Keeping your beauty routine up-to-date can be a tiring venture. After all, new trends are released all the time. Sometimes it’s a new treatment that is taking social media by storm, and other times it’s a new product that changes everything. That’s why it’s important to always keep your finger on the pulse and read up on the latest and greatest that you simply must try. The latest is called skin flooding, and it’s taking TikTok by storm. Thankfully almost anyone can give it a try, because it’s pretty simple to do.

What Is Skin Flooding

Skin flooding is basically the layering of several hydrating products onto damp skin. The key ingredient is hyaluronic acid, which helps you get maximum moisture. It helps your skin retain water, and give it a plump appearance. TikTokers with dry skin rave about it. If you are looking to try it yourself you start with a mist containing hyaluronic acid after cleansing, and end by applying the thickest lotion or cream. While TikTok may have made the procedure a household name, dermatologists have been talking about it for years.

Why Does Skin Flooding Work?

Simply put, hyaluronic acid helps your skin absorb more moisture because it’s a humectant. Basically it acts like a sponge, and holds in the moisture around it. When applied to skin that is damp, it hydrates the skin. This is why you start with a mist, and lock in the hydration by applying a traditional moisturizer on top.

Side Effects Of Skin Flooding

If you use too many products, or the wrong ones, you can have breakouts. This is especially true if you have acne-prone skin, because heavy occlusive products can block your pores. If this is the case, you may want to start with an oil-free cleanser. You can also reduce the amount of flooding you do each week to help prevent it. The best way to avoid any side effects though is to do your research and understand how to properly do it. The key is to make sure your skin is still damp when you begin, and to use high-quality products. You might also want to limit the amount of products you use that contain silicones.

What Other Benefits Are There?

Skin flooding can be a primer for other serums, like Vitamin C. After all, it can help reduce skin barrier dysfunction, meaning it can help your skin absorb other treatments.

While you shouldn’t always follow trends you see online, especially TikTok, skin flooding is relatively low risk when it comes to damaging your skin. It’s also easy to start, and won’t cost you a lot to give it a try.