Smiling Gives You Wrinkles

What does a world-class dermatologist actually do before 9:00 AM? In this episode, Dr. Sam Bunting shares her personal morning habits. From the "Othership" breathwork routine she uses to manage stress, to her streamlined 4-step skincare regime, Dr. Sam explains why efficiency is the ultimate beauty secret. PLUS! We discuss the "dopamine crash" of early morning phone use, why she avoids TikTok tren...

Happy New Year Everyone! I hope you all had a wonderful break and managed to get some much needed rest.  For my first episode of 2026 I wanted to share a story that was not about new year, new you, but more about new year, and how to be more you! And my friend Nina, also known as @wonderfullysober on Instagram was the perfect guest to do just that.  This time last year, Nina decided to t...

A heartfelt Merry Christmas to you all. As I sat down to record this mini holiday episode, I couldn't help but reflect on how truly grateful I am for you, my guests, and all of the support I have received for the Smiling Gives You Wrinkles podcast so far. For me, Smiling Gives You Wrinkles isn’t just a tagline - it really is a mindset that I’m leaning into as I approach my milestone 50th year. And...

In this enlightening (excuse the pun!) conversation, Dr. Kelli Ritter, known as the 'anxiety lady', discusses with Donna the profound impact of light therapy on mental health. She explains the significance of circadian rhythms, the necessity of natural light exposure, and offers practical daily habits to optimize mood and energy. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Light Therapy and Mental Health 03:11...

Poet and bestselling author Donna Ashworth joins me, your host, Donna Francis, for an honest, powerful conversation about sobriety, sober curiosity, alcohol and anxiety, and why so many midlife women are quietly rethinking their relationship with drinking. Donna shares what led her to stop drinking, how alcohol was affecting her anxiety , the mental load of grey-area drinking , and the surprising...

Is it too early to talk Christmas shopping? Well in my world it is, but as I'm trying to be a bit more organised this year, I thought I'd ask for some inspiration from past Smiling Gives You Wrinkles guests.  Actress and TV chef Lisa Faulkner , menopause fitness coach Kate Rowe-Ham , Physician and menopause expert Dr. Louise Newson , and dermatologist Dr. Justine Kluk all kindly shared the gi...

In today’s episode, Donna is joined again by nutritionist Karen Newby for a much-needed conversation about holiday eating, food guilt and why women feel so much pressure around this time of year. They chat about: Why the holiday season is so triggering for women around food How 80/90s diet culture still shapes our thinking (“sins”, calorie counting, food rules) The rise of GLP-1 weight-loss drugs...

In this chat, Donna sits down with consultant dermatologist, Dr. Justine Kluk to unpack the truth behind the beauty industry's most Instagrammable gadget: LED masks. They dig into what LED light therapy actually does, whether at-home devices can compete with in-clinic treatments, and why consistency matters more than you think. Justine also explains the difference between red and blue light, the r...

As we head into Black Friday and Christmas, it feels like everyone online is telling you what to buy - but not everything is worth your money, so in this episode Donna shares her honest, tried-and-tested skincare recommendations that she is taking with her into 2026. After 26 years in the beauty industry, Donna’s tried it all - from gold-flecked serums to budget moisturisers - and knows exactly wh...

Think your hair’s changing in your 40s or 50s? You’re not imagining it. In this episode, Donna sits down with trichologist Kate Holden for what feels like a free consultation on midlife hair health - from thinning and shedding to oily scalps, dry ends and hormonal shifts. Kate explains exactly what’s happening to your hair during perimenopause and menopause, why estrogen and testosterone play such...

What happens when you go sober at midlife - and over 1 million people watch? In this week's chat, Donna sits down with Alicia from @champagnetochange to talk about her viral Day 1 reel that resonated with women around the world. From letting go of champagne to finding clarity, glowing skin, and self-respect, this is an open and honest conversation about the freedom that comes with sobriety, the co...

Are you still using the same makeup products you swore by in your 30s? In this episode, Donna sits down with her friend and celebrity makeup artist Donna May to reveal the truth about midlife makeup - and the products that could actually be ageing your skin. Donna May, founder of accessories and makeup brand Donna May London , shares her expert tips on how to update your makeup routine for mature...

