Summer's scorching heat demands cool drinks, icicles, and endless glasses of water. But are you giving your skin the same level of hydration? Dry and dehydrated skin is not just a winter woe; it's a concern during the summer too. While you may have the right products, are you truly maximizing their potential for the best results?

Enter skin flooding - a trending skincare technique that promises to be the answer to your skin's thirst. By strategically flooding your skin with moisture, you can achieve dolphin-like, illuminated skin. Say goodbye to parched skin and hello to a hydrated and rejuvenated complexion.

In this blog, we'll dive deep into the process of skin flooding, exploring its benefits and discovering the recommended products to help you unlock your skin's full potential. Get ready to quench your skin's thirst and embrace the ultimate hydration trend - skin flooding!

What is Skin Flooding?

Take away its trendy name, and the concept of skin flooding is rooted in basic skin care principles. It involves drenching your skin with moisturizing products in a particular order to help restore and lock in moisture. You’re essentially saturating your skin with hydrating active ingredients delivered in different formulas, ensuring longer-lasting hydration for healthy, happy skin.

The process starts with a humectant-rich product, drawing moisture from the air and surrounding environment. Then, an emollient product, preferably containing Hyaluronic acid, is applied to seal in the moisture. Finally, a product with higher oil content delivers the desired amount of hydration and moisture, making it ideal to close your routine with an oil or serum.

For the ultimate moisturizing experience, begin with a cleanser to prep the skin. A facial mist or toner can provide instant refreshment, while a serum or oil will nourish and lock in all the goodness. For an extra boost of moisturization, add in the use of a mask once a week.

How do I Skin Flood?

This powerful technique involves expertly layering of creams and serums to flood skin with deep moisturization, this increases the efficacy and absorption of products and protects the skin barrier This transformative approach proves particularly beneficial in dry, hot summers, leaving your skin feeling soft, supple, and smooth. Here are the 4-steps to flooding your skin.

Step 1: Cleanse

An essential step of any routine, it’s best to begin with a gentle cleanser that doesn’t strip skin of natural oils. It will cleanse, remove dead cell build-up and impurities, effectively nourishing the skin. This way, you start with soft and balanced skin for the rest of your skincare ritual.

Step 2: Tone

Introducing Hyaluronic Acid into your routine is the key. After cleansing, leave your skin slightly damp, as Hyaluronic Acid absorbs water more effectively when there's a water source to draw from. An excellent choice for this step, is a fast-absorbing and soothing, instantly binding moisture to your skin. Alternatively, you can also opt for a hydrating mist at this stage for a boost of refreshing, soothing hydration. Or simply introduce the mist as a step in between if you have the time.

Step 3: Moisturize

Next, apply a targeted oil/serum to damp skin. Look for a serum/oil that addresses other skin concerns, while providing powerful hydration. Gently pat it onto your face, neck, and even the back of your hands to utilize any leftover product.

For daytime flooding, remember to layer sunscreen on top for added protection.

Once a week, enhance your skin's moisture levels with a 4th step by using a luxurious mask that will deliver lasting suppleness, boost skin elasticity, and leave your complexion soft and revitalized.

The benefits:

• Increased moisturization & hydration
• Strengthened skin barrier function
• Enhanced absorption
• Greater illumination
• Soothe & calm skin
• Plumper-looking skin
• Soft & smooth texture

Is it for all skin types?

Skin flooding is a simplistic technique suitable for all skin types, but it proves most advantageous for dull, dry, and dehydrated skin. Even sensitive skin can benefit from skin flooding as it supports the skin’s barrier function. Oily skin, too, can indulge in skin flooding (because oily skin needs moisture too!), but this skin type could limit the frequency to once or twice a week or as needed.

The risks

Skin flooding offers significant benefits by boosting moisture levels, promoting a natural glow, and strengthening the skin's moisture barrier for a healthier and more resilient complexion. It is generally safe for most skin types, except for those with sensitive skin, who should exercise caution due to increased product penetration. Oily or acne-prone skin may not be ideal for skin flooding as the layering of multiple products can lead to breakouts.

Avoid using heavy occlusive agents or actives like retinoids, AHAs, and BHAs during skin flooding, as these can cause irritation and dry patches. For those with oily or acne-prone skin, a non-occlusive emollient moisturizer is recommended as excessive moisturization can trigger clogged pores and excess oil production. If you suffer from any medical skin conditions, consult a board-certified dermatologist to see if adopting a skin-flooding routine is right for you.