What Is Skin Flooding And Does It Work?

Over the past few years, natural skincare trends have changed quickly and dramatically, as people experiment to find a routine that works for them and keeps their skin moisturised in what can safely be described as less-than-ideal circumstances.

From the inelegant but highly effective likes of slugging to carefully crafted skin cycling routines, skincare is seeing a variety of approaches and different trends rising and falling every year.

The most recent trend to hit the limelight to help people with dry skin is skin flooding, a variation on layering that aims to trap as much moisture into the skin as possible, reviving itchy, flaky and dry skin.

Skin flooding is a variation on skincare layering, with lots of room for modification to fit the needs of each skin type. The difference between flooding and traditional layering, however, is that between each product you apply a light facial mist to add extra hydration and keep the skin damp.

The logic behind it is that products absorb into the skin better when it is damp, increasing the effect for less of the product. Many flooding routines involve the use of hyaluronic acid, which draws in and traps moisture from the skin’s surface.

Add to this a thick moisturiser to lock in the products before as is seen with other layering routines, and it not only gives your skin the hydration it needs to be at its best but also keeps it locked in.

The routine starts with a damp face, then you layer products in order of lightest to heaviest, starting with serums, then thin lotions and finally a thick cream or gel moisturiser to keep it all in place.

Whilst skincare trends can be hit or miss, particularly when practicality is not a factor, skin flooding appears to be an effective approach based on relatively straightforward skincare principles.