Eesha Kulkarni

In the ever-evolving world of skincare, it’s hard to keep up with the latest trends. One day, it’s skin cycling, and the next, it’s hydrafacials and now, its ‘skin flooding’. If you’ve been scrolling through your TikTok or Instagram feeds, you’ve probably stumbled upon this sensation. But before you rush to drench your skin in a deluge of products, let’s dive deep into the pros and cons of this viral skincare technique.

Skin Flooding: A Moisture Marvel

So, what exactly is skin flooding? Well, it’s not about submerging your face in a bathtub – thankfully. Skin flooding involves layering a series of lightweight skincare products and applying a facial mist between each layer. The goal? To give your skin an intense moisture boost and nourishment. But does it live up to the hype? Let’s take a closer look.

The Benefits Of Skin Flooding

Replenishes Lost Moisture: Whether your skin has suffered from environmental factors, dehydration, or the perils of travel, skin flooding is here to save the day. It replenishes lost moisture like a pro.

Improves Skin Health: Fine lines, wrinkles and uneven skin tone – these are the problems skin flooding tackles. It’s like a superhero fighting the signs of premature ageing and winning.

Locks in Moisture: The concept of ‘transepidermal water loss’ may sound like a mouthful, but it’s essentially the moisture escaping from your skin. Skin flooding comes to the rescue by sealing in the hydration, keeping your skin perpetually plump.

Retains Moisture During the Nighttime: Your skin loses moisture while you sleep, but with the skin flooding routine, you can wake up to a hydrated and refreshed face every morning.

Customising Skin Flooding for Different Skin Types

Skin flooding doesn’t follow a one-size-fits-all approach. Depending on your skin type, you should tailor the routine to suit your needs.

Dry, Dehydrated Skin: Cleanse, mist with thermal water, apply a hydrating serum, use a moisturiser for long-lasting hydration, and finish with SPF.

Oily, Breakout-Prone Skin: Begin with a foam-based cleanser, balance your skin’s pH with a toner, rejuvenate with a lightweight serum, and opt for a cream that combines moisturising and SPF properties to avoid overloading your skin.

Is Skin Flooding The Holy Grail of Hydration?

Prominent dermatologists have weighed in on this moisture-boosting trend online. They consider skin flooding a game-changer, particularly for addressing common concerns like dryness, dullness and dehydration. While it’s a boon for those with dry skin, it’s advisable for those with oilier or acne-prone skin to tread carefully, patch-testing new products and gradually incorporating the routine to avoid unwanted reactions.

How To Go About Skin Flooding?

Much like creating a mouthwatering sandwich, the order matters. Start with a gentle cleanse, ensuring your skin remains slightly damp. Apply and layer your chosen products in order of thickness, from serums to moisturisers, sealing the deal with SPF. And voila, you’ve created your very own moisture recipe.

Pros and Cons Of Skin Flooding

Skin flooding sounds like a skincare dream come true, but it’s not without a few potential pitfalls. While it can be suitable for most skin types, the risk of pilling exists when layering too many products, particularly those with silicones. Additionally, not all ingredients play well together, so some experimentation may be required to find the perfect combination. And if you have sensitive skin or suffer from skin conditions, consulting a dermatologist is a wise move.

The Bottom Line

In a world of viral skincare trends, skin flooding stands out as a refreshing way to hydrate your skin from the inside out. It’s easy to incorporate, and with a little knowledge and experimentation, you can find the right routine for your skin type. So, if your skin is yearning for some extra TLC, give skin flooding a try. After all, hydration is the key to solving many skin concerns, and this trend could be the answer to your skin’s thirst.