Tweakments guide: how to age well as a woman 

If you’re considering exploring the many "tweakments" now widely available (to suit all budgets) my advice is simple: take your time, research trusted practitioners carefully, and most importantly, make choices that sit comfortably with you. Confidence, after all, is the ultimate glow. 

To be clear, I am not a qualified practitioner and cannot give medical advice, but I can share my personal journey. I began my own ‘tweakment’ exploration just before my 50th birthday, some 13 years ago. Back then, treatments like microdermabrasion and skin peels were popular for improving skin texture, and Botox was one of the few options available for softening lines around the eyes and forehead. Botox had originally been developed to treat a range of medical conditions, mainly neurological disorders, including migraines.

My tweakment journey

I didn’t have any major skin concerns, fine lines and a loss of elasticity had begun to show, and like many I was curious but cautious – media horror stories about unnatural results were everywhere at the time. It was a trusted friend, who happened to be my dentist, who first suggested Botox might help lift my expression and, in her words, give you the kind of look you have when you’ve had a rested holiday. With a milestone birthday approaching, and to be honest, I was also conscious of the age gap of 10 years with my partner (now my husband), with me being the older one. I decided to give it a try. The results were subtle but remarkable: people noticed I looked well, not different and more importantly, my confidence was boosted.

That first positive experience, in a clinical setting, laid the foundation for my ongoing commitment to careful skincare and aesthetic treatments. From then on, I was pretty much hooked and continued to build upon my treatment and skin care routine in a way that was beyond the usual cleanse and moisturise routine I’d been doing since I was sixteen years old. Around twice a year I have radio frequency facials and 'baby' botox around my forehead and eye area. Although I did recently have a course of PRP(Platelet-Rich Plasma therapy), a regenerative approach, working at a cellular level. Looking back now, I realise that ageing well is about far more than just treatments, but rather how we nurture ourselves across five key pillars: skin care, nutrition, exercise, mental health, and social connection. Though I think that, above all, the best tonic for a fulfilling and happy life is adopting an ageless attitude, giving yourself permission to feel free and alive in midlife.

Embracing choice

The skin is our body’s largest organ, and so it makes good sense to care for it, both inside and out. Taking a holistic approach to the ageing process requires us to give ourselves the time and space to love ourselves and to continue to grow in ways that work for us individually. Thankfully, society’s view of ageing, especially when it comes to women, has evolved dramatically. Where once cosmetic procedures were whispered about, today they are part of broader conversations around wellness and empowerment. There is no shame in wanting to change the way you look if that’s what you need to feel the way you want to.

The key to successful tweakments? Subtlety. Enhancing, not altering that can help you still feel like yourself, just fresher.

Jackie Clarke

The aesthetics industry is booming, and while there are plenty of amazing practitioners, it’s also an arena where you must tread carefully. There’s no shame in investing in your skin but be mindful and discerning to ensure whatever you choose to do is safe and of high quality. You’ll never find any judgement here, only support for freedom of choice. Whether you embrace every wrinkle or choose a little extra support, it’s entirely personal to you. And if you are considering a tweakment or two, there’s never been more choice, particularly here in the UK.

What are tweakments?

Tweakments are small, non-surgical cosmetic treatments designed to subtly enhance your natural appearance. Unlike major surgery, they focus on minor, minimally invasive improvements; softening lines, boosting skin health, restoring volume, or refreshing tired-looking skin. 

Here’s a snapshot of some popular non-surgical options available across the UK, but do also look at The Tweakments Guide (see below) for a broader selection and more information on what each treatment consists of. I have provided links to the clinic I use as I can only really vouch for their work, but there are plenty of excellent clinics throughout the UK. Prices do vary according to the experience (and location!) of the practitioner:

• Botox(anti-wrinkle injections): Reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, especially around the forehead and eyes.
• Dermal fillers: Restores lost volume in areas like the cheeks, jawline, and lips for a naturally refreshed look.
• Skin boosters (e.g. Polynucleotides): Deeply hydrates and improves skin elasticity, giving you a radiant glow.
• Microneedling and radio frequency: Stimulates collagen production to tighten and revitalise the skin.
• Laser resurfacing and chemical peels: Improves skin texture, tone, and clarity with minimal downtime.

Small changes can make a big difference—and often, the best tweakments are the ones no one else can quite put their finger on!

Why women choose tweakments

The reasons we choose to make ‘tweakments’ are as individual as each woman. For some, they boost self-confidence. For others, it’s about feeling that their outer appearance reflects their inner vitality. I am a pro-age not anti-age advocate, and so to me it’s not about fighting ageing but about owning it on your own terms – whatever that means to you.

