If your complexion is plagued by dryness, then skin flooding might be your saving grace. The viral routine involves stacking or drenching the skin with various hydrating products as a toner, serum, and moisturizer. The process is similar to slugging, which uses oil-based products to trap moisture. However, with flooding, the emphasis is more on achieving compounding layers of hydration. “This helps humectants like hyaluronic acid and glycerin pull in and hold more water,” board-certified dermatologist Shamsa Kanwal, M.D. exclusively tells Women.com. “Potential benefits include a plumper look, reduced tightness, and better tolerance for actives.”
While that sounds great on paper, skin flooding isn’t exactly a one-size-fits-all approach. It’s important to know your skin type, since not everyone responds to the same way. “The best candidates for flood layering are dry or dehydrated skin, retinoid users, people in cold climates, and frequent flyers who feel their skin drinks up moisture quickly,” explains Kanwal.
