What is skin flooding?

We give you the lowdown on the hydrating skincare trend that's taking TikTok by storm.

What is skin flooding?

We give you the lowdown on the hydrating skincare trend that's taking TikTok by storm.

From skin cycling to slugging, it can be tricky to sort the fads from the facts when it comes to TikTok beauty trends. We’re here to help you cut through the noise, spotlighting the viral skincare trends with substance. Having already amassed 13.4 million views on TikTok, skin flooding is the latest trending term to note, but why should you give it a go? Here’s everything you need to know about the hydrating skincare trend that’s making waves.

 

What is skin flooding?

As the name suggests, skin flooding is all about drenching your skin with lightweight layers of hydration to help restore and lock in moisture. Within a skin flooding routine, you’re essentially saturating your skin with hydrating active ingredients delivered in different formulas, to help ensure the optimal hydration levels for healthy, happy skin.

 

Is skin flooding good for dry skin?

No matter your skin type, your skin will likely benefit from increased hydration, as it can help to rebalance the skin. More moisture helps to boost your skin’s natural glow, plump out the look of fine lines and wrinkles, and strengthen the skin’s moisture barrier for healthier looking, more resilient skin (more on this in our Skin Barrier 101 article.) Naturally, if you have dry, very dry or mature skin, any moisturising routine will be beneficial, but the use of lightweight, non-comedogenic formulas in skin flooding makes it great for combination and oilier skin types too.

 

What are the benefits of skin flooding?

Above all, skin flooding is a great way to get your glow back. It may sound complicated, but the approach itself is super simple – and there are elements you can easily adopt to enhance your current skincare regime.

 

How do you skin flood? 

Follow along as our expert Clinique Consultant Lisa Wilson takes you through the ultimate step-by-step skin flooding ritual.

 

 

 

Step 1: Cleanse. 

 

As with every routine, start with a thorough, non-stripping cleanser to prep and rebalance skin without compromising the skin barrier. Avoid exfoliating formulas, instead opting for a gentle, non-drying cleanser like All About Clean™ Liquid Facial Soap, which loosens surface flakes, removes dirt and debris, and protects skin’s natural moisture balance.

 

If you’ve been wearing makeup, you may wish to pre-empt this step by removing makeup with an oil-based cleansing balm like Take The Day Off™ Cleansing Balm (find out more about the benefits of double cleansing.)

 

 

 

 

Step 2: Spritz. 

 

The key to an effective skin flooding routine is to keep your skin slightly damp throughout, which can help to aid moisture absorption. After each step in your routine, spritz your face lightly with Moisture Surge™ Face Spray Thirsty Skin Relief for a boost of refreshing, soothing hydration.

 

 

 

 

Step 3: Serum.

 

Next up, pat a targeted serum into damp skin. Skin flooding can incorporate multiple serums, but why use three serums when you can use one multitasking formula? Look for a serum that addresses other skin concerns, such as lines and wrinkles, while delivering a powerful hydration hit. One that ticks all the boxes? Smart Clinical Repair™ Wrinkle Correcting Serum. This derm-developed bestselling serum combines peptides and a potent retinoid with hyaluronic acid, the ultimate moisture magnet, offering three skin-loving actives in one concentrated, effective formula. Pat into your face and neck, then follow with another spritz of our fan-favourite hydrating facial mist.

 

 

 

Step 4: Moisturise.

 

Lock in all that hydration with your favourite moisturiser. For daytime, our NEW Moisture Surge™ SPF 25 Sheer Hydrator is the ideal final step. Suitable for all skin types including sensitive skin, our dermatologist-developed cloud-like cream moisturiser combines barrier-protecting hyaluronic acid, aloe vera bio-ferment and pro-vitamin D with sheer sun protection. In the evening, round off your skin flooding routine with the original Moisture Surge™ 100H – a refreshing gel-cream moisturiser packed with moisture-binding hyaluronic acid, nourishing aloe vera bio-ferment and vitamins C + E. There’s also a more intense version, with barrier-strengthening lipids and soothing cica, that’s perfect if you have dry or very dry skin. Finish with a generous spritz of our hydrating Moisture Surge™ mist and you're good to glow.

 

 

Find more trending skincare stories, expert how-tos, Get The Looks and more in our editorial content hub. You can also get in touch via live chat for expert advice, or book in for a 1:1 expert-led Skin School consultation for personalised skincare, makeup and fragrance guidance.

 

Words by Shona Wallace, May 2023.