Regardless to say, aren’t we already floating on a sea of skincare trends? But skin flooding might just be the right thing to do for people with dry, parched skin. Last year did see the rise of skincare trends – retinol sandwiching, skin slugging, skin cycling and now SKIN FLOODING.
The hack has been trending for its ability to quench the thirst of dehydrated skin and flood it with much-need hydration. Did we or did we not crack the code? The hottest skincare trend of 2023, can we call it that? Let’s find out.
What is Skin Flooding?
As a trending skincare technique, it’s not new but just got a name establishing its strong foothold. According to cosmetic dermatologist Dr Fadi Haddad from Dr Kayle Aesthetic Clinic Dubai, “skin flooding is all about layering ingredients to optimally hydrate the skin.” The concept is simple although it sounds trendy and complicated.
Skin flooding in skincare involves layering hydrating and moisturising products for deeper, lasting hydration. It’s easy to integrate the same in your routine – cleanse, toner/mist, apply serum and lastly moisturise.
The star skin ingredient for skin flooding is Hyaluronic Acid. As a humectant, it attracts and holds onto water molecules and makes an excellent addition to the skincare routine for dry skin. Often water-based products are used first, followed by layering with higher oil-content products to deliver effective hydration.
Step-by-Step Routine
The burning question of how to flood skin and the kind of products you need to use will be addressed in this section. The concept of skin flooding is rooted in basic and simple skincare, but it’s got a trendy name. In easy terms, the skincare technique for dry skin involves layering serums and creams infused with hydrating ingredients to improve and protect the skin barrier.
Use a Gentle Hydrating Face Wash
This is the first step involving cleansing your face with a face wash or cleanser that doesn’t strip the skin of its natural oils. Pat gently, and keep your face slightly damp. This allows the serum and moisturiser to absorb water more effectively.
We recommend: Aqualogica Hydrate+ Face Wash with Coconut Water & Hyaluronic Acid
Spray mist or toner
It is not a mandatory step but recommended to create a damp, water-based serum and its better absorption. It efficiently hydrates the face and also calms, soothes, and refreshes the face.
We recommend: ONE THING Hyaluronic Acid Complex
Slather a hydrating serum
As the whole purpose of skin flooding is to hydrate, it’s best to use a hydrating serum enriched with hyaluronic acid. As a humectant, it draws moisture to your skin and strengthens the skin barrier. You can also opt to choose a serum that consists of niacinamide along with hyaluronic acid. Apply three to four drops on your face and neck and use the tips of your finger to gently massage.
Here are two recommendations: Suganda Hyaluronic Acid Serum and Minimalist 5% Niacinamide Face Serum with Oat Extract & Hyaluronic Acid.
Layer with a moisturiser
Once you have applied the serum, it’s time to layer the skin with moisturiser. Hydrating moisturiser active ingredients like hyaluronic acid, ceramides, peptides or colloidal oat is highly recommended for dry skin. Dot your skin with the moisturiser and gently massage on skin.
Our recommendation: Foxtale Ceramide Supercream Hydrating Moisturiser.
Minimalistic skincare, right? We told you, but it’s just that one perfect skincare regime for dry, dehydrated skin. Say no to the winter dryness and let hyaluronic acid do its job, the right way.