There’s no right or wrong reason to opt to take the path of tweakments. Whether it’s a desire to soften fine lines, restore a healthy glow, or simply invest in a little self-care, the decision is deeply personal and should always be made for you, not because of external pressure. I will be totally honest and say that for me, not only do the tweakments I have enhanced my skin and improve my appearance in a positive way, but they also give me a psychological boost. Once the treatment begins to take effect, my skin glows. In response, I glow internally too.

The importance of research

If you decide to explore tweakments, research becomes your superpower. I vividly remember when I decided to step up from Botox and basic facials to more advanced treatments, ones that required a medical professional with specialised expertise in cellular renewal. At that point, I knew I had to find someone with the right qualifications and experience that I truly trusted.

By then, I’d been having Botox twice a year for about eight years. I’d extensively read about skin ageing from a cellular perspective long before I began researching suitable practitioners. Understanding how your body functions is essential, no matter what type of treatment you're considering. I strongly recommend that before looking for a practitioner, you first familiarise yourself with your own body, especially regarding how it ages. After all, you know better than anyone (including any doctor) how your skin might react to proposed treatments or the suggested use of skin products. Also be clear in your own mind which areas of your face or body genuinely concern you. You don't need someone else to highlight perceived flaws; if they do, and it hasn't bothered you previously, I'd advise thinking carefully before pursuing treatment.

It's also worth noting that nutrition and exercise can significantly influence your skin health. Gaining a deeper understanding of how your body operates on a cellular level can empower you to identify what you can personally achieve before committing to more expensive procedures.

Finding qualified practitioners

I personally recommend following trusted voices such as Alice Hart-Davis, an award-winning beauty journalist and author. Through her website, The Tweakments Guide, Alice offers invaluable insights on how to vet practitioners as well as provide articles on what's happening in the industry and how to protect yourself against unscrupulous practitioners. It was through her guidance that I discovered One Aesthetic Studio and Dr Jonquille Chantrey, a talented and highly experienced professional based in Alderley Edge, Cheshire, whom I’ve been seeing for the past five years.

Dr Chantrey takes a genuine interest in her patients; our consultations always begin with a thoughtful conversation about how I’m feeling and what’s happening in my life, before discussing the purpose of my visit. She has developed a highly personalised approach to my skincare, shaped by the trust we’ve built over time. I know that whatever she recommends will always be discussed thoroughly between us beforehand, ensuring a clear plan of action.

Look for practitioners who are registered with professional bodies such as:

• GMC (General Medical Council) for doctors and surgeons
• NMC (Nursing and Midwifery Council) for nurses
• GDC (General Dental Council) for dentists

Before booking, read genuine client reviews and don’t hesitate to ask questions. A reputable practitioner will be happy to explain the procedure, discuss your goals, and will advise transparently about risks and costs. Above all, they will never rush you into making a decision there and then. 

Also beware of cheap deals, practitioners who offer treatments without a consultation, or anyone who pressures you into more than you originally intended. Anyone who asks for payment up front before anything has been done and insists on full payment for any treatment that may be multi-layered and over several months, is most definitely someone to be wary of. Before agreeing or committing to anything, go away and think about it.

Final thoughts...

There is plenty to consider when deciding whether to undergo any cosmetic procedure, big or small, especially since most treatments may involve ongoing maintenance, which can become costly. Ultimately, navigating tweakments is about clearly setting your personal boundaries and remembering that you are always in control. Prioritise your comfort and never feel pressured into procedures that make you unsure – a reputable practitioner will guide you without pushing. 

You should always seek ethical professionals who offer thorough consultations and encourage you to take the necessary time and space to carefully weigh your options. If you're new to tweakments, it’s wise to start small and gradually explore further treatments if desired. Doing nothing at all is also a valid and healthy choice! With treatments increasingly accessible across the UK at various price points, prioritise safety, expertise, and quality over cost every time. 

Ageing beautifully isn't solely defined by tweakments; it involves embracing confidence, authenticity, and self-acceptance. Ultimately, it's your face, your journey, your rules. Whether you opt for treatments or decide against them, your choice should always align with your values and comfort. True confidence – the ultimate glow-up – isn't guaranteed by cosmetic procedures alone; it arises from genuinely loving yourself, embracing who you are, and actively living a joyful, fulfilling life every day. The journey toward self-confidence begins with deep self-exploration, long before stepping foot into any clinic.