Ever picked up a trend, because you saw it on Tik Tok? It’s okay, us too. In today’s world, we’re all quick to hop on trends – for better or for worse – and are eager to try the next big “fix”.
When it comes to buzz-worthy words, skin flooding is no exception. It’s intriguing, it definitely grabs your attention, but few of us probably know what it actually means. So, we’ve decided to dive in further and do the research, so you don’t have to.
While some social media trends require serious research and effort, others are a matter of peering into your skincare cabinet. Skin flooding, for example, is not only easy, but it also doesn’t require much to get started. And chances are, you probably have the products sitting in your vanity to try it.
To be honest, skin flooding is actually nothing new or groundbreaking. But we’ve got to hand it to TikTok for repackaging a trend with a fancy new name and making it appeal to the masses. From nourishing thirsty skin to enhancing its natural radiance, skin flooding is a refreshing approach to skincare that can actually work wonders. Curious to learn more?
You may have heard the term “moisture sandwiching”— and if not, it’ll make sense once we explain. Another name for “skin flooding,” this refers to the process of drenching the skin with layer upon layer of targeted, hydrating ingredients. You can think of it as a tall glass of water for your skin. It quenches its thirst and boosts the natural vitality of your skin barrier.
Want us to be a little more specific? Ok, picture your skin with tiny little channels beneath its surface. When your skin is damp, the humectants or ‘moisture magnets’ in your skincare (think ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin and salicylic acid) will travel further down these channels, penetrating deeper into your skin’s surface, maximizing the benefits of each ingredient.
When it comes to layering skincare, the skin responds best when each product is applied separately, so you’ll want to wait a few minutes between moving into the next product, so the formula properly absorbs. This can take a few minutes, so be patient, listen to a podcast, do some journaling and allow each product to do its job.
Because, funny enough, if you don’t layer or “flood” your products, it will actually confuse the skin. It will leave the product sitting superficially on top of one another, and can actually have an adverse effect by obstructing absorption. But, once you master this application process, rest assured its effects are beneficial for all.
While skin flooding is especially recommended for those with dry or dehydrated complexions, boosting your skin’s hydration levels is never going to be a bad thing— regardless of skin tone, type or texture. That said, oily or acne-prone skin should opt for lightweight, oil-free products when doing this; whereas, gentle and fragrance-free formulations would best suit sensitive skin.
Hydrated (or flooded) skin has many benefits—from increased hydration and enhanced radiance to softer, smoother texture.
The idea of “flooding” probably does not bring positive connotations to mind – however, when it comes to your skin, trust in the process.
To start, apply a serum or moisturizer to clean skin with a to offer a surge of hydration. Then, apply a second layer to lock it all in. Beyond simple hydration, deeply moisturized skin can significantly enhance your complexion’s health and appearance, leaving it looking dewy and glowy.
Adequate hydration also strengthens the skin’s natural barrier, which protects it from pollutants and harsh weather conditions. This barrier is crucial for keeping irritants out and moisture in, preventing dryness, irritation and damage.
Additionally, hydration helps to plump those skin cells, minimizing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, which promotes a more youthful and radiant look. Sufficiently moisturized skin also facilitates the regeneration of skin cells, leading to a smoother, more even skin tone. This not only revitalizes the skin’s surface, but also fortifies its deeper layers, paving the way for sustained health and beauty.
It all starts with the foundation – also known as the “moisture barrier” or “stratum corneum” of the skin. When the outermost layer of the complexion is compromised, your skin becomes more vulnerable to visible dryness, irritation and aging. And as its name suggests, the barrier is a layer of protection against transepidermal water loss and skin-sabotaging pollutants. Much like how staying hydrated can bring our bodies back to life, the same can be said for giving your skin that dose of moisture.
As with all other functions of the body, water keeps things going. H20 is a key component to restoring our bodily functions, and when your skin is dry or dehydrated, it appears dull. However, with skin flooding, your skin’s hydration can instantly be boosted and restored.
Dehydrated skin not only loses its luster, but it also loses its bounce. Imagine a balloon full of water—it looks full and plump. If you poke a small hole in that same balloon, water slowly seeps out and the balloon loses its fullness. Your skin is similar – the less water, the less full the skin cells. However, when you add that hydration and moisture back into your regimen, dehydrated skin becomes full and supple, giving you a youthful glimmer.
Now that we’ve gotten the benefits of skin flooding out of the way, let’s get into the how-to’s of it all. Unlike some trends or techniques, skin flooding is extremely easy to understand—and you don’t need a crazy or expensive stash of skincare to execute the experience.
Bottom line: skin flooding is a technique that involves layering products in a particular order to provide deeper, longer-lasting hydration. The routine requires a cleanser, a hyaluronic-based serum(s) and moisturizer (in that order), with the serum as the breakout star.
Cleansing is an essential step in any routine, so skin flooding is no exception. We personally love our Take It Off Gel-Oil Cleanser, as this gentle, hydrating formula helps to dissolve impurities and cleanse the skin. Added bonus? Ingredients in the cleanser like squalane and meadowfoam seed oil help to soften it even more.
Now it’s time for the application of hyaluronic acid, which is responsible for this skincare breakthrough. Hyaluronic acid can bind its weight in water, making it the ideal ingredient for skin flooding. As part of the technique, it’s recommended to apply your serum after cleansing, and when your skin is still damp. Hyaluronic acid is a moisture magnet, so applying it to damp skin means it’s going to lock in all that hydration.
Applying a second serum is optional, but it can’t hurt! Fans of skin flooding say it’s highly beneficial and should include niacinamide. Why? Because the ingredient (also known as B3) helps improve skin hydration, boost skin’s barrier function and encourages a healthy glow.
Once your serum has absorbed, apply your moisturizer. We’re fans of finishing off the technique with our Xtremely Rich Moisturizer. It’s a lightweight, ultra-plush formula that delivers lasting hydration, sans the greasy feeling. Plus, it boosts the skin’s moisture barrier to reveal radiance and an all-day glow.
While we are headed into warmer months, our skin is likely still left with the dry remnants from a rough winter. And, as we enter brighter days, the skin still needs that tall glass of water to stand the sun. And skin flooding doesn't just boost your complexion, it safeguards your skin from the toughest environmental challenges, too. With both short term and long term benefits delivered to your complexion with this practice, we’ll definitely be adding this to our evening regimen more. Hello, hydration.
