
Age Well with Dr Sophie Shotter
Conversations with the award-winning Dr Sophie Shotter covering the latest trends and developments in skincare, longevity, and aesthetics with a science-based approach - and a focus on inner health and wellness.
Latest episodes

Sep 24, 2024 • 31min
No-needle anti-ageing? Why everyone's buzzing about Sofwave (+ the lowdown on other in-clinic 'energy' devices)
Discover the buzz around no-needle anti-aging treatments and the innovative Sofwave technology. Learn how different energy devices, like RF microneedling and ultrasound treatments, compare in safety and efficacy. Hear insights on the vital role of evolving technology in aesthetic treatments and the importance of collaboration among practitioners. The discussion also delves into how Sofwave enhances collagen production while minimizing downtime, making it a standout choice for those seeking effective skin rejuvenation.

Sep 17, 2024 • 26min
Skin peels - how they've evolved and why they're still an 'A' lister's favourite, in-clinic
Dr. Sophie Shotter
Dr Sophie and Fiona discuss:
• What is a skin / chemical peel?
• Types of chemical exfoliants
• What peels can treat
• An explainer on the different types of peel
• Can they damage the skin?
• What happens during a treatment
• Do’s and Dont’s
• What to expect after treatment
• How often does Sophie recommend people have a peel?
• The difference between a chemical peel and microdermabrasion
• Would it ever be appropriate for a younger teen to have a peel?
• Can you have a skin peel on the body?
• Advice and recommendations on at-home skin peel kits
• Skin peels and the skin’s microbiome
• Enzyme peels
Dr Sophie mentions:
Skin Better Science’s AlphaRet peel pads
Neostrata’s peel pads - either PHA or glycolic acid
Neo Strata’s Citriate peel pads
Exuviance’s peel pads
Oxygenetix post procedure foundation
Find out more by heading to https://drsophieshotter.com/
Follow Dr Sophie on Instagram… https://www.instagram.com/drsophieshotter/?hl=en
…and Tik Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@drsophieshotter?lang=en
Co-host https://fionamattesini.co.uk/
Produced by https://thepodcastpeople.co/
The content in this podcast is for general information purposes only and is not meant to serve as medical advice or to replace or substitute advice given by, or consultation with, your doctor or any other healthcare professional. Please contact your healthcare provider if you have any questions or concerns about your health. Dr Sophie Shotter, her company and any employees or representatives are not liable for any claims arising out of or in connection with this podcast

Sep 10, 2024 • 33min
Fake tan for grown-ups (how to keep that summer glow going + loads of new tips)
Dr Sophie Shotter
Find out more by heading to https://drsophieshotter.com/
Follow Dr Sophie on Instagram… https://www.instagram.com/drsophieshotter/?hl=en
…and Tik Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@drsophieshotter?lang=en
Co-host and producer https://fionamattesini.co.uk/
Several brands and products were mentioned in this episode – here they all are:
The James Read range.
The Amanda Harrington range.
The Tan Luxe range.
St Tropez’s Express Bronzing Mousse.
Bare by Vogue.
Sunny Honey Bali Bronzing Foam.
Bondi Sands Technocolor 1 Hour Express Self Tanning Foam.
Ultra Violette’s Queen Screen SPF50 Glow Drops.
Isle of Paradise self tan drops.
The Saltyface range.
Butter by Tan-Luxe.
Isle of Paradise's Self-Tanning Butter.
James Read H20 Tan Mist.
The Skinny Tan Dual Tanning Mitt.
Skinny Tan Coconut Water Tanning Mist - this doesn’t have a colour guide which is the bit that can sometimes stick in those little post-shave dots.
Amanda Harrington’s Body Base Pre-Colour Primer.
The Bondi Sands Back Applicator.
Isle of Paradise's Hyglo Hyaluronic Self-Tan Serum for Face.
James Read's Glow20 Facial Tanning Serum.
St Tropez's Self Tan Purity Bronzing Water Face Mist.
Amanda Harrington’s Face Buffer Brush.
Skinny Tan Dry Mist Finishing Spray.
Skinny Tan Gradual Tanner.
Soap & Glory Sugar Crush Body Scrub
Lusso Tan's Bath Bomb.
Isle of Paradise's Over-It Remover.
The St.Tropez Tan Remover & Primer Mousse.
Bondi Sands Self Tan Eraser.
The Rose & Caramel Purity Excel 60 Second Self Tan Removing Scrub.
Tan-Luxe Glyco Water Self-Tan Eraser Exfoliating Tan Remover & Primer.
The Institut Esthederm suncare range.
The content in this podcast is for general information purposes only and is not meant to serve as medical advice or to replace or substitute advice given by, or consultation with, your doctor or any other healthcare professional. Please contact your healthcare provider if you have any questions or concerns about your health. Dr Sophie Shotter, her company and any employees or representatives are not liable for any claims arising out of or in connection with this podcast

