Winter, oh winter, the season of hot cocoa, cozy sweaters, and dry, flaky skin! As the temperature drops, our skin tends to scream “HELP!” But fear not, my dear friends, because, with the right skincare routine, we can give our skin the TLC it needs to survive the winter.
But what to do if your simple skincare routine is just not enough? Enter Skin flooding, the holy grail for our winter skin which TikTok can’t seem to get enough of. Let’s dig in shall we?
So What Is Skin Flooding?
While the trend recently gained traction on social media, the concept of skin flooding is a familiar one in the world of skincare.
It’s a common technique that involves layering serums and creams to “flood” the skin with hydration, increase the efficacy and absorption of products, and protect the skin barrier.
Ah, skin flooding, the ultimate spa day for your face at home! It’s like a power nap for your skin, where the active ingredients can work their magic, leaving you with a refreshed and rejuvenated complexion.
Skin flooding is not new, but it has recently gained popularity as a result of social media’s beauty and skincare influencers.
It describes a method in which lightweight moisturizers are applied one at a time to damp skin.
The theory is that adding layers gradually allows for more efficient absorption than just slathering oneself in a heavy coating of cream.
The issue is, if you don’t adhere to the fundamental guidelines for application, you might use all of the moisturizing products you own and still not have moisturized skin.
According to board-certified dermatologist Dr. Rachel Nazarian of New York City, “Layering your moisturizing elements and layering them appropriately can make all the difference in efficacy.”
Additionally, it matters in what sequence you apply your skin care products. Always put more water-based products on top of the ones with more oil, advises Nazarian. Then you would apply a serum, gel, lotion, cream, and finally an ointment.
This means that you would apply a toner or essence first. This preserves the quantity of moisture preserved in your skin while optimizing the amount of moisture delivered to it. (Source: Bustle Beauty)
How to do “Skin Flooding”?
Step 1: Cleanse
You always want to start with a clean base so that your skin can soak up all of the nourishment you’re about to apply. Use any cleanser you feel works best on your face.
Step 2: Toner
Use whichever product you have in your skincare routine. (This step is optional.)
Step 3: Mist
Spritzing yourself with a hydrating facial mist helps ensure that your skin stays damp for the next step.
Step 4: Serum
Apply a hydrating hyaluronic acid serum to damp skin. You want to layer hydrating ingredients to damp skin to ensure maximum absorption.
Step 5: Serum Round 2
To really pile on the moisture, you can apply a second serum that contains niacinamide, ceramides, and/or other soothing, hydrating ingredients. It is recommended to use niacinamide since it has anti-inflammatory properties.
Step 6: Moisturizer
Apply your go-to face cream, followed by your SPF if it’s the a.m., and voila: Your skin should be plump, dewy, and thoroughly moisturized.
