Do you have dehydrated, dry or cracked skin? If you have been searching for product after product for items that will nourish your skin while also targeting blemishes, clogged pores, redness, hyperpigmentation, etc. - look no further.
An increasingly popular layering technique called “skin flooding” is taking over. This technique requires you to layer and add as much hydration to your skin as possible with water-based products. Why?
By layering hydrating products such as humectants and emollients, your skin barrier will increase its water retention and help strengthen your skin barrier. In addition, anyone may begin skin flooding – read below to learn exactly which products and ingredients to provide your skin with ultra-hydration.
What exactly is “skin flooding”?
Skin flooding is an intense overnight hydration treatment, allowing your skin a chance to absorb all products while you sleep. Skin flooding typically includes applying hyaluronic acid (after cleanser) to already damp skin or fingers, and letting it absorb into your skin.
You are essentially “flooding” your skin with moisture and hydration. This is especially beneficial for those with dry, flaky or even eczema-prone skin because the hydrating products and treatments will help soothe inflammation!
Why Hyaluronic Acid?
By applying hyaluronic acid to damp skin, your skin acts like a sponge, while hyaluronic acid is a humectant. A humectant is a substance that retains moisture and is capable of binding to water molecules over 1,000 times its weight in water!
Furthermore, it is important to note that hyaluronic acid with large molecules hydrates on the surface of the skin. It does not penetrate the skin when applying hyaluronic acid topically. On the other hand, hyaluronic acid with smaller molecules do penetrate the skin underneath the surface.
By applying hyaluronic acid to damp skin, the HA molecules will attach to the water molecules and further hydrate the skin.
Can anyone flood their skin?
Yes, anyone can flood their skin, but it is an especially beneficial treatment for those with dehydrated or sensitive skin. It helps the skin restore lost moisture and make sure the skin does not dry out too much.
The main benefit of skin flooding is providing ultra-hydration to your skin. If you have flaky, dry or cracked skin, skin flooding may be for you. In addition, it is also essential to properly exfoliate your skin.
By ridding your skin of debris and dead skin cells, it allows skincare products to fully absorb into your skin. It also reveals brighter and smoother textured skin when you exfoliate 1-2 times a week.
Are there dangers to skin flooding?
For the most part, skin flooding is completely safe for most skin types. Although, those with acne-prone or oily skin should be cautious. This is because not all skin types can handle layers of thick creams or moisturizers.
Those with dry skin, skin flooding can be done nightly, especially during cold, winter months. If you have normal to oily skin, skin flooding may be done once a week as a weekly treatment. Lastly, those with acne-prone skin should be cautious.
Layering various products may lead to clogged pores or trigger breakouts. So, it is always best to consult a dermatologist first if you have any concerns about your skin type.
A step-by-step guide on skin flooding:
When it comes to skin flooding, it is essential to stick to the order you apply products. It is also beneficial to apply each product one after the other. This is to make sure your skin stays damp throughout your routine.
1. Use a gentle cleanser. It is crucial to make sure your face is clean and free of oils, sweat and debris before beginning any skincare routine. It is best to stay away from active ingredients such as AHAs or BHAs when skin flooding, because layering various products on top of active ingredients may yield unwanted results.
In addition, opting for a gentle, vegan and cruelty free cleanser is best. Vegan products typically never cause irritations or redness, especially those that are also halal-certified and Leaping Bunny certified. Luckily, Flora & Noor carries various skincare products that check off these boxes!
The Rose Renewal Cleanser is a fantastic option for those with dry skin because it is infused with shea butter, rose water, aloe vera, glycerin and hibiscus. This mixture of ingredients works to unclog pores and impurities from the skin, without drying the skin out! Furthermore, tri-peptides and ceramides stimulate collagen production, promoting elasticity and firmness throughout.
2. After washing away your cleanser, apply water-based toner. Avoid applying any alcohol-based ingredients and products because they will dry out the skin (the opposite of what we want!).
Flora & Noor’s Vitamin C Resurfacing Toner works to hydrate the skin, calm inflammation and redness, treat hyperpigmentation and smooth skin texture. Additionally, the vitamin C, niacinamide, licorice root extract and pomegranate extract all work together to reduce blemishes, minimize pores and improve aging signs.
Since this toner is 100% vegan and halal-certified, containing only botanical and laboratory derivatives, it is safe to apply with other skincare products and ingredients. Botanical ingredients do not cause adverse reactions or irritation, making them safe to use morning or night.
A step-by-step guide on skin flooding:
3. Apply a nourishing and moisture-targeting serum. As stated above, hyaluronic acid is the star ingredient when it comes to skin flooding. Moreover, it is better to stray away from active ingredients in serums as well while skin flooding.
Hyaluronic acid is one of the gentlest ingredients in skincare, making it attractive for all skin types and safe to use with just about anything! The Bright Side Vitamin C Serum is a great choice, not only for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, but also promoting a brighter and even complexion with vitamin C, Gotu Kola, horsetail, aloe vera and vegan hyaluronic acid (Cassia Angustifolia Seed)!
Like the Vitamin C Resurfacing Toner, the Bright Side Vitamin C Serum is completely safe to use morning and night if you wish. You may also apply a hyaluronic acid serum or even a niacinamide serum to help support and moisturize your skin barrier.
4. Lastly, lock everything in with an emollient. An emollient is a substance that helps soften, soothe and increase moisture in the skin. This includes ingredients like ceramides, shea butter and oils. When it comes to emollients, it is best to avoid actives such as retinols, glycolic acid and benzoyl peroxide.
Flora & Noor’s Rose Renewal 24/7 Ceramide + Tri-Peptide Moisturizer nourishes and hydrates your skin. It is infused with rose water, rose extract, hibiscus, ceramides and peptides, glycerin and aloe vera, making it a rejuvenating moisturizer for those with dry, flaky skin!
In addition, it also improves and supports the skin’s moisture barrier, as well as slows aging signs and reduces hyperpigmentation and dark spots. The antioxidant properties reduce redness and inflammation, leaving the skin supple, bouncy and soft.
Final Thoughts:
- Skin flooding is a deeply intense hydration treatment, especially for dry or flaky skin. Hyaluronic acid is the typical key ingredient in the process, but any humectant serum will work as well.
- Anyone of any skin type may begin to incorporate skin flooding in their routine, but those with acne-prone skin may be susceptible to breakout triggers and clogged pores.
- Furthermore, it is best to apply products that are clean, vegan and cruelty-free. Not only will it avoid the worries of redness and irritations, but it also supports the unnecessary harming of animals in the industry.
- Lastly, Flora & Noor is a 100% vegan, cruelty free, halal-certified and Leaping Bunny Certified skincare brand! Flora & Noor also carries products for all skin types and concerns, making it easy to target your specific concerns without the hassle of various products!
You can shop Flora & Noor on Ulta.com, Amazon and Thirteen Lune.