Sep 3, 2024 • 49min
The vaginas + vulvas episode
Dr. Sophie Shotter
Dr Sophie and Fiona discuss:
• The education gap with female genitalia
• Porn and female body shame
• Do vulvas / vaginas need washing?
• Vaginal discharge
• Thrush / candida
• The vaginal microbiome
• What vaginas are meant to smell like
• Recurrent and painful UTIs / peri-meno
• D-mannose
• Pelvic floor / bladder weakness
• Pelvic floor devices and trainers
• Sophie’s views on vaginal weight lifting
• Vaginal oestrogen and the role of HRT
• Pelvic floor training devices
• The Emsella Chair
• Vaginal atrophy inc. severe pain
• PRP for the vagina / the ‘O’ shot
• Vaginal rejuvenation and labiaplasties
• The language around vaginal procedures
• Skincare considerations for the vulva and vagina
• How the vulva ages – e.g. labia bigger / vaginas smaller
• Vaginal laser devices
• Vaginal radio frequency devices
• Jade eggs in the vagina – yes or no?
Find out more by heading to https://drsophieshotter.com/
Follow Dr Sophie on Instagram… https://www.instagram.com/drsophieshotter/?hl=en
…and Tik Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@drsophieshotter?lang=en
Co-host and producer https://fionamattesini.co.uk/
All the other links and notes are here:
Vaginas have their own pH which is somewhere between 3.8 and 4.5 - a healthy vaginal microbiome should be dominated by a good bacteria called lactobacilli, especially the species called lactobacillus crispatus. If you notice a foul-smelling odour, that could be a sign of an overgrowth of one of our vaginal bacteria called gardnerella.
Dr Sophie mentioned Dr. Amy Myers, a functional medicine doctor in the USA - plus Dr Jen Gunter and Dr Kelly Casperson (Dr Gunter says she uses a gentle Cerave cleanser as a vulval wash).
Find out more about The Eve Appeal’s Know Your Body education programme here https://eveappeal.org.uk/news-awareness/know-your-body-education-programme/
Dr Sophie mentioned caprylic acid (found in coconut oil) and a supplement called Candifense which contains enzymes that break down the parasitic and fungal cell walls.
Some people say that a yeast called saccharomyces boulardii really helps candida –a yeast that fights yeast — but while it’s helpful for some, others don’t tolerate it well.
Optibac do a specialist women’s probiotic with lactobacillus paracasei, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, and Lactobacillus reuteri - which are all good bacteria for the vagina.
Fi mentioned Symprove, the liquid supplement.
Dr Sophie mentioned Dr Rachel Rubin who’s a urologist in the US and is doing a lot of campaigning on women’s behalves – e.g. re-naming peri-menopausal UTIs as Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM).
Vaginal oestrogen plumps the tissue back up, feeds the vaginal microbiome and according to one study, reduces UTIs by 50%. Read more here: https://www.contemporaryobgyn.net/view/vaginal-estrogen-effective-against-recurrent-utis
Dr Sophie mentioned Professor Chris Harding, a consultant urologist at Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation.
Dr Sophie mentioned an NHS-approved hormone based treatment called Prasterone which contains DHEA.
Dr Sophie mentioned an article by the novelist Nina Stibbe which is here https://www.theguardian.com/society/2023/nov/04/nina-stibbe-on-menopause-and-hrt-i-was-glad-to-note-that-my-friend-was-much-worse-than-me-weeing-herself-wise
Dr Sophie mentioned pelvic floor trainers – the Kegel8 is one of the best known.
Dr Sophie talked about the Elvie app and the NHS Squeezy app.
Dr Sophie talked about the Emsella Chair which she offers at her Kent clinic https://illuminateskinclinic.co.uk/condition/urinary-incontinence
Dr Sophie mentioned various women’s health physios including Clare Bourne, Maria Elliott, Kate Walsh, and Caitlin O’Malley.
Diastasis Recti is where the abdominal (tummy) muscles have separated.
The private vaginal atrophy support group is here https://www.facebook.com/groups/1505719029448248/?locale=en_GB
Dr Kelly Casperson has a great podcast on all things gynae.
Intrarosa contains three different types of hormones (inc. testosterone)
Dr Sophie mentioned the YES range of moisturisers – inc. the vaginal Ph gel which can be used internally with a lube applicator.
Dr Sophie mentioned Cheryl Iglesia, a professor of obstetrics, gynecology, and urology at Georgetown University School of Medicine - a leading researcher on energy-based devices.
She says that some preliminary small studies have found slight improvements in vaginal dryness and tightness 6 or 12 months after three treatments of laser or radio frequency. In one study she reviewed, it was found that erbium-YAG lasers may improve dryness slightly more than topical oestrogen – this is promising but she also said that women would need follow-ups over the course of many years to determine how effective and safe the treatments are, especially as women age.
Some manufacturers are starting to conduct clinical trials and there have been a few promising, slightly larger placebo-controlled studies – one focused on investigating the link between a radio-frequency therapy called Viveve-1 and sexual satisfaction and found it might improve the collagen, fibroblasts, and connective tissue of the clitoris after menopause, which could lead to enhanced sensation and arousal.
This suggests lasers could be a better option for vaginal dryness while radio frequency might be better for urinary incontinence along with “sexual functioning” – so tightening of the vaginal muscles.
There’s also now Morpheus8 V – this is showing signs of helping with vaginal dryness, weak pelvic floor muscles, incontinence, vaginal wall laxity, recurrent vaginal infections such as candida - and something called lichen sclerosis which is a chronic, inflammatory skin condition more common in women who’ve been through menopause, but it can impact any gender or age. It’s been FDA cleared but at the moment we have no long term data.
Dr Sophie mentioned the Issviva Joylux at-home device – this uses light technology to rebuild collagen and elastin to rejuvenate the vaginal tissues.
The content in this podcast is for general information purposes only and is not meant to serve as medical advice or to replace or substitute advice given by, or consultation with, your doctor or any other healthcare professional. Please contact your healthcare provider if you have any questions or concerns about your health. Dr Sophie Shotter, her company and any employees or representatives are not liable for any claims arising out of or in connection with this podcast

