natural changes that come with time. For me, ageing well is about supporting my body and mind so that I feel strong, energised and confident for as long as possible. Now that I am in my forties, this philosophy has become even more important. These are the habits and treatments that genuinely make a difference to how I show up in my skin every day.

Building a foundation with restorative sleep

Good sleep is the quiet engine driving almost every aspect of wellbeing. I wake early, but only because I fiercely protect my sleep at night. A temperature-regulating sleep system has been a game-changer, helping me drift off more easily and wake in a way that feels gentle and natural. When I sleep well, everything improves. My mood is steadier, my focus sharper, and my skin noticeably brighter. Collagen repair and hormone regulation both depend heavily on sleep. If I had to choose only one longevity habit to keep, this would be it.

Nourishing my body with intentional nutrition

My relationship with food in my forties is grounded in nourishment rather than restriction. I plan meals the night before, so I never make decisions when I am tired or rushed. Every plate includes protein for muscle health, healthy fats for hormone balance and plenty of fibre for gut support. One of my favourite grounding rituals is breakfast. I often have chia pudding with nuts, seeds and fresh fruit because it keeps my blood sugar stable and sets the tone for the day. Nutrition is one of the most powerful longevity tools we have. When I eat well, my skin, energy and concentration all thank me.

Moving in a way that strengthens rather than depletes

My exercise routine has changed over time. In my twenties, I chased intensity. In my forties, I seek balance. I move every day, but I choose modalities that support my body rather than push it to exhaustion. Resistance training protects bone density and preserves muscle. Walking allows me to recover while still staying active. Reformer pilates keeps my core strong, and tennis brings me joy and helps to keep my mind engaged. Movement should leave you feeling energised rather than drained. For me, it is one of the simplest ways to keep both my body and my mind youthful.

Managing stress with mindfulness

Mindfulness is something I rely on more now than ever. Even a few minutes of breathwork or meditation in the morning helps me start the day with clarity. High cortisol impacts everything from sleep and mood to collagen and immunity. So, managing stress should be a priority. It is a form of preventative health. When I make space for quiet moments, I am more present in my work, calmer with my children and kinder to myself.

Staying consistent with evidence-based skincare

My skincare routine is simple, targeted and consistent. I use medical grade products from brands I trust, such as Revision, Alastin, Murad and Verdilab. These formulations deliver results that are supported by research, which is essential for me as both a doctor and a patient. Daily SPF is my non-negotiable. It protects collagen, helps to prevent hyperpigmentation and keeps inflammation low. I do not believe in constantly switching products. Skin thrives when you give it what it needs consistently and patiently.

Using regenerative treatments to protect my future skin

My own aesthetic treatments focus on regeneration rather than transformation. I favour treatments that strengthen the skin’s architecture and improve its ability to behave in a youthful way. Profhilo keeps my skin hydrated and more elastic. Well-placed filler helps to balance and restore structure. Sunekos refines fine lines and improves smoothness without creating any change in structure. These treatments support the integrity of my skin, so I maintain a fresh, healthy look without trying to appear drastically different.

Supporting longevity with targeted supplements

Supplements are an important part of my routine, but I use them with intention. I always advise patients to begin with a personalised plan based on blood testing. Your GP, a qualified nutritionist, or a service like the Superdrug Health Clinics Nutrition and Gut Insights Blood Test can help identify real deficiencies and guide treatment.

There are also a few supplements that form the core of my long-term approach to wellbeing. Vitamin D supports bone health, immunity and mood. NAD boosters such as Nuchido Time+ help with cellular energy and repair. Spermidine supports cellular renewal and detoxification. Omega-3 maintains heart and brain health. AKG is promising for its effects on energy and cellular ageing. I think of these supplements as quiet protectors working in the background every day.

Listening to my body with curiosity rather than judgment

The most important lesson I have learned is that ageing well is not about control. It is about awareness. I pay close attention to how I sleep, how I recover, how my skin behaves and how my energy feels. These small signals help me adjust early, long before a problem becomes visible. When you treat your body with curiosity rather than criticism, it becomes much easier to support your health in a sustainable way.

For me, ageing well is a series of small choices that add up to a stronger, healthier and more aligned version of myself. Good sleep, nourishing food, smart movement, regenerative treatments and thoughtful supplementation all work together to help me feel my best.

I don’t aim to look younger. I aim to feel vibrant and well supported in the skin I am in. And that, to me, is the true goal of aesthetic medicine in midlife.