In this week's chat, Donna is joined by radio and TV broadcaster and entrepreneur Sarah Jane Crawford , who is a mum of two and founder of the non-toxic haircare brand Clean Curls . Sarah-Jane opens up to Donna about what it feels like to navigate perimenopause in your early forties while still parenting young children all while growing a business. She also shares the routines that keep her steady...

In this warm and funny chat, celebrity make-up artist and founder of Donna May London , Donna May, joins Donna to talk about her second attempt at growing out her natural grey hair. From why she gave up the first time to what’s motivating her now, they talk honestly about the emotional side of letting go of hair dye. Donna shares her experience of working with a grey-blending specialist, the unexp...

In this episode Donna shares the most important lesson she’s learned after six years writing about and interviewing menopause experts: that you don’t need to fix yourself to thrive in midlife. Instead, Donna explores how embracing your authentic self, owning your quirks, and using the tools you already have can transform perimenopause and beyond into a time of confidence, joy, and growth. What you...

In this episode Donna opens up about her journey with hair thinning during perimenopause and shares the emotional toll of hair loss, how lifestyle factors like alcohol affected her hair, and the steps she took to restore its health - from upgrading her haircare routine to focusing on nutrition and holistic wellness. Donna emphasizes that hair thinning is a normal part of aging and offers practical...

Why does all the weight in midlife go straight to your belly? And what actually works to shift it? In this week's chat, Donna is joined by menopause fitness coach Kate Rowe Ham , who shares her own story of transformation and the practical steps every woman can take to feel stronger through perimenopause and beyond. So whether you’re struggling with the stubborn extra 10lbs, wondering if it’s too...

What beauty products should you buy when you’re in the US that you can’t get in the UK? After four years of living in America, Donna breaks down the best places to shop for beauty across the pond - CVS, Walgreens, Walmart, Target, Sephora, and Ulta. From drugstore staples and prestige makeup to cult sunscreens, quirky collabs, and some random-but-essential American buys, Donna gives you the inside...

In this week’s episode, to celebrate their 23rd wedding anniversary, Donna is joined by her husband, Dan, who she first dated when she was 16! Donna wanted to find out Dan’s perspective on what he thinks makes a partnership work during midlife. From finances and family feuds to hormones and sobriety, they reflect on the biggest lessons they’ve learned, plus the advice they’d give anyone navigating...

For years, Creatine has been marketed to male athletes and bodybuilders, but new research suggests it could be a powerful supplement for women in midlife. In this episode, nutritionist Karen Newby joins Donna to unpack everything you need to know about creatine - from how it supports muscle strength and energy, to its emerging role in cognitive health, brain fog, and mood during perimenopause and...

At 51, Mia Maugé decided to do something radical: she stopped dyeing her hair. What started as a personal act of defiance against feeling irrelevant quickly became a powerful statement. Long before grey hair was trending, Mia embraced her gorgeous silver hair and her life changed. She became a model in her 50s, a voice for women tired of being ignored by beauty and fashion, and a role model for an...

In this episode, Donna shares the one thing that completely transformed her skin over the past year. Tune in to hear how she tracked the changes, the small skincare tweaks that boosted the glow, and how you can try it too. To see the differences that sobriety has had on Donna's skin, subscribe to her new substack, My Skin Type Is Sober which is a judgement-free and positive place for women who may...

In this episode, nutritionist Amanda Ryder , the author of Feel Good For Menopause and host of the How To Feel Like A Midlife Goddess podcast, shares her thoughts on the impact that drinking collagen has on midlife skin.  With celebrity-backed brands flooding the shelves, collagen can feel like just another overhyped trend. Donna admits she’s been skeptical and is constantly asked, does drink...

This week, Donna is joined by her friend Bridgette Mansfield who has been a hypnotherapist for over 17 years.  Donna can personally vouch for the benefits of hypnotherapy as Bridgette has helped her overcome her own menopausal anxiety, hot sweats and fear of heights and in this chat you will find out how hypnotherapy can help you break free from anxiety and addictions too.  They talk abo...

Dr. Justine Kluk is London’s leading skincare expert and in this episode, she chats with Donna about retinol - the skincare ingredient that can be a game-changer for midlife skin - but only if you use it right. This episode will unpack everything you need to know about retinol and how to make it work *for* you, not against you. Expect lots of chat about: * What retinol actually *does* for skin ove...