Welcome to You Look Moist, a regular column wherein Man Repeller asks cool people with glowing visages how they achieved their supreme hydration (amongst other things). Today’s installment features Sarah Jane Adams, a self-employed businesswoman who spends her time designing jewelry, modeling, and public speaking. She just finished her first book, Life in a Box, which is being released in April.
How would you describe your skin?
Being post-menopausal, the word “moist” is rarely used to describe me or my body, including the skin which holds it all together. Consequently, skincare generally (and more specifically for the face) is all about moisturizing for me these days. I’m very fortunate that I’ve never suffered from acne, breakouts, excessive oil, or dryness. I embrace the wrinkles that have appeared naturally over time, and reckon my skin is in pretty good shape.
How would you describe your skincare approach in general?
My external skincare routine is a lot of over-exfoliation and over-moisturizing. My approach is basic and low-maintenance to the point that it’s almost non-existent. I never have professional facials or treatments of any kind. I have my own facial routine, which I generally do every two weeks or so. I start by steaming my face whilst sitting in a hot bath. Then, I apply copious amounts of oil to my hot, wet skin. The next step is a major pore cleanse, specifically around the nose and chin area, using a little tool I found in Thailand (similar here.) I’ve found that the best extractions are achieved when my skin is supple, oily, and moist. Then I exfoliate again with exfoliating gloves, towel dry my face, and apply oil again. I follow this with lashings of moisturizer, which I massage into my face with warm hands, applying more and more until all excess has been absorbed, leaving my skin deeply cleansed, very smooth, and supple. I do not use sunscreen, nor do I wear hats.
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What skincare products are integral to your routine for achieving your ideal, glowing, well-moisturized complexion, and how/when do you use each of them?
+Exfoliating gloves, used daily.
+A’kin Invigorating Facial Scrub, which, despite the instructions to use 1-2 times a week, l use almost daily.
+A’kin Rosehip Oil, applied a minimum of twice daily.
+A’kin Intense Hydration Day and Night Cream used frequently, whenever required, and throughout the day if necessary.
To be fully transparent, though I am not endorsed, paid, sponsored, or in any commercial way linked to A’kin, or any other product, I am offered a multitude of items because of my Instagram following. There are many reasons I choose A’kin over the many other lotions and potions that are sent to me. Basically, I love the product for its simplicity of ingredients, promises, presentation, and, of course, because IT WORKS! Despite my chaotic appearance, I am ridiculously organized, and the concept of mixing products from different producers is akin (!) to driving me crazy (excuse the pun, I basically get too confused mixing various skin products, preferring a holistic approach with one brand). I have devised a quick sorting method to find products I like by immediately dismissing those that advertise the following: Any mention of the word AGE (in particular, anything with the phrase “anti-aging,” which seemingly implies that we are anti aging itself), unnecessary or profuse packaging, print that’s too small to be readable, and explanations that are too complicated or scientific.
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What about makeup products?
My makeup consists solely of a bold lip. I have no brand affinity, and generally mix 2-3 different lipsticks and colors to get the depth and shade I want. My current favorites are: Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick Creme 440 ‘Cherries in the Snow,’ Lancome L’Absolu Rouge 378 ‘Rose,’ Bite Beauty Amuse Bouche Lipstick ‘Sour Cherry,’ and Lancome Matte Shaker 378 ‘Pink Power.’ I don’t use any makeup of any sort on my face, I never have. I used to wear Maybelline mascara, but recently decided to bleach my straggly, graying eyebrows bright white, and they now make enough of a statement that I no longer feel the need to wear mascara.
What’s the cheapest product you use regularly and love?
Bite Beauty Agave+ Daytime Vegan Lip Balm, which I use day and night when not wearing lipstick.
Is there anything you try to avoid, skincare- or makeup-wise?
I avoid any unnatural products. I prefer using vegan, organic, pure products. Even when doing shoots for work, I try to request that nothing too “heavy” is used on my skin. (I believe wrinkles are accentuated by makeup.)
Any next-level tips, tricks, or services that you swear by to help you look “lit from within”?
Again, keep it simple. Get plenty of sleep, exercise, fresh air, sun, fresh, raw veggies, grains, nuts, and water. Don’t smoke, don’t drink alcohol. Smile and laugh a lot. Those are laughter lines, not wrinkles!
What’s your go-to product or trick for fixing a skin disaster?
I’m blessed in that I don’t have skin disasters. Moisturizer is all I need.
Do you do anything differently skincare-wise when you travel?
I always add a nail scrubbing brush and a natural pumice stone to my travel bag, but other than that my routine stays the same wherever I am.
What’s something you wish your teenage-self knew about taking care of your skin?
As a teenager growing up in the 60s and 70s, there was little information and few skincare products to choose from. I did not understand the importance of moisturizing, incorrectly believing that using creams on the face only led to blocked pores, pimples, or blackheads. I had a face “steam-cleaner,” which I occasionally used to help soften my skin to clear blackheads around the nose area, but I wish I had realized that moisturizing is basically where it’s at. A girl can never be too moist.
