Why Skin Flooding is the Ultimate Hydration Solution to Simplify Your Moisturizing Regimen
Skin flooding isn’t just a fancy way of saying you’re using a moisturizer. Learn more about this new beauty trend, how to do it like a pro, and whether it’s right for you.
I know what you’re thinking: first the slam, then the ride, then the skin flooding? It seems like every other day there’s a new TikTok-inspired beauty trend in the skincare space, and people can’t seem to get enough of them. One of the newest techniques for creating waves, flooding is soaking your skin with intense moisture.
To be honest, we don’t usually keep up with TikTok trends very quickly. In fact, we always encourage people to be extra careful and not to rush into things without proper research.
However, we have to admit that skin flooding is a trend that we can fully endorse. In fact, this concept has long been a part of the skincare community and dermatologists (and us) have been recommending it for years. Understand this, unlike other trends that can be very scary, this is one of the safest trends for your skin. It’s also quite affordable and everyone can benefit from it.
What is skin hydration?
Skin hydration is a technique that involves applying moisturizing products in a specific order to ensure that the skin gets the maximum amount of moisture and locks it in for long-lasting hydration. Most of the time, using a serum containing hyaluronic acid and other moisturizers followed by a moisturizer or ointment can flood the skin. While the trend may be new, layered moisturizers are definitely not.
Flooding is just a peculiar way of saying that you apply a hyaluronic acid serum to your skin followed by a moisturizer, which is actually something dermatologists have been telling their patients for years,” says Dr. Josh Zeichner. Hyaluronic acid is like a sponge. It absorbs hydration into the outer skin layer, but it doesn’t hold it there very well. That’s why you need to put a moisturizer with emollients or sealants on top of it to help it stay in place.”
Hyaluronic acid serum is great for drawing moisture into the skin and increasing hydration. However, if you apply it without a moisturizer, you may be selling yourself short. That’s because the hydration absorbed by the serum will simply evaporate into the air, which can waste your hyaluronic acid’s hard work. Worse, in dry climates or winter, it can force your skin to absorb water from deeper layers, which can lead to dehydration. That’s why you need to follow up with sealers and emollients. They help by covering the skin’s surface with a protective film to seal in water and prevent it from evaporating.
What are the benefits of skin flooding and is it suitable for everyone?
This technology is a real savior for dry, cracked and tight skin and is absolutely ace in the winter months. As the product is applied in the ideal order, it provides intense hydration that lasts all day and leaves the complexion looking moist and plump. It’s also a good chance that you’ll notice a more radiant look and less visible fine lines after your skin is full of moisture – as TikTokers proves.
You can bet on this trend, especially if you spend a lot of time indoors. The effects of heating tools and air conditioning systems can have a serious impact on your complexion and dry out your skin. However, by keeping your skin hydrated, you can quench its thirst by providing it with much-needed moisture.
However, don’t rush to flush your skin, as it is not suitable for everyone. Those with oily skin prone to acne may particularly find that the technique exacerbates their condition as it involves applying a thick layer of sealant that feels greasy and can clog pores. However, this can be avoided by using non-comedogenic products.
What are the disadvantages of skin flooding?
The negative effects of skin flooding are relatively minor and may include temporary redness or irritation, especially if you have sensitive skin. You can reduce the adverse effects by using mild products that are free of alcohol and fragrances, as these are the most common ingredients that can disturb the skin. Using the wrong products too aggressively can also trigger acne and clog the pores of acne-prone skin.
Remember that too much of a good thing can be bad for your skin, even if it is about moisturizers. Over-moisturizing may overload your skin, which won’t do you any good.
What to do if your skin is edematous
How to do it like a pro
Always cleanse and keep your face moist before applying moisturizers – wet skin enhances the penetration and effectiveness of the moisturizing ingredients in serums and creams.
Therefore, start by washing your face with a mild cleanser. Next, apply a moisturizing serum containing humectants such as hyaluronic acid, glycerin and polyglutamic acid while the skin is still wet. They will help absorb moisture. Finally apply a thick layer of cream or ointment containing sealants and emollients such as petroleum jelly, squalane and shea butter to lock the moisture into the skin.
We recommend doing this only at night, as applying it liberally to your skin during the day can leave you feeling sticky and heavy from all the moisturizing ingredients. Plus, by doing it at night, you support your skin’s natural healing process and enhance hydration. Don’t feel like you need to do it every day – once or twice a week is fine.
In addition, you can add additional serum in between to take full advantage of this technique. By increasing skin absorption, skin flooding is actually a good primer for other products, such as serums containing vitamin C, peptides or niacinamide. In layman’s terms, you will do better by applying it between hyaluronic acid and a moisturizer.
The verdict
We favor skin flooding. Using a combination of moisturizer and sealer is not actually a new concept and it has been practiced in the skin care field for a long time.