As the cold weather sets in, a new skincare trend has taken TikTok by storm: Skin Flooding. This technique is all about flooding your skin with hydrating steps, with the hero ingredient being hyaluronic acid (HA). The key to skin flooding is to start with damp skin, as HA is a humectant—a moisture magnet that works best when your skin is slightly wet. Additionally, strategic layering, from thinnest to thickest consistency, ensures optimal absorption and hydration.

What is Skin Flooding?

Skin flooding involves layering multiple hydrating products to deeply moisturise and nourish the skin. Begin by cleansing your skin to create a clean base. Follow with a hydrating mist to prep your skin for optimal absorption. Apply your targeted serum next, then seal in all the goodness with a fortifying moisturiser. This method provides long-lasting hydration, resulting in a fresh, dewy, and radiant complexion. 

Benefits of Skin Flooding

While skin flooding is ideal for dry, dehydrated, dull, and sensitive skin, it can also benefit oily and combination skin types by providing balanced hydration. However, those with acne-prone skin should proceed with caution, as layering multiple products may exacerbate breakouts.

Skin flooding is particularly beneficial for:

Dry Skin: Provides deep hydration to alleviate flakiness and tightness.
Dehydrated Skin: Restores moisture balance, making the skin look plump and healthy.
Dull Skin: Enhances radiance and gives a natural glow.
Sensitive Skin: Soothes and calms irritation with gentle hydrating layers.

Three Types of Hydrators

To effectively practise skin flooding, it’s important to understand the three types of hydrators:

Humectants: Attract water from the environment into your skin, keeping it hydrated. Examples include hyaluronic acid and glycerin.
Emollients: Smooth and soften the skin, filling in the gaps between skin cells for a silky feel. Popular emollients are jojoba oil and vitamin C.
Occlusives: Create a barrier on the skin’s surface to prevent moisture loss. Common occlusives include shea butter and squalane.

How to Perform Skin Flooding

AM Skin Flooding

(Dry, Dull, Dehydrated, and Sensitive Skin)

This routine can be done daily and sets a great canvas for makeup application, ensuring your skin looks plump and smooth.

Step 1 – Cleanse: Use Bonajour Mellow Mild Milk Cleanser. Do not dry skin completely.
Step 2 – Hydrating Mist: Spray Skin1004 Madagascar Cloudy Mist onto damp skin.
Step 3 – Serum: Apply Mizon Hyaluronic 100 serum while your skin is still damp.
Step 4 – Fortify Skin Barrier: Finish with Naked Chemist Fortify to lock in moisture.

Explore Dermessa’s AM Skin Flooding Set.

PM Skin Flooding

(Dry, Dehydrated, and Dull Skin)

Wake up with dewy and supple skin by ensuring your skin is clean from makeup and dirt. Use a double cleansing method to ensure a clean canvas.

Step 1 – Cleanse: Double cleanse using Dermessa Clean Slate Cleansing Duo. Do not dry skin completely.
Step 2 – Hydrating Mist: Spray Skin1004 Madagascar Cloudy Mist onto damp skin.
Step 3 – Serum: Pat in Mizon Hyaluronic 100 Serum while your skin is still damp.
Step 4 – Fortify Skin Barrier: Finish with Son Reve Timely Enrich Cream to lock in moisture.

Explore Dermessa’s PM Skin Flooding Set.

Skin Flooding for Combination and Oily Skin

This should only be done as an evening routine and only 1-2 times per week.

Step 1 – Cleanse: Use Sandawha Gentle Natural Mild Cleanser. Do not dry skin completely.
Step 2 – Hydrating Mist: Spray Skin1004 Madagascar Cloudy Mist onto damp skin.
Step 3 – Hyaluronic Acid Serum: Pat in Torriden Dive In Low Molecular Hyaluronic Acid Serum while your skin is still damp.
Step 4 – Niacinamide Treatment: When serum is absorbed, apply a few drops of Neulii Niacinamide 10 Brightening Ampoule
Step 5 – Fortify Skin Barrier: Finish with Torriden Dive In Low Molecular Hyaluronic Acid Cream to lock in moisture.

Explore Dermessa’s Skin Flooding Set for Oily and Combination Skin.

Additional Tips

Gentle Exfoliation: Exfoliate twice a week to clear pores and enhance product absorption.

Apply Sunscreen Daily: Protect your skin from photodamage. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation 90% of skin ageing is due to sun exposure.

Key Takeaway

Not all trends work out well, but this simple routine is one that is effective and can seriously turn around dry, dull, and dehydrated skin. Give skin flooding a go and say hello to dewy skin!