Skin flooding is the latest skincare trend to go viral, with videos showing people layering several hydrating serums on damp skin for instant glow. It looks soothing and can give the skin a fresh, dewy finish, especially when it feels dry or tired. However, the idea itself is far less dramatic than it appears online! Skin flooding is simply a more proactive intensive way of layering hydration and supporting the skin barrier. In fact when you strip away the hype, it’s really just good moisturising with a trend-friendly name. In this article, we take a closer look at what skin flooding actually is and who would benefit from it. We’ll also review the best and easiest way to introduce skin flooding into your skincare routine.
What is Skin Flooding & Why is it Trending?
At its core, skin flooding involves applying multiple hydrating products onto damp skin and then sealing this in with moisturiser to help the skin hold onto more water. The aim is to increase hydration in the upper layers of the skin so that it looks smoother, plumper and more juicier. Most skin flooding routines use humectants such as hyaluronic acid, glycerin or urea to draw moisture in. This is then quickly followed by a rich cream that helps lock in the moisture and reduce water loss from the skin.
Skin flooding has taken off because it promises dewy, plump skin that you can get form the comfort of your home. It taps also taps into other skincare trends like glass, jello and ultra-expensive skin which require smooth, clear and practically reflective skin. Skin flooding also bridges the current DIY home-spa and ever-green wellness movements. Beyond the buzz, skin flooding also appeals to the growing users of exfoliating acids or retinoids which can leave the skin feeling dry, sensitive or flaky. Unlike most skincare trends, skin flooding is also relatively easy as it doesn’t require a specific product or special technique.
Who Might Benefit from Skin Flooding?
Whilst skin flooding isn’t harmful, its not really necessary for everyone and can just waste your time and money. There are however quite a few different situations where skin flooding can be great. Below are the main users who might benefit from skin flooding:
- Dehydrated Skin: Skin flooding can help instantly smooth and plump up dehydrated skin. It’s a bit like watering a really dry plan.
- Dry Skin: This is a skin type that produces less oil than normal. It can become sensitive and dehydrated even more during winter or in low-humidity environments when the skin naturally loses more moisture and may feel rough or flaky despite regular moisturising. Skin flooding can help increase the moisture level giving the skin a softer and bouncier feel and look.
- Active Skincare: Those using retinoids like tretinoin, exfoliating acids or hydroquinone may experience dryness, flaking or tightness. Extra hydration can help maintain comfort whilst allowing treatment to continue more easily.
- Mature Skin: Ageing causes decline in ceramides and natural moisturising factors which can make the skin feel drier or less elastic. Additional hydration can help improve suppleness and smooth texture as well as fine lines.
- Mild Barrier Compromise: The skin barrier can be damaged by environmental changes like pollution, weather or even harsh skincare practices. Skin flooding can help support the skin barrier and restore comfort.
- Post-Treatment: Following professional skin treatments like chemical peels, microdermabrasion, microneedling or lasers, your provider may recommend skin flooding. The aim of this is to reduce tightness and help the skin recover.
- Makeup: Whether your look just needs a smoother base or super dewy finish, skin flooding can help improves how foundation sits on the skin.
Who Should Be Careful?
Like everything in life, skin flooding is not suitable for everyone. It can even aggravate certain skin concerns if used too often or with the wrong products. The following people should be cautious before trying skin flooding:
- Oily or Acne-Prone Skin: Multiple layers of hydrating serums and richer creams can feel heavy and some formulas can even worsen congestion and trigger breakouts. Its best to use a smaller number and lighter formulations of hydrating and moisturising products if you decide to try skin flooding.
- Sensitive Skin: Using several new products in one go increases the risk of irritation especially if the skin barrier is compromised.
- Rosacea: Excessive layering or humectant-heavy routines may worsen flushing or sensitivity in some people with rosacea.
- Seborrhoeic Dermatitis or Fungal Acne: Richer occlusives or certain oils may aggravate these conditions, particularly if applied in several layers.
- Inflamed or Broken skin: Flooding over irritated, infected or open skin can cause pain and even delay healing. It will also not fix the underlying problem.
