What Is Skin Flooding?

HAVE YOU HEARD OF SKIN FLOODING?

It is the latest trend gaining popularity on TikTok, and with good reason! By applying skincare products when your skin is moist, you get the most out of them.

The idea behind it is simple: active ingredients can penetrate the skin more effectively when it's hydrated. This simple technique involves applying back-to-back skin care products without letting them dry to achieve maximum absorption. Applying skincare in this manner is based off the idea that active ingredients penetrate deeper into your skin when it is moist than when it is dry. Taking advantage of this method could be the key to unlocking the best results from your favorite skin care products. In this blog post, you’ll find out all there is to know about skin flooding, including tips for achieving optimum benefits for every product applied. 

SKIN FLOODING 101 

Skin flooding is a great way to maximize the hydration of your skincare products! The process involves applying several layers of your skin care products in quick succession to ensure maximum absorption; the back-to-back applications is believed to help all the ingredients of your skin care regiment seep into your skin for maximum, long-lasting effects. The best part about this technique is that it's simple and takes very little time - you can get maximum benefits from your skincare with minimal effort.  That’s right, keeping skin care simple to understand and easy to use. 

THE TOP FIVE SKINCARE INGREDIENTS RECOMMENDED FOR SKIN FLOODING:

1. Hyaluronic Acid Serum, also known as “HA” is an essential part of our body - and the key to keeping our skin looking healthy and hydrated. This brilliant ingredient helps plump up the skin, by locking in moisture and thus decreasing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. At The INKEY List we understand how vital Hyaluronic Acid Serum is for all skin types – which is why we highly recommend it as part of all skincare routines. With long-term, as well as instantaneous benefits - Hyaluronic Acid Serum helps keep your complexion well hydrated. INKEY’s own Hyaluronic Acid Serum is clinically proven to provide better hydration when applied to damp skin. 
   
   
2. Niacinamide Serum is a multi-tasker when it comes to skincare, and there are multiple reasons why you should incorporate this powerful ingredient into your routine. Not only can it help the skin lock in moisture, but one of its standout features is that it can help form a lipid barrier on the surface to keep environmental threats out and moisturize the skin for longer periods of time. Niacinamide Serum works especially well on all types of skin and can be used to improve excess oil, blemishes and redness.
    
3. Polyglutamic Acid Serum. With all the talk about Hyaluronic Acid being the holy grail of moisturizing and hydration, there stands another powerhouse contender in PGA that is sometimes overlooked. While PGA is an acid like HA, it does not exfoliate - it instead provides similar benefits, but in a different way. Unlike HA, which penetrates deeper into the skin because of its small molecular size and skin compatible as an ingredient.  PGA's larger molecular size makes it water-soluble and therefore unable to get as deep into skin; however, it still successfully hydrates by creating a thin film that helps lock moisture in on the skin surface - it virtually acts as a barrier to prevent skin hydration loss.
   
   
4. Ceramides are a powerful skincare ingredient that may be just what your skin needs! They are capable of providing many benefits to the skin, such as restoring and protecting the skin barrier, locking in moisture, reducing the visible signs of aging, and even softening and soothing irritated skin. Plus, they are generally suitable to use on all skin types. Regular use of ceramides in your skincare routine can help keep your skin hydrated while improving skin barrier function. 
   
   
5. Betaine, derived from sugar beets is known for its humectant properties, making it the perfect addition to any skin care routine. As an osmolyte, betaine helps the skin adapt to both moisture losses and gains. In other words, this special ingredient helps the skin hang onto the moisture it receives while continuing to keep it healthy and hydrated. 
   
   

SKIN FLOODING BEGINNER? START HERE:

Step 1: CLEAN. It's important to start with a gentle, lightly foaming face wash like Hyaluronic Acid Cleanser. This magnet for moisture cleanser removes all traces of makeup and SPF. It is clinically proven to increase skin hydration* and reduce trans epidermal water loss (TEWL). 

Step 2: HYDRATE. While your skin is still damp following cleansing the skin, apply two to three drops of Hyaluronic Acid Serum to the skin.  This hydration super serum instantly hydrates, plumps and smooths the skin. It is clinically proven to deliver instant hydration.* 

Step 3: TREAT. Immediately, after applying Hyaluronic Acid Serum, then apply one treatment product/ serum. Consider Niacinamide Serum or Polyglutamic Acid Serum. 

Step 4: MOISTURIZE. Finish your simple skin flooding routine, locking in moisture with Omega Water Cream. Formulated with a combination of Glycerin, Betaine and Niacinamide. These ingredients work together to optimize long-lasting hydration, help reduce oil and even skin tone. 

Step 5: SPF. You know the drill by now. Sun protection is a must, no matter what. Regular and high-level SPF use has been proven to protect against ageing caused by sun exposure over time—and it ensures that your skin stays healthy, hydrated, and glowing whatever the temperature. 

Overall, it's clear to see that skin flooding is a trend worth looking into if you want to get even more out of your skincare products. Not only is it simple and effective but by focusing on the best hydrating ingredients, you’ll be able to find a combination of products that work best for your individual skin type.  

* 4-week independent clinical study of 22 people. 

Still have questions about skin flooding? Reach out to our askINKEY team—available!