In today’s beauty landscape, the phrase “TikTok told me to” has become a popular rationale for experimenting with emerging beauty trends, and we’re excited to explore them! This vibrant platform has introduced us to an array of innovative techniques like skin cycling, the ancient ritual of gua sha, the benefits and drawbacks of slugging, and the art of achieving that coveted glazed donut look, all among countless other skin care tips and beauty hacks. While not every trend suits every skin type or beauty aspiration, many offer remarkable advantages. Currently, with over 4.2 million results on TikTok (and counting), one of the most talked-about trends is skin flooding. Let’s dive deeper into what this trend entails and how it can transform your skin care routine.

Understanding Skin Flooding | How to Execute Skin Flooding | Is Skin Flooding Suitable for Everyone?

Understanding the Innovative Trend of Skin Flooding

Skin flooding is a technique that focuses on layering various moisturizing products in a specific sequence to achieve profound, long-lasting hydration. The primary goal of this method is to thoroughly hydrate dehydrated skin, primarily utilizing hyaluronic acid as the star ingredient. The process involves saturating the skin with a blend of humectants (substances that attract moisture) while reinforcing the hydration with moisturizing serums. The final step is sealing in the moisture, leading to the desired effect of plump, radiant, and well-hydrated skin. This ritual can be performed before bedtime, allowing the products to absorb overnight, or in the morning to prep your skin for the day ahead. The routine consists of four straightforward steps: gently cleansing your skin, spritzing with a hydrating mist, applying one or two serums, and locking everything in with a rich moisturizer.

Your Step-by-Step Guide to Mastering Skin Flooding

Step 1: Begin with a Gentle Cleanse for Optimal Hydration

To ensure the best results, start with a gentle facial cleanser that effectively removes impurities without stripping the skin of its natural oils. This initial step is crucial as it sets a perfect canvas for the impending moisture onslaught. Excellent choices for a gentle cleanse include the Stone Crop Gel Wash, which eliminates impurities while preserving skin hydration. Infused with the hydrating stone crop plant and calming chamomile, it revitalizes and balances the skin, preparing it for the moisture that will follow. Another fantastic option is the Coconut Milk Cleanser, a creamy formulation that combines rich coconut milk, nourishing coconut oil, and calendula oil to leave the skin feeling fresh and dewy.

Additionally, you might consider the Lemon Grass Cleanser, which features a blend of olive oil, sunflower oil, and flaxseed that gently purges impurities while organic and Biodynamic® herbal ingredients soothe and calm dry skin. Each of these cleansers offers a unique blend of benefits to ensure that your first step towards skin flooding is both effective and nurturing.

Step 2: Infuse Your Skin with Moisture After Cleansing

Applying skin care products like moisturizers and serums to damp skin significantly enhances their effectiveness. According to Byrdie, “Moisturizers absorb water more effectively with a water source to draw from, so damp skin is more effective in this step.” After cleansing, keep your skin moist by spritzing it with a hydrating mist, toner, or essence. A fantastic choice for this step is the Stone Crop Hydrating Mist, packed with nourishing ingredients, including the ever-beneficial stone crop. Alternatively, the Birch Water Purifying Essence is another excellent product that effectively prepares the skin for the subsequent hydration layers.

Essential Product Recommendations for Skin Flooding

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Hydrating and soothing toner

Step 3: Maximize Hydration with Dual Serums

With your skin primed for the main event, it’s time to unleash a flood of hydration using not just one, but two powerful serums! Begin with a serum rich in hyaluronic acid, known as the moisture-attracting superstar at the heart of the skin flooding technique. This vital component is the foundation of this hydrating method.

The Strawberry Rhubarb Hyaluronic Serum is an excellent choice, providing ultra-hydration thanks to our unique Botanical Hyaluronic Acid Complex, which preserves and replenishes the moisture in the skin. This serum also includes additional hydrating elements like cica and marshmallow root, making it a powerhouse for your skin. A thin layer on damp skin will initiate the flooding process, and feel free to layer another application if you’re aiming for an extra boost. In this routine, more is definitely more.

Following the application of your hyaluronic acid serum(s), it’s essential to layer another serum to further enhance moisture absorption. We highly recommend the Stone Crop Serum, known for its potent hydrating properties. While hyaluronic acid takes center stage in the skin flooding trend, stone crop acts as an incredible supporting ingredient, delivering intense hydration that complements the overall process.

Step 4: Seal in Hydration with a Moisturizer

After allowing your serums to fully absorb, the next step is to apply a rich moisturizer to lock in all the hydration you’ve just added. There are several excellent options for this step. If you’re engaging in skin flooding during the day and desire that coveted glass-like or dolphin skin effect, choose a moisturizer that includes SPF. The Lilikoi Daily Defense Moisturizer SPF 40 is perfect for this, offering hydration while providing UV protection. Alternatively, our Radiant Protection SPF Fluid is an all-mineral sunscreen that glides on smoothly, leaving your skin with a dewy finish.

If you prefer to indulge in skin flooding as part of your nighttime ritual, a range of options awaits you. To remain consistent with the hyaluronic acid theme, finish with our Strawberry Rhubarb Hyaluronic Hydrator, a lightweight gel-cream that hydrates effectively while sealing in moisture. Our customers rave about this product, with one enthusiastic reviewer, Katie, declaring it: “The best skin care product in the universe.” She continued, “I have tried every product on the market. NOTHING compares to this! … The hydration and glow it gives is equivalent to what you normally need 4 products to do … It’s my absolute favorite step. The glow it gives daily makes you look fresh out of a facial!”

For a richer option, consider the Marine Flower Peptide Night Cream, which provides an abundant dose of moisture and locks in the benefits of all the preceding products. If this trend is reminding you of slugging, you’re on the right track. Both techniques involve layering products and sealing them in effectively. For a unique final touch, instead of a traditional moisturizer, try the Kombucha Microbiome Leave-On Masque. Warm it in your hands and gently roll it over your face. Enriched with shea butter and beeswax, this mask acts as a barrier to seal in hydration and prevent moisture loss, ensuring you wake up with a radiant glow.

Key Product Suggestions for Skin Flooding

Replenishing and hydrating serum

Determining If Skin Flooding is Right for You

As with many viral beauty phenomena, skin flooding caters to a specific audience. While this trend is generally non-irritating and devoid of harsh active ingredients, making it safe for most skin types, it may not be the best fit for those with sensitive skin due to its potential to amplify product penetration, which might feel overwhelming. If you’re curious to try this method, start slowly and observe how your skin reacts. Those with acne-prone or oily skin may find that layering multiple moisturizing products could lead to breakouts, whereas individuals with drier skin types may benefit significantly from the added hydration. Regardless, the foundational concept of applying products to clean, damp skin to maximize absorption is a valuable takeaway for everyone.

If you’re excited to dive into this skin care trend but unsure of where to begin, we encourage you to visit your local Eminence Organics Spa Partner to kickstart your journey.