Aug 27, 2024 • 51min
“From sex drive to fertility – this is a men's health pandemic." – Dr Tracy Gapin *guest ep*
The men's hormones episode
Find out more by heading to https://drsophieshotter.com/
Follow Dr Sophie on Instagram… https://www.instagram.com/drsophieshotter/?hl=en
…and Tik Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@drsophieshotter?lang=en
Dr. Tracy Gapin is a trained doctor, Board-certified urologist, and founder of the Gapin Institute in Florida, USA.
He brings over 20 years’ experience focused on men’s health – from sexual performance to stem cell therapy - but has a particular specialism in men’s hormones and hormone optimisation.
His work has been featured in all kinds of places from NBC to TED.
He’s also the author of two best-selling books Male 2.0 and Codes of Longevity.
Head to https://gapininstitute.com/ to find out more and to view his TED talk The Men’s Health Crisis. You can also get a free one pager.
Head to https://drtracygapin.com/ and follow https://www.instagram.com/drtracygapin/
Bookings with Dr Tracy are available online or in-person.
Co-host and producer https://fionamattesini.co.uk/
The content in this podcast is for general information purposes only and is not meant to serve as medical advice or to replace or substitute advice given by, or consultation with, your doctor or any other healthcare professional. Please contact your healthcare provider if you have any questions or concerns about your health. Dr Sophie Shotter, her company and any employees or representatives are not liable for any claims arising out of or in connection with this podcast

