What is ‘skin flooding’ and is it recommended?

#Skinflooding is one of the latest trends taking social media by storm. Reporter Becki Murray looks at what it is and how it works.

WHAT IS SKIN FLOODING?

In its simplest form, skin flooding is layering multiple lightweight skincare products onto damp skin, one after another. It also involves using a facial mist between each application.

The technique is designed to target dryness and dehydration, so the products used are particularly moisturising and nourishing. It can also be utilised to provide a hydrated glow and plumping effect for the skin.

HOW EXACTLY DO YOU ‘SKIN FLOOD’?

“The steps usually include a hyaluronic acid serum followed by a niacinamide and then a thick layer of moisturiser to lock in the products,” explains the founder of Harley Street Injectables and Skincycles, Alice Henshaw.

“After cleansing, you’ll want to start with a damp face before applying your first serum. The method seems to vary but, generally speaking, it involves using a face mist between each product application to add further moisture.”

WHAT PRODUCTS SHOULD YOU USE TO SKIN FLOOD?

Water-based serums that contain humectants like hyaluronic acid and niacinamide are recommended by Henshaw for skin flooding. “Peptides are also great trending ingredients that are ideal for layering to boost hydration and stimulate collagen production,” says Henshaw. You can find these ingredients in the Skincycles range.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF SKIN FLOODING?

“The idea is that by keeping the skin damp, you allow maximum product absorption and efficacy,” outlines Henshaw. “Using hyaluronic acid and other smaller molecular serums on damp skin can help them to draw moisture in, hydrating the skin on a deeper level. Locking in serums with a cream or gel-based moisturiser is also an important step to retaining that moisture.”

HOW DID SKIN FLOODING BECOME POPULAR?

As with many recent skincare trends, the term skin flooding was born on social media, particularly on TikTok. The hashtag currently has 12.7K views on the platform, so it is still an emerging trend. Yet, it’s rising quickly so you may start getting questions about it in-clinic soon.

WHERE DID IT GET ITS INSPIRATION?

Importantly, while the term is trending, the techniques of skincare layering, and misting aren’t new. Moreover, it would be remiss to overlook the inspiration that Korean beauty has had for the trend. K-Beauty has long touted the effectiveness of layering multiple lightweight serums for super-hydrated glossy-looking skin.

That said, how the products are layered, with facial misting in between, highlights a specific approach to getting the wanted hydrated skin finish.

WHY IS IT TRENDING NOW?

Skin flooding has been gaining prominence during the winter months, due to the drying effect of wintry weather and central heating. Its popularity may also be a consequence of more aggressive skin trends over the past few years. For example, the overuse use of trending ingredients such as exfoliating acids and retinols can impair skin barrier function and lead to tight, dry, itchy, and flaky skin.

Skin changes due to menopause or other hormonal changes can also cause skin dryness. Increased discussions about this area of skin health have led to a search for appropriate skincare solutions.

WHO IS IT SUITABLE FOR?

Skin flooding can be used for all skin types but as it focuses on boosting hydration, it’s a skincare technique designed for dehydrated complexions. It may also be suitable for combination skin types as the use of multiple lightweight products can avoid the use of heavy or even acnegenic qualities of some thick creams.