Let’s talk about skin flooding! As with a lot of skin trends on TikTok, it’s basically just good advice from dermatologist and skin experts repackaged with a fun new term.
Skin Flooding
The name is pretty self-explanatory - it’s the process of using your skincare routine to ‘flood’ your skin with hydration and has something to offer a wide range of skin concerns. Dehydration can actually be the cause of many skin issues, including redness and irritation, flakiness, tightness and sometimes even breakouts.
As we properly enter winter, giving back to the skin in this way, deeply hydrating it with layers of product onto damp skin, can be a way for even the driest of skin to get that plumpness back in your skin. By layering onto damp skin and focusing solely on lightweight hydration, you aim to improve the water content of your moisture barrier and then lock it all in with a richer moisturiser. It’s also best done without the use of actives such as exfoliating acids or retinol, instead focusing purely on hydration.
A skin flooding skincare routine:
Start with your cleansing step, either a single gentle cleanse in the morning or a double cleanse in the evening. The Double Cleanse Duo is a wonderful option because the Melting Balm Cleanser helps remove makeup without harsh scrubbing and the Hydrating Gel Cleanser gives back to the skin in that second cleanse. It even helps to leave the skin a little damp after your second cleanse, helping contribute to the moisture available for the skin to absorb.
The second step is using a hydrating mist or essence, which is then used again between your serum layers. Some beautiful options include the Dermalogica Hyaluronic Ceramide Mist or the newly reformulated Laneige Cream Skin Toner.
You can then layer your serums, such as your hyaluronic acid or niacinamide formulas, one at a time, adding a layer of mist in between. Avoid using actives like a retinol or exfoliating acids in this step. Serums such as The Sensitive Type Cloud Tonic or Skinstitut 10% Niacinamide Power Serum are both great choices.
Finish off with a moisturiser to lock all the goodness in!
Your final step is your protective SPF during the day, or a super rich night cream or overnight mask in the PM. Two suggestions are the CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream or Avene Hydrance Hydrating Sleeping Mask.
Are there any downsides to skin flooding?
Basically any skin will respond well to hydration, but make sure to still use products that you know work well for your skin. If you are very prone to congestion, this is absolutely still for you because it’s focused on light layers, but perhaps just opt for a moisturiser that you know won’t be too heavy (maybe an oil-free formula).
Since there are many layers going on here too, be careful of pilling. This is easily avoided by taking the time to pat the products into the skin and not going overboard with too many different products (you don’t need four serums AND the mist layers).
If you deal with especially dry or dehydrated skin, doing this routine for a few nights a week can really help, otherwise you can just take this approach as you need it.
So there you have it! Whilst it is not a revolutionary approach to a hydrating routine - in fact you may already being doing it - it is helpful to know if you need a little extra help combatting the dry, winter weather.