Aug 20, 2024 • 1h 2min
“We now have hard evidence that THIS will slow cellular ageing" - Dr Nichola Conlon *guest ep*
The cellular ageing episode
Find out more by heading to https://drsophieshotter.com/
Follow Dr Sophie on Instagram… https://www.instagram.com/drsophieshotter/?hl=en
…and Tik Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@drsophieshotter?lang=en
Dr. Nichola Conlon is a molecular biologist, a leading expert on cellular ageing, and founder of Nuchido NAD+ a unique supplement technology that’s now taking the world by storm – scroll the link to find out more https://info.nuchido.com/dr-nichola-conlon
Dr Nichola is also a highly awarded female founder in the tech space https://www.uktech.news/news/2021s-coolest-uk-female-founders-20210305
Read more about the clinical studies and hard evidence that Dr Nichola mentions on the podcast https://nuchido.com/pages/clinical-evidence
You can find out more by heading to https://nuchido.com/
Follow Dr Nichola on Insta https://www.instagram.com/drnicholaconlon/?hl=en
You can also follow Nuchido here https://www.instagram.com/nuchido/
Dr Nichola mentions Glycanage and Thriva as part of her own healthcare management routine.
Co-host and producer https://fionamattesini.co.uk/
The content in this podcast is for general information purposes only and is not meant to serve as medical advice or to replace or substitute advice given by, or consultation with, your doctor or any other healthcare professional. Please contact your healthcare provider if you have any questions or concerns about your health. Dr Sophie Shotter, her company and any employees or representatives are not liable for any claims arising out of or in connection with this podcast

Aug 13, 2024 • 50min
"Yes, I take sides in couples therapy. Here's why..." - Terry Real *guest ep*
Terry Real, a renowned family therapist and expert on intimacy, dives into the intricacies of couples therapy. He discusses the cyclic nature of relationships and underscores how childhood shapes adult dynamics. The conversation tackles shame and grandiosity, urging couples to foster equality and accountability, especially when faced with infidelity. Real offers insights on sustaining love through vulnerability and emotional growth, promoting healthier communication as key to deeper connections. This engaging dialogue is filled with practical advice for couples seeking to strengthen their bonds.

Aug 6, 2024 • 48min
“Loss of nitric oxide is directly linked to almost every chronic disease” – Dr Nathan Bryan *guest ep*
The nitric oxide episode
Find out more by heading to https://drsophieshotter.com/
Follow Dr Sophie on Instagram… https://www.instagram.com/drsophieshotter/?hl=en
…and Tik Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@drsophieshotter?lang=en
Co-host https://fionamattesini.co.uk/
Dr Nathan Bryan trained as a biochemist and physiologist and works as a professor in Molecular and Human Genetics. He’s published over 100 peer-reviewed scientific papers and both written and edited five highly acclaimed books. But he’s perhaps best known as a global pioneer in something called nitric oxide, a critically important gas produced in the body and one considered so essential to our health that in 1998 three scientists won a Nobel Prize for its discovery and Dr Nathan had the unique opportunity to work directly alongside one of those scientists.
To find out more about Dr. Nathan Bryan and his work, you can head to his website: https://drnathansbryan.com/
You can follow him on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/drnathansbryan/?hl=en
…and on Twitter / X: https://x.com/drnitric?lang=en
Plus he has an active YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/@DrNathanSBryanNitricOxide
Dr Nathan’s supplements and skincare range can be bought via https://n1o1.com/shop/?v=3e8d115eb4b3
For the latest product news, please also follow
https://www.instagram.com/n1o1.by.pneuma.nitric.oxide/
The content in this podcast is for general information purposes only and is not meant to serve as medical advice or to replace or substitute advice given by, or consultation with, your doctor or any other healthcare professional. Please contact your healthcare provider if you have any questions or concerns about your health. Dr Sophie Shotter, her company and any employees or representatives are not liable for any claims arising out of or in connection with this podcast

