Skin Flooding: The Latest Trend for Intense Skin Hydration

If you have your finger on the pulse of what's hot in skincare (or watch lots of "get ready for bed with me" TikTok videos), you may have heard of the skin flooding trend. This skincare trend aims to layer on hydration so your complexion can reap the benefits.

But what is skin flooding, exactly? How do you do it? Is it worth trying the fad—or implementing it into your long-term skincare regimen?

We'll answer all these questions ahead.  It goes well beyond knowing how much moisturizer to use or whether to add an extra facial oil. Here's everything you need to know about skin flooding.

What Is Skin Flooding?

Skin flooding is essentially layering products (particularly hydrating, moisturizing ones) onto your skin to "lock in" moisture and achieve elevated, longer-lasting hydration.

While the term skin flooding might be currently trending, the concept isn't anything new. If you already have a multi-step skincare routine with facial mist, serum, moisturizer, and face oil, you're basically already doing it.

On the other hand, if your typical daily skincare is more basic—cleanser, then moisturizer—skin flooding can take things to the next level.

The Benefits of Skin Flooding for All Skin Types

Skin flooding might seem intense, especially since the word flooding means an overflow of water—and in the context of weather, it can be an ecological emergency. But it's actually not that extreme.

If you look at skin flooding as a focus on hydration and layering multiple skincare products, it makes a lot of sense. And it's a common practice among skincare enthusiasts.

Believe it or not, an extra dose of moisture can be beneficial to all skin types—not just those facing dryness and dehydration. If you have oily skin, proper moisture can help balance your skin's natural oil levels so it produces less sebum (that greasy, waxy stuff inside your pores).¹

The same goes for acne-prone skin. Just make sure you're using non-comedogenic products that don't contain any pore-clogging ingredients.²

Even sensitive skin can reap the benefits of skin flooding. Adding moisture can support your skin's moisture barrier, reducing inflammation and making it less reactive.³

Step-by-Step Guide to Skin Flooding

Want to try your hand at skin flooding? Follow these steps:

1. Start by cleansing your skin. A creamy, emollient face wash or an oil-based cleanser is ideal to prevent drying out your skin.⁴ If you're removing makeup, you can do a double-cleanse—first use a cleansing balm to dissolve oil-based products, then a water-based gentle face cleanser to take off the rest.
2. Spritz on a hydrating mist. A facial mist can be used in place of a traditional toner. That said, there are many hydrating toners you can apply with a cotton pad—just avoid astringent formulas with drying ingredients like Benzoyl Peroxide. This step might not seem necessary, but damp skin is better able to absorb other products.⁵
3. Apply serum with humectants. Humectants draw in water from the air to hydrate your skin. Hyaluronic Acid and Glycerin are among the most common, and they're both naturally derived.⁶
4. Moisturize. Applying moisturizer helps lock in all the other products while delivering rich hydration and nourishment. It’s important to moisturize your face twice daily—morning and night—to maintain consistent hydration and support your skin barrier. That said, you definitely don't have to use a thick cream. If you have oily or blemish-prone skin, a lightweight gel-like moisturizer works too.
5. Pat on a few drops of facial oil. As the cherry on top of your skin-flooding routine, pat on two to three drops of your facial oil of choice. Non-comedogenic facial oils are your best bet—we'll go over our favorites below.

You might be wondering, “Do you apply facial oil before or after moisturizers?” Depending on the formula and your personal preferences, you might choose to apply oil before a moisturizer. And some oils are meant to be used as serums.

Some skincare experts recommend applying products in order from lightest (with the thinnest consistency) to heaviest (with a richer or oilier consistency). This is to help all layers absorb properly and prevent products from pilling.^{7 8}

And this should go without saying but always apply sunscreen as part of your morning skincare routine. SPF will usually go on after moisturizer.

Key Ingredients to Look For in Skin-Flooding Products

There are a few categories of ingredients to look for in skin-flooding products to boost deep hydration and prevent moisture loss—humectants, emollients, and oils.

The best humectants for skin flooding include:

• Hyaluronic Acid
• Glycerin
• Aloe vera
• Tocopherol (Vitamin E)
• Peptides
• Urea

What does hyaluronic acid do? What about aloe vera for the face? Read our blogs for details.

Some of the best facial oils for skin flooding and all-around healthy skin include:

• Watermelon seed oil
• Rosehip seed oil
• Argan oil
• Jojoba oil
• Grapeseed oil
• Safflower oil
• Sea buckthorn oil
• Sweet almond oil
• Hemp oil
• Neem oil
• Avocado oil

Get Dewy, Plump Skin With Skin Flooding

Like skin cycling and slugging, skin flooding is a skin trend that's gained popularity in recent years. Even some board-certified dermatologists are talking about it on Instagram and TikTok.

If you want dewy, plump skin and a healthy-looking glow, the technique might be worth a shot. Beyond dry skin and very dehydrated skin, it can benefit sensitive skin, oily skin, mature skin, and acne-prone complexions.

Here's what to keep in mind about skin flooding:

• The idea is to layer hydrating products. Skin flooding involves layering multiple hydrating skincare products onto your skin to deposit deep, long-lasting moisture.
• Skin flooding is a multi-step skincare routine. The steps may include cleaner, facial mist, serum, moisturizer, and facial oil. You'll also want to apply sunscreen in the morning.
• Humectants, emollients, and oils are ideal. Some of our favorites include hyaluronic acid, glycerin, aloe vera, squalane, peptides, jojoba oil, argan oil, and watermelon seed oil.
• Prioritize non-comedogenic products. Whenever possible, use non-comedogenic products. A non-comedogenic formula won't contain any ingredients known to clog pores or contribute to acne breakouts.

Building a multi-step skincare routine for ample moisture and a clear complexion? Check out our range of non-comedogenic skincare products. From cleanser and facial mist to hydrating serum and moisturizer, we have it all.

Our HYDRAGLOW™ plant stem cell cream is a stellar moisturizer that works for all skin types. If you're looking for a lightweight, fast-absorbing face oil that won't irritate your skin or lead to clogged pores, our GOLDENHOUR watermelon facial oil might be just the thing.

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