WHAT IS SKIN FLOODING & WHY YOU MAY WANT TO TRY IT

Hydrated, or flooded, skin has a host of benefits—from increased hydration and enhanced radiance to softer, smoother texture.

The number one benefit of Skin Flooding is hydration. Applying a serum or moisturizer with a moisture-binding humectant provides your skin with a surge of moisture. Applying a second layer helps to lock it all in, resulting in skin that looks and feels comfortably hydrated. “Anytime you add moisture to your skin, you help support your skin’s hydration,” says Starr.

When your skin is dry or dehydrated, it can appear dull. Adding a layer (or two) of hydration can help restore skin’s radiance. “Moisturizers are formulated to help boost skin hydration. And when skin is hydrated, it can appear more radiant,”notes Starr.

Dehydrated skin can not only lose its luster, but also its bounce. Imagine a balloon full of water—it looks full and plump. If you poke a small hole in that same balloon, water slowly seeps out and the balloon loses its fullness. Adding moisture to dehydrated skin can help plump skin so it appears more full. It gives skin a more youthful look.

Skin Flooding is as easy as one, two, three—and maybe four. The Skin Flooding process is essentially a regimen, hyper-focused on maximum hydration. Here’s our favorite way to flood:

1.) Cleanse: An essential step in any regimen, including the Skin Flooding routine. For this, we love our Checks And Balances™ Milly Oil Cleanser + Makeup Melter. It’s a gentle cleanser-and-makeup-remover-in-one that helps dissolve impurities and long-wear mascara with Rice Oil and Almond Oil. Ingredients like Squalane and plant-derived Glycerin help soften skin.

2.) Serum 1: This is when you introduce a humectant like Hyaluronic Acid. Hyaluronic Acid can bind its weight in water, making it the ideal ingredient for Skin Flooding. A great choice here is our Mega-Mushroom Advanced Face Serum, which includes Hyaluronic Acid to help attract and bind moisture to skin. As part of the Skin Flooding technique, it’s recommended to apply your serum after cleansing, and when your skin is still damp. “Hyaluronic Acid is a moisture magnet so applying it to damp skin means it’s going to lock in satisfying moisture,” says Starr.

3.) Serum 2 (optional): Applying a second serum is optional, but fans of the Skin Flooding trend say it’s highly beneficial and should include Niacinamide. Why? Because Niacinamide helps improve skin hydration, boost skin’s barrier function, and encourage a healthy glow. Our favorite Niacinamide-infused serum is Plantscription™ Multi-Powered Youth Serum, to visibly reduce the look of lines and wrinkles, but more importantly —for Skin Flooders—to revive skin’s youthful bounce.

4.) Moisturize: Once your serum (or two) has absorbed, apply your moisturizer. We’re fans of finishing the Skin Flooding technique with our GinZing™ Energizing Gel Cream. It’s a lightweight moisturizer that delivers lasting hydration—72-hours, to be exact. Plus, it helps boost skin’s moisture barrier and increase radiance for all-day glow. It’s formulated for all skin types and works great for oily skin.

The two buzziest social media trends share a tactical approach to layering products, but couldn’t be more different. Skin Flooding is a technique where you layer specific hydration skincare products in a particular order in the same skincare sesh to achieve healthy-looking, plump, hydrated skin. Skin Cycling involves rotating your skincare treatment products over 3 or more days in order to help reduce discomfort from potentially irritating ingredients (like retinol).