So, what exactly is skin flooding, and why is this Korean skin care method is popping up on every #skintok right now? Think of it as an all-out hydration party for your skin, that goes waaaay beyond moisturizer.
Disclaimer:
The content in this blog post is for informational and entertainment purposes only. We are not dermatologists or medical professionals. Always patch test new products and consult a licensed skincare professional before trying new treatments, especially if you have underlying skin conditions. “Skin flooding” is a trending technique, not a medically-backed regimen for all skin types.
Ok, let’s get into it!
Unlike the heavy occlusives favored in slugging, skin flooding focuses on multiple layers of moisture-rich serums and creams, all applied to damp skin.
Why damp skin? Because that’s when ingredients like hyaluronic acid act like little hydration sponges, pulling in and locking water deep into your skin.
Here’s what a basic skin flooding session looks like:
- Cleanse gently and pat (don’t dry!) your skin.
- Mist or tone……keep the moisture going.
- Apply a humidifier serum (hyaluronic acid, niacinamide).
- Maybe add a second targeted serum.
- Finish with a rich moisturizer or occlusive to lock everything in
BOOM! Your skin is gloriously plump, radiant, and glowing from within.
Here is why everyone loves this trend
Skin flooding works because it gives your skin exactly what it’s been begging for….moisture, and lots of it. By layering hydrating products on damp skin, you help ingredients like hyaluronic acid penetrate more deeply and work more effectively, leaving your face plump, radiant, and refreshed.
It’s not just about glow, either; this technique can help strengthen your skin barrier over time, making it more resilient and less prone to irritation.
For those dealing with dryness, dullness, or that tight post-wash feeling, skin flooding is like giving your skin a tall glass of water after a long day.
They were right about skin flooding pic.twitter.com/wmE9K90ePI
— Simbi (@simbixwnba) June 15, 2025
Who is it for (and who should take it slow)
This trend is a game changer for anyone with dry or sensitive skin, who needs more than just a little bit of hydration.
If you have combination or normal skin, you might not need to flood every day, but doing it once or twice a week can give you that extra glow.
Even oily or acne-prone skin types can benefit from the right lightweight formulas, just skip anything too rich or greasy.
And if you’ve recently exfoliated or used a retinoid, skin flooding can help calm things down and restore balance.
The key is paying attention to how your skin reacts and adjusting as needed.
More tips
The magic of skin flooding is in the layering, so make sure your skin stays lightly damp between each step to help ingredients penetrate better.
Apply your products from the thinnest texture to the thickest, always ending with a moisturizer or a balm if your skin needs a seal.
This isn’t the time for strong acids or actives; keep it simple and soothing.
And if your skin starts to peel or feel congested, take it as a sign to slow down or adjust your products.
Think of this routine as a gentle reset, not a race.
Short list of products you can try:
Step 1 – Gentle Cleanser
CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser or La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Cleanser
→ Gently cleans without stripping the skin.
Step 2 – Hydrating Mist or Toner
Heritage Store Rosewater Mist or Good Molecules Hyaluronic Acid Toner
→ Keeps your skin damp and prepped for deeper hydration.
Step 3 – Hydrating Serum
The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 or Naturium Niacinamide Serum 12% + Zinc
→ Layers moisture and helps with barrier repair.
Step 4 – Moisturizer
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel-Cream or Vanicream Daily Facial Moisturizer
→ Locks in hydration without clogging pores.
Step 5 – Optional Occlusive (for very dry skin)
CeraVe Healing Ointment or Aquaphor
→ Seals in all the goodness, especially at night.
Watch these Routines
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and
@annahlee._ POV: Your skin’s about to drink 8 glasses of water ????✨ Watch me flood my face with hydration step-by-step! @Caudalie @MERIT Beauty @Good Molecules @laneige_us @Mario Badescu @The Ordinary #SkinFlooding #HydrationGlow #skincareroutine #koreanskincare #GlazedDonutSkin ♬ original sound – Breanna | Selfcare DIY Girly ✨
