Skin Flooding Guide & Top Skin Hydration Tips
Skin flooding - what is it? This social media skincare trend is everywhere at the moment, and I want to take the time to go into precisely what this technique is and if it’s something that you should be adding to your skincare routine. So grab your favourite face mask, sit back, and let's explore the wonderful world of intense hydration together!
Table of Contents
- 1. What is Skin Flooding?
- 2. Who Needs Skin Flooding?
- 3. Advantages of Skin Flooding
- a. Intense and lasting hydration
- b. Plump, radiant, and glowing skin
- c. Improved skin barrier function
- d. Customisable to individual needs
- e. Enhances the effectiveness of other skincare products
- 3. How to Skin Flood: Techniques and Products
- a. Double Cleansing
- b. Hydrating Toners and Essences
- c. Sheet Masks
- d. Hydrating Serums and Ampoules
- e. Moisturisers and Sleeping Masks
- 4. Conclusion
What is Skin Flooding?
Skin flooding is a technique that involves layering multiple hydration products onto the skin to achieve deep and long-lasting moisture. These hydrating products are usually serums, face mists, essences, and toners. Unlike traditional skincare routines that may only include a single moisturiser, skin flooding goes the extra mile by totally saturating your skin with humectant skincare ingredients.
While traditional skincare routines focus on cleansing, toning, and moisturising, skin flooding takes hydration to a whole new level. It's like giving your skin a luxurious spa treatment, quenching its thirst and replenishing its moisture reservoirs.
The reason that skin flooding has taken the skincare world by storm is that deep hydration is the key to healthy, happy skin. When your skin is properly hydrated, it functions more efficiently, maintaining its elasticity and protecting itself from external aggressors. Plus, hydrated skin looks plumper, smoother, and more radiant - who doesn't want that?
Who Needs Skin Flooding?
You might be wondering if skin flooding is something that you should only do if you have a specific skin type or skin issue. The truth is, this skincare technique is ideal for all skin types. The main difference is that for some, this might be a ‘nice to do’ sort of thing. For others, it might make a world of difference to their skin!
Common signs of dehydrated skin
Dehydrated skin can manifest in various ways. You might notice tightness, rough patches, or an overall lack of radiance. Fine lines and wrinkles can become more pronounced, and your skin may feel uncomfortably dry or itchy. But fear not, because skin flooding is here to save the day!
If you constantly battle with dehydrated skin, feeling tightness, dullness, or flakiness, then skin flooding might be your skincare salvation. It's also great for those looking to minimise the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, boost their skin's elasticity, or simply achieve that coveted lit-from-within glow.
Addressing specific skin concerns with skin flooding
Skin flooding isn't just about hydration; it's also a powerful tool for addressing specific skin concerns. Whether you're dealing with acne, rosacea, or any other skin condition, skin flooding can be customised to suit your needs. It's all about finding the right products and techniques that work for you.
Advantages of Skin Flooding
So why has skin flooding become such a beloved technique in the skincare community? Let's explore its advantages together!
Intense and lasting hydration
The beauty of skin flooding lies in its ability to deliver intense and long-lasting hydration. By layering hydrating products, you ensure every inch of your skin is drenched in goodness, leaving it plump, supple, and oh-so-hydrated.
Plump, radiant, and glowing skin
Say goodbye to lacklustre skin and hello to radiance! Skin flooding helps restore your skin's natural glow, leaving you looking refreshed and rejuvenated. The extra hydration helps plump up your skin, reducing the appearance of fine lines and giving you that enviable lit-from-within look.
Improved skin barrier function
A healthy skin barrier is essential for maintaining hydrated skin. Skin flooding aids in strengthening the skin's protective barrier, helping it retain moisture and defend itself against external aggressors. This means that not only will your skin be hydrated, but it will also be better equipped to withstand environmental stressors and pollutants.
Customisable to individual needs
One of the great things about skin flooding is its versatility. You can customise the technique to suit your specific skin concerns and needs. Whether you need extra hydration for dry skin, oil control for oily skin, or soothing properties for sensitive skin, there are products and techniques available to address your unique requirements.
Enhances the effectiveness of other skincare products
Skin flooding can act as a booster for other skincare products in your routine. By ensuring that your skin is thoroughly hydrated, you create a receptive canvas for the absorption of other active ingredients. This means that your serums, moisturisers, and treatments will be able to penetrate deeper into the skin, maximising their effectiveness.