If you suffer from eczema, rosacea, dermatitis or any sort of skin condition, it’s best to get help from your doctor to avoid the risk of triggering flareups of these conditions.
How to Flood Your Skin Properly
Skin flooding works best when the routine is simple and each step has a clear purpose. Rather than stacking lots of products, focus on using a few key ones in the right order. A simple personalised routine that you repeat consistently is the key to getting bets results. Her are our top tips for integrating skin flooding into your skincare routine:
- Cleanser: Choose a mild, hydrating cleanser that cleans your skin without stripping it off oils. If you need to remove makeup, try double cleansing with an oil or balm first.
- Dampen Skin: Lightly pat or spray your face with water so it stays slightly damp. This helps hydrating products work more effectively.
- Layer Humectants: These are the key to hydration and you only really need 1-2 good products. These could be in the form of an essence, toner or lightweight water based serum. Keep layers thin and give each product a moment to settle into the skin before layering with the next. At this stage you can also use any of your usual active products if you normally apply them daily.
- Sealing Moisturisers: Creams containing emollients like squalane and barrier lipids like ceramides can help seal hydration.
- Balm: This is optional but if your skin is very dry, apply a small amount of an occlusive balm or ointment to further lock in moisture especially at night.
- Sunscreen: If you’re skin flooding during the day, always end with a broad-spectrum sunscreen before makeup. You can look for a rich formula if your skin is very dry as it will also further seal in moisture and act like a balm.
Always remember that the aim of skin flooding is to boost hydration and not overwhelm your skin. So keep things simple and pay attention to how your skin feels. If your products feel sticky, heavy or uncomfortable, then its usually a sign you’re either using the wrong products or doing too much!
Best Skincare Ingredients for Skin Flooding
For best results, skin flooding should use a mix of hydrating and barrier-supportive ingredients. The exact products matter less than choosing the right ingredients and formulations for your skin. Here are the ingredients to look for if you’re looking to try skin flooding:
- Humectants: Ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, urea and polyglutamic acid draw water into the upper layers of the skin. The best way to use these products is in water based essences, toners and serums.
- Soothing Agents: Panthenol, allantoin and beta-glucan can help calm mild sensitivity or tightness without clogging the skin. You can layer these over humectants in serum or light lotion forms.
- Emollients: Squalane, fatty alcohols and certain animal or plant oils help soften the skin and improve smoothness. The best way to use these is in creams or lotions.
- Barrier Lipids: Ceramides, fatty acids and cholesterol help reinforce the skin’s natural barrier and keep water locked in. These are useful in rich moisturisers for dry, dehydrated or mature skin.
- Occlusives: These are optional and best in the form of balms and ointments containing ingredients like petrolatum, mineral oil or beeswax. They can help prevent moisture loss in very dry skin.
How Often Should You Flood Skin?
Daily flooding is rarely necessary and may feel too heavy, especially if your skin is prone to congestion or sensitivity. For most people, two or three evenings a week is enough to boost hydration without overwhelming the skin. If you find yourself relying on it frequently to manage dryness or discomfort, it may be a sign that your cleanser, exfoliation routine or active ingredients need adjusting rather than adding more layers.
Skin flooding is a great pick me up and skin booster especially for tired, dehydrated or stressed skin. It is not essential for every day skincare. Nor is it a replacement for a targeted skincare routine especially if you have dry skin. The key to looking after your skin is to personalise your routine to your skin’s need and be consistent. A simple daily hydrating skincare routine can maintain healthy skin far more better than elaborate layers of hydrating serums and creams which you use only occasionally.
At City Skin clinic, we are extremely passionate about personalised skincare. Our online skin clinic offers safe and effective custom skin treatments. Where appropriate our doctors use ingredients such as Tretinoin and Hydroquinone to treat skin conditions like acne, hyperpigmentation, melasma and skin ageing. Start your online consultation today. The journey towards great skin starts here.
This article is intended for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always consult a qualified medical provider for any medical concerns or questions you might have.
