Skin Flooding Is The Hydrating Technique You Need To Try - Unless You Have This One Problem

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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.

However, for those with acne-prone or congested skin, skin-flooding should be approached with caution, as layering too many thick products can exacerbate certain issues. "The biggest risk is trapping sweat and sebum under too many heavy layers, especially occlusive creams and oils, which can clog pores and worsen breakouts," says Kanwal. If you have congested skin, you're likely to see better results from light gels and lotions, like Paula's Choice Invisible Finish Moisture Gel. However, this doesn't mean you have to forego skin flooding entirely.

If you have oily skin or clogged pores, you can work skin flooding into your routine — with a few slight adjustments. "For acne prone skin, I usually suggest limiting fuller flooding to a few nights per week and using a simpler, lighter routine on other days so pores have a break," Dr. Kanwal exclusively tells Women.com. Equally important is to be selective with the products you use. Kanwal recommends sticking with a gentle cleanser, oil-free mist, and oil-free, noncomedogenic moisturizer. Meanwhile, for individuals with rosacea, stick with a fragrance-free product or lukewarm water, and following with a humectant serum that contains glycerin and panthenol, and a ceramide-rich moisturizer.

Despite what the name suggests, the key to seeeing maximum results with skin flooding is to not go overboard. "Keep it simple," Shamsa Kanwal tells us. "After cleansing, apply a hydrating mist or essence on damp skin, then a humectant serum, then a thin, non-comedogenic moisturizer, and stop there." Look for formulas with minimal oil or gel textures, and avoid overdoing active ingredients. "For example," says Kanwal, "Do not stack retinoid, strong acids, and a potent Vitamin C together." Finally, no matter what kind of skin you have or what products you're using, be strategic about the order of application. "A good rule is wateriest to thickest," says Kanwal, recommending that you allow about a minute between each layer to allow it to soak into your skin.