Jul 30, 2024 • 53min
“Psychedelic drugs are creating profound change for trauma and addiction” – Tracey Tee *guest ep*
The microdosing episode
IMPORTANT NOTES:
This podcast is for information and / or entertainment purposes only.
Dr Sophie is not advocating the use of any illegal substances.
Find out more by heading to https://drsophieshotter.com/
Follow Dr Sophie on Instagram… https://www.instagram.com/drsophieshotter/?hl=en
…and Tik Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@drsophieshotter?lang=en
This podcast was produced by https://thepodcastpeople.co/
Co-host https://fionamattesini.co.uk/
Tracey Tee is the founder of Moms on Mushrooms an online community that offers advice, community, and guided micro-dosing courses.
To find out more, head to https://www.momsonmushrooms.com/
Follow Moms on Mushrooms on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/momsonmushroomsofficial/?hl=en
We mention “A Really Good Day: How Microdosing Made a Mega Difference in My Mood, My Marriage, and My Life” by Ayelet Waldman.
You can read about one of the NHS / King’s College London trials here (there are others, ongoing): https://slam.nhs.uk/pressreleases/new-multicentre-clinical-trial-to-investigate-psilocybin-therapy-in-anorexia-nervosa-2659
We mention Dr Himmerich, Consultant Psychiatrist at the South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust and co-lead of the trial.
We also mention Grace Blest-Hopely, a neuroscientist and psychedelic researcher affiliated with King’s College.
Magic mushrooms are a naturally occurring psychedelic plant that contains psilocybin. Taken in large doses, psychedelics will cause a person to hallucinate - seeing or hearing things that don’t exist or are distorted. In smaller doses, which we mostly talk about here, they tend to work in a different way.
In the UK and most other parts of the world, psilocybin (along with LSD) is classified as a Schedule 1 drug – i.e. it’s illegal, and officially defined as having 'no therapeutic benefit'. Advocacy groups are pushing for change in the UK but (at the time of writing) it appears the government has no immediate plans to review or change the status.
In some countries, on the basis research, positive clinical outcomes, and shifts in cultural attitudes, psilocybin has been decrimimalised. In the US, Colorado and Oregon have decriminalised the use of magic mushrooms. Tracey lives in Colorado.
The content in this podcast is for general information purposes only and is not meant to serve as medical advice or to replace or substitute advice given by, or consultation with, your doctor or any other healthcare professional. Please contact your healthcare provider if you have any questions or concerns about your health. Dr Sophie Shotter, her company and any employees or representatives are not liable for any claims arising out of or in connection with this podcast.

Jul 23, 2024 • 50min
"Do not bring your phone into the bedroom!" - Boniface *guest ep*
The stress and trauma episode
Find out more by heading to https://drsophieshotter.com/
Follow Dr Sophie on Instagram… https://www.instagram.com/drsophieshotter/?hl=en
…and Tik Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@drsophieshotter?lang=en
Co-host https://fionamattesini.co.uk/
Boniface is one of the world’s most talked-about and in-demand osteopaths, frequently described as a trailblazer and someone reshaping the connection between mind and body – in particular because of his powerful work on what he refers to as body psychology (including a pioneering approach to stress, trauma, and the vagus nerve).
You can find out more or make a booking via https://www.bonifaceosteopath.com/
Please do also follow him on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/boniface_vc/?hl=en-gb
This is Arizona’s foundation: https://www.dirt.charity/
We also mention ‘The Hidden Life of Trees’ by Peter Wohlleben.
The content in this podcast is for general information purposes only and is not meant to serve as medical advice or to replace or substitute advice given by, or consultation with, your doctor or any other healthcare professional. Please contact your healthcare provider if you have any questions or concerns about your health. Dr Sophie Shotter, her company and any employees or representatives are not liable for any claims arising out of or in connection with this podcast.
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