Will "Skin Flooding" Actually Curb Your Dry Skin? Here's What Derms Have to Say

Every once in a while, my skin gets so dry that I wish I could just douse it in moisture. Seriously, if I could submerge my face in a pool of ceramides or hyaluronic acid and emerge with dewy, impossibly plump skin, I would. Luckily, the newest skincare trend means that I've never been closer to my wildest dreams involving swimming in hydrating skincare ingredients. 

Enter skin flooding, the latest skincare trend that's sure to be all over your FYP. Skin flooding is all about hydration (it's kind of like the next iteration of slugging)—but does it really work? I reached out to top derms to get the 411 on the buzzy trend. 

"Skin flooding is a new trend based on 'flooding' the skin with layers of hydration while the skin is wet," says Ellen Marmur, MD, board-certified dermatologist and founder of MMSkincare. This trend is all about getting as much hydration as possible into skin—starting with wet skin and then layering on moisturizing products like serums, creams, and ointments. 

Though the term "skin flooding" may be new, layering moisture is certainly not. Anyone with dry skin is well-attuned to the benefits of hydrating skincare for plumper skin, notes Marisa Garshick, MD, board-certified dermatologist.

"Layering hydrating skincare products helps to boost moisture by attracting and holding on to water, which leaves the skin looking and feeling hydrated and refreshed," says Garshick. "This can be especially helpful for those dealing with dryness or dullness of the skin."

Not only that, but hydrating products can also help your skin's moisture barrier. Multiple moisturizing layers can help protect this barrier and keep it healthy, according to Marmur.

While everyone may have a slightly different way to skin flood, there's a pretty methodical routine you can follow. First, cleanse your face with a gentle cleanser. Then leave it a little damp or mist on some thermal water to dampen skin. "Damp skin can enhance the penetration and efficacy of the subsequent hydrating products," says Garshick. "Next, it is best to apply a hydrating serum containing ingredients like humectants such as hyaluronic acid or glycerin, which work to draw moisture in. After applying the serums, it is best to apply a moisturizing lotion, cream, or ointment to lock the moisture in."

Some people may also want to mix in a niacinamide serum or a serum containing other hydrating ingredients. If you're skin flooding in the morning, always finish with sunscreen—remember, none of your other products work as well if you're not protecting your skin from sun damage. 

In short, no—but make sure you're doing everything properly. "If the skin is not damp or hyaluronic acid is applied without a moisturizing cream or ointment on top to help lock the moisture in, using a hyaluronic acid product could actually dry out the skin more, as it draws moisture away from the skin," warns Garshick. If you're sensitive or acne-prone, be sure to choose noncomedogenic and sensitive skin–friendly products that won't irritate your skin or cause a flare-up. 

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