So, you’ve been hearing about skin flooding all over TikTok and Instagram, and now you’re wondering—what’s the hype all about? Don’t worry, I’ve got you. Skin flooding is basically the ultimate hydration hack for your skin, and it’s exactly what it sounds like: flooding your skin with moisture in layers. If your skin ever feels tight, dull, or just plain thirsty, this is the routine you need to try.
Let’s break it down step by step so you can get that juicy, glass-skin glow without feeling overwhelmed.
Step 1: Start With Damp Skin
First things first—hydration works best on damp skin. After cleansing, don’t dry your face completely. That little bit of water left on your skin will help everything absorb better. If your skin dries too fast, just mist it lightly with a hydrating toner or facial spray before moving on to the next step.
✔ Why? Damp skin absorbs hydration better, just like a sponge!
✔ Pro tip: If you cleanse in the shower, try to do the next steps quickly before your skin completely dries out.
Step 2: Apply a Hydrating Toner or Essence
Now that your skin is prepped, it’s time to layer on a lightweight toner or essence. Look for ingredients like:
- Hyaluronic acid (hello, hydration magnet!)
- Glycerin (locks in moisture)
- Aloe vera (soothing and refreshing)
Gently press the product into your skin—don’t rub! Your skin will already start to feel more plump and hydrated.
✔ Why? This step helps prep your skin for the heavier stuff coming next.
✔ Pro tip: Layer two or three light layers instead of one thick one for better absorption.
Step 3: Add a Hydrating Serum
This is where the real hydration magic happens. A good hyaluronic acid serum is your best friend for this step. Apply a few drops while your skin is still damp and press it in gently.
✔ Why? Hyaluronic acid pulls moisture from the air and into your skin, giving you that plump, bouncy look.
✔ Pro tip: If you live in a dry climate, follow up with a mist of water or a humidifier in your room to prevent hyaluronic acid from pulling moisture out of your skin instead.
Step 4: Lock It In With a Moisturizer
Now that we’ve flooded the skin with hydration, we need to lock it all in. Choose a moisturizer based on your skin type:
- Oily skin? Go for a lightweight gel moisturizer.
- Dry skin? A thicker cream will do the trick.
- Combination skin? A balancing moisturizer works best.
✔ Why? Without this step, all the hydration you just applied will evaporate!
✔ Pro tip: Look for moisturizers with ceramides or squalane to strengthen your skin barrier.
Step 5: Seal Everything With an Oil (Optional)
If your skin is extra dry or it’s wintertime, a few drops of facial oil can really help seal everything in. But this step is totally optional—if you’re on the oily side, you can skip it.
✔ Why? Oils create a protective layer that stops hydration from escaping.
✔ Pro tip: Warm a few drops between your fingers and press it gently onto your skin instead of rubbing.
Step 6: Don’t Forget SPF (Morning Only!)
If you’re doing this routine in the morning, the final step is sunscreen—non-negotiable! Look for one that’s at least SPF 30 and has hydrating ingredients like niacinamide or hyaluronic acid.
✔ Why? Hydration is useless if your skin is getting damaged by UV rays.
✔ Pro tip: Reapply every two hours if you’re out and about.
Skin Flooding FAQs
💦 Can I do this every day? Yes! But listen to your skin—if it starts feeling too heavy, scale back on layers.
💦 Will this make me break out? If you have acne-prone skin, go for non-comedogenic products and avoid heavy oils.
💦 Do I need to use all these steps? Nope! Customize it based on what works for you. Even just adding the toner + serum step can make a big difference.
💦 Can I use this with my regular skincare routine? Absolutely! Just make sure you’re not mixing actives like retinol or exfoliants on the same night.
And that’s it! Skin flooding is all about layering hydration the right way so your skin stays fresh, plump, and glowing. Give it a try and see how your skin feels—you might just fall in love with it!
