Skin Flooding: The Hydration Hack Your Barrier Is Begging For
How to master the art of the "flood" for plumper, dewier, and deeply hydrated skin.
BEAUTY
1/31/20262 min read
If you’ve spent any time on skincare TikTok lately, you’ve probably heard of "Skin Flooding." Despite the slightly intense name, it doesn’t involve a snorkel. It’s actually a gentle, logic-based technique designed to save your skin from the winter blues (or just general dehydration).
Think of it as giving your face a long, tall glass of water. Here is everything you need to know about this hydration hack.
What Exactly is Skin Flooding?
Skin flooding is the process of layering lightweight, hydrating products in a specific order on damp skin. The goal is to "flood" the deeper layers of your epidermis with moisture and then seal it all in so it doesn't evaporate.
The secret sauce? Dampness. By applying products to a wet face, you’re helping humectants (like Hyaluronic Acid) pull that water into your skin rather than drawing moisture out of it.
The Step-by-Step Routine
The mantra here is thin to thick. You want to start with the most watery consistency and end with your heaviest cream.
Why Is Everyone Obsessed With It?
The "Glass Skin" Finish: It creates an immediate, dewy glow that makes you look like you actually slept eight hours and drank your gallon of water.
Barrier Repair: If you’ve overdone it with retinoids or exfoliating acids, flooding is the ultimate "reset" button for a compromised skin barrier.
Maximum Absorption: Using damp skin as a vehicle allows your expensive serums to penetrate more effectively.
Pro-Tip: Don't wait for your face to dry between layers! The "flooding" effect works best when the skin remains continuously tacky and moist throughout the process.
Is It For Everyone?
If you have dry, dehydrated, or sensitive skin, this is your new best friend.
However, if you have oily or acne-prone skin, be a little cautious. Layering too many heavy products can sometimes lead to "slugging" side effects (like trapped sebum). Stick to oil-free, non-comedogenic serums, and you'll likely still see great results without the breakouts.