How to Skin Flood: Techniques and Products
Now that we've covered the what and why of skin flooding, let's dive into the how. Here are some techniques and products to get you started on your skin-flooding journey:
Double Cleansing
Before you begin the skin flooding process, it's important to start with a clean canvas. Double cleansing is a technique that involves using an oil-based cleanser followed by a water-based cleanser to remove dirt, oil, and makeup from your skin. This step ensures that your skin is free from impurities and ready to absorb all the hydrating goodness to come.
One of our favourite oil cleansers to use is the Dermalogica PreCleanse. This gently breaks down makeup (even waterproof makeup) and stubborn sunscreen to leave skin free of any traces from your day.
This lightweight cleansing oil is formulated with nourishing Olive and Apricot Kernel oils that gently liquefy sebum and oil-based debris from the skin's surface, leaving your skin feeling soft and supple.
For the perfect hydrating routine, follow it up with Murad Exasoothe Soothing Oat & Peptide Cleanser. This ultra-gentle formula makes light work of any lingering impurities while respecting your skin’s natural moisture barrier - the ideal start for a skin flooding routine.
Murad ExaSoothe Soothing Oat & Peptide Cleanser is designed to be kind and gentle to eczema-prone skin thanks to an incredibly soothing formula packed with skin-calming oat extract.
Hydrating Toners and Essences
After cleansing, it's time to layer on some hydrating toners and facial essences. Look for products that contain ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and ceramides, which are known for their hydrating properties. Apply these products by gently patting them onto your skin, allowing each layer to fully absorb before moving on to the next.
That’s right - instead of using them the traditional way with a cotton round, opt to pat skincare in at this step for a bouncy, hydrated feel. One formula we recommend is the Murad Hydrating Toner - simply spritz it on skin and pat in.
This hydrating, replenishing toner helps to rebalance upset pH levels and increase your skin's hydration with a carefully chosen blend of ingredients proven to lock in moisture and improve your skin’s softness.
Sheet Masks
Sheet masks are a staple in the world of skin flooding. These single-use masks are soaked in a concentrated serum or essence, delivering a potent dose of hydration to your skin. Choose sheet masks that target your specific concerns, whether it's brightening, soothing, or anti-aging. Leave the mask on for the recommended time, allowing your skin to soak up all the goodness.
A superstar sheet mask we suggest for all skin types is the Dr Jart+ Ceramidin Facial Barrier mask. It’s formulated with Ceramides, one of the best skincare ingredients for supporting your moisture barrier.
The ceramides in this K-Beauty sheet mask help to lock in hydration for healthy skin.
Hydrating Serums and Ampoules
Once you've pampered your skin with a sheet mask, it's time to layer on some hydrating serums and ampoules. These products are packed with active ingredients that penetrate deep into the skin, providing intense hydration and addressing specific concerns. Again, look for ingredients like hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and vitamin C for added benefits.
A lush serum that the Beauty Affairs team loves for this step is the Medik8 Hydrate B5 Intense. This dewy, skin-boosting serum layers perfectly under moisturisers to plump skin.
Are you ready for the ultimate hydration experience? Meet the Medik8 Hydr8 B5 Intense, your new best friend for plump, radiant and hydrated skin.
Moisturisers and Sleeping Masks
To seal in all the hydration, finish off your skin flooding routine with a moisturiser or sleeping mask. These products help lock in moisture, preventing transepidermal water loss and ensuring that your skin stays hydrated throughout the day or night. Look for moisturisers that are rich in emollients and occlusives, such as shea butter, ceramides, or squalane.
A creamy moisturiser that we recommend is Dermalogica Stabilizing Repair Cream. Formulated especially to repair a damaged moisture barrier and lock hydration to the skin. It’s packed with all the good stuff: Shea Butter, Jojoba Seed Oil, and Cica Extract. Layer it on for hydrated, healthy skin.
Dermalogica Stabilizing Repair Cream balances out irritated, sensitive skin with a powerful blend of soothing ingredients.
If you’re wondering what a sleeping mask is, it’s a thick, creamy mask that you don’t rinse off - you leave it on your skin as the last step of your skincare routine. Our top pick? Medik8 H.E.O. Mask. This two-step moisturising skin mask creates the perfect hydrating layer over the skin thanks to Ceramides, Hyaluronic Acid, and Aloe Vera Extract.
This luxurious, rejuvenating mask is perfect for those who want to give their skin a boost and enjoy some serious pampering.
Conclusion
And there you have it - a comprehensive guide to skin flooding, the ultimate technique for achieving deep hydration and glowing skin. Remember, the key to successful skin flooding is consistency and finding the right products that work for you. So go ahead, indulge in some self-care, and give your skin the hydration it deserves.
