What You Need to Know About the Viral Skin Flooding Trend

TikTok has become the birth place for many trends in recent years, whether it’s music, recipes or skincare. Of course, some trends make more sense than others, and it’s always a good idea to check additional sources before committing to something in a video. Remember a few years ago when people were stuffing garlic up their nose to decongest? Turns out that doesn’t work and it does more harm than good (plus it feels weird). So don’t do it. 

But skin flooding? You might want to try this one! With roots in Korean beauty, skin flooding refers to layering specific products on your skin to boost hydration. So while you’re starting to layer your clothes for fall and winter, you should also consider layering your skincare products. 

What is Skin Flooding?

The beauty trend involves using 3-4 skincare products and applying them to the face in a certain order. This is done to lock moisture in and ensure maximum hydration. First, you use a cleanser, followed by a hyaluronic acid serum on damp skin, an additional serum which might be niacinamide-based, and you finish with a moisturizer. 

If you’re doing skin flooding in the morning, you should finish your routine with SPF. But since adding too many layers of product can overwhelm the skin and potentially cause breakouts, it’s recommended to save skin flooding for your evening routine. 

It is also important to note that, despite the word ‘flooding’ in the name, you don’t actually need to flood your face with a ton of product for this to work. Use the regular amount of product you would use in your skincare routine, since most skincare products are formulated to work well as prescribed. 

Skin flooding works well for every skin type, but it’s particularly good for dry, dehydrated skin and mature skin. Those with sensitive or acne-prone skin should use caution, since skin flooding increases the penetration of skincare products, and should adjust the products they use depending on personal experience. As usual, what works for someone might not work as well for someone else, so keep this in mind as you customize your skincare routine. 

What are the Benefits of Skin Flooding?

Increased skin hydration given by skin flooding results in softer, smoother texture. Dry skin can appear dull, while moisturized skin will look glowy and healthy. 

Starting with damp skin allows the hyaluronic acid to lock moisture within the skin instead of drawing it out. This ingredient is crucial in skin flooding, to make your face look dewy, plump, and young. The niacinamide  serum, although optional, is soothing and anti-inflammatory. The final layer, your moisturizer, prevents water loss and adds an extra layer of hydration. 

How to Do a DIY Skin Flooding Routine

1. Cleanser

The classic first step in every skincare routine, start with a blank canvas of freshly cleaned skin. If you use a water-based cleanser, don’t dry it off entirely after cleansing. If you’re using another kind of cleanser, you might want to spritz some micellar water or face mist on your face before moving on to the next step. 

DIY Recipes to Try:

11 Ways to Make Your Own Face Cleanser

DIY Micellar Water

6 Ways to Make Your Own Hydrating Face Mist

2. Hyaluronic acid serum

You want to apply hyaluronic acid to damp skin. You don’t need more than four drops of serum to use on your entire face and neck to properly lock in moisture. 

DIY Recipe to Try:

DIY Hyaluronic Acid Serum

3. Second serum

You can skin this step if hyaluronic acid feels like enough. If you do opt for a second serum, look for ingredients such as niacinamide, a form of vitamin B3 which can reduce redness and inflammation and improve skin’s elasticity. 

DIY Recipe to Try:

A Guide to Natural Facial Serums for Every Skin Type

4. Moisturizer

Finish your skin flooding routine with a light moisturizer to seal in the other products. If you’re doing this skincare routine in the morning, always finish with SPF. 

DIY Recipe to Try:

Shea Butter Face Moisturizer

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