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- “Skin Flooding” is a new skin care trend that’s going viral on TikTok.
- The routine involves layering hydrating products in a specific order.
- Ahead, experts answer all your burning skin flooding questions.
Five minutes before I sat down to write this, I was examining my face in the mirror and staring at the dry flakes that littered either side of my nostrils. It seems that no matter what I do, when winter sets in, my skin is drier than Coachella Valley in March, and no amount of products can quench its thirst. I’ve accepted the fact that my face is prone to dryness and sensitivity, but that doesn’t mean , that I have stopped looking for a solution. And according to TikTok, there is one, and it’s called “skin flooding.”
The technique recently went viral on the platform and after watching a few videos I learned that my problem might not be in Type of the products I have used but way in which I have used them. confused? Me too. Curious to learn if skin flooding is worth trying or just another fad, I reached out to skin care experts to answer all my questions about the trend.
What is skin flooding?
“The concept of skin flooding is flooding your skin with moisturizing products in a specific order to provide a deeper level of hydration,” Melissa Wilson, director of education at Woodhouse Spas, tells POPSUGAR. Azza Halim, MD, a board-certified multispecialty physician, says the goal is to achieve better absorption of the products, which in turn will increase skin elasticity. She adds that although the technique is trending on TikTok, the concept is actually nothing new and is very similar to a K-beauty routine.
The first step of the routine is cleansing as usual, followed by a hydrating facial mist (because moist skin allows for better absorption), followed by hydrating serums and then moisturizer.
Steps to flood the skin
To get the best results, it’s important to “flood” your skin in the exact order. You’ll want to start by cleansing your skin with a hydrating face cream. We love the CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser ($15), which is great for removing dirt, oil, and makeup from skin without leaving it feeling stripped and dry. From there, spritz your face with a hydrating facial mist like Tower28 SOS Daily Rescue Facial Spray ($28).
Next, you’ll want to apply your first serum while your skin is still damp. Typically, the first serum should be a product with hyaluronic acid, a skin care ingredient that is used to plump and hydrate the skin. We love SkinCeuticals HA Intensifier ($100).
Then you’ll want to follow up with a second serum, which is usually something with niacinamide, an ingredient that calms redness and inflammation and also helps the skin retain moisture. Our current favorite is Paula’s Choice Niacinamide 20% Treatment ($52). The final step in your skin flooding routine should be a thick moisturizer to help seal everything in. Our pick? The Dieux Instant Angel Moisturizer ($45), which is luxurious without being too heavy.
What are the benefits of skin flooding?
For starters, hyaluronic acid is a humectant, meaning it draws moisture from the environment. If you apply it to dry skin, it will draw moisture directly from your skin, which can actually make you drier. However, if you apply it while your skin is still damp, as you would when flooding your skin, it allows you to retain hydration. In addition, applying products to damp skin allows for better absorption, which increases their effectiveness.
As for the niacinamide component, Dr. Ellen Marmur, board-certified dermatologist and founder of MMSkincare, previously told POPSUGAR, “Niacinamide increases the skin’s natural lipids and reduces water loss, thereby reducing pore size. It can also improve skin texture.”
Finishing everything off with an emollient like a heavy cream or moisturizer allows you to lock in all the hydrating products that will leave your skin glowing and dewy.
What are the risks of skin flooding?
Although there are no serious concerns or risks associated with skin flooding, anyone interested in trying the technique should consider their individual skin type. “Those with oily, acne-prone or sensitive skin may not want to fully embrace this method, as layering multiple serums can lead to breakouts,” says Wilson.
However, if you have sensitive skin but are still interested in trying skin flooding, Dr. Halim suggests tailoring your routine to your specific needs and using gentle, fragrance-free products. One thing to note is that you should avoid flooding your skin with active ingredients like retinol or benzoyl peroxide, regardless of your skin type, so be sure to read the labels of your skin care products carefully before using them. you use. And as always, you should consult a dermatologist or your doctor if you have serious skin conditions before trying skin flooding.
Image source: Getty/Westend61