Skin Flooding: What You Should Know About the Latest TikTok Trend

by Emily Linehan on May 16, 2023

As an esthetician, I always keep an eye on the latest trends and treatments in skincare to ensure that I can provide the best advice to my clients. And while most of these viral trends don’t end up with my stamp of approval, there are some that can actually be beneficial to the skin! One of those is the latest viral TikTok trend of “Skin Flooding”.

Although it sounds like a trendy fad, this actually isn’t a new concept. In fact, it’s a technique that I have personally recommended to all of my clients for years! But if you're unfamiliar with this or are curious to learn more, you've come to the right place! We’ll be exploring what Skin Flooding is, how it is done, why it can benefit the skin, and for which skin types it may be most appropriate. Let's dive in!

What is Skin Flooding?

Skin Flooding is a skincare trend that has recently gained popularity on TikTok as a way to achieve plump, glowing hydrated skin. The idea behind this technique is to "flood" the skin with hydration by layering hydrating products in a specific order from thinnest (like a toner) to thickest (like moisturizers). While it may seem like a lot, it’s actually a pretty simple way to combat dryness, dullness, and other signs of skin dehydration.

How can Skin Flooding benefit the skin?

The most obvious benefit of skin flooding is improved hydration. By saturating the skin with hydrating products, you can effectively deliver moisture deep into the layers of the skin. This can result in a plumper, more youthful appearance.

Aside from hydration, skin flooding can also help enhance product absorption. With the products being applied from thinnest to thickest onto hydrated skin, the active ingredients in your skincare products are able to penetrate more effectively, leading to better overall results.

The high concentration of hydrating ingredients can also help strengthen the skin's barrier function and prevent transepidermal water loss, resulting in increased resilience and reduced sensitivity.

How is Skin Flooding done?

Start with a clean canvas: Begin by thoroughly cleansing your skin to remove any impurities. Our Gentle Cleanser is extremely effective at removing impurities, excess oil, and makeup without stripping or drying the skin, so it’s a great option for all of your cleansing needs! Once you’ve cleansed, do not allow your skin to air dry as this will cause it to dehydrate quickly. Instead, gently remove excess dripping water with a clean towel, then immediately apply your next product while the skin is still damp.

Apply a hydrating toner: Using a toner with humectants (like our Calm Down Toner which has glycerin and aloe vera) will help draw moisture to your skin to provide an instant boost of hydration. This step is also important for restoring the skin’s pH balance to enhance the efficacy of your other skincare products.

#EmmeTip: Instead of spraying toner directly on your face, my recommended application method for toning is to spray the toner (12 sprays to be exact) on a cotton round (I love using these Silken Wipes) and gently wipe it onto your face. You can then start misting the Calm Down Toner on your face in between each step if desired for a little extra hydration!

Layer hydrating products: Next you’ll want to apply your hydrating serums or other products that contain ingredients known to boost skin hydration, such as hyaluronic acid and glycerin. Some of my favorites for this are Dew Drops Hydrating Serum, Skin Quencher Gel, and Firming Peptide Serum!

#EmmeTip: If you aren’t sure which products are right for you, start with my free online skincare consultation, or if you’re an existing client be sure to check in with me.

Seal with a moisturizer: To lock in all the hydration, finish with a moisturizer appropriate for your skin type. For dry skin, opt for a richer cream like our HydraLuxe Cream; for oily skin, a lightweight lotion like our Pure Light Lotion may be more suitable. By sealing in the water moisture with an emollient-rich moisturizer, you will be treating dehydrated skin and providing much-needed oil moisture at the same time.

What skin types can benefit from Skin Flooding?

While the Skin Flooding trend may seem particularly beneficial for those with dry or dehydrated skin, it is actually great for all skin types! This is because moisture is the key to a healthy, glowing, complexion regardless of skin type.

This technique provides an intensive dose of hydration that can help combat dryness and dehydration, so dry skin types or those with damaged barriers will likely benefit the most. However, it is not uncommon for oily skin to become dehydrated as well. If you suffer from oily skin you may experience excess oil production when dehydrated, as our glands naturally over-produce oil to try to compensate for dehydration. As a result, you are unfortunately left with greasy, tight, and/or flaky skin. So, skin flooding could be a great option to combat this!

As long as you use products that are safe and effective, you really don’t have much to lose when it comes to skin flooding, so I encourage you to try incorporating it into your routine if you haven’t already!

xoxo, Emme

P.S.: Curious about other skincare trends like slugging and skin cycling? Check out episode 3 of the Skin Theory Podcast, where we unpack 4 popular skincare trends to see if they are right for you!