There's a new skincare trend sweeping the internet. It's called "Skin Flooding." While it might sound a bit catastrophic, being related to natural disasters, in reality, this new technique isn't that complicated and can be helpful if you're looking to achieve hydrated and healthy-looking skin.
Internet buzzwords, like 'flooding,' are often used just to make a post go viral on social media. However, in this case, the latest trend that has beauty addicts raving is more than just a passing fad. In fact, you might find it quite similar to your usual skincare routine. Why? Because, in short, skin flooding involves maximizing your skin's hydration with humectants, specifically hyaluronic acid.
The Skin Benefits of Hyaluronic Acid
Hyaluronic acid is a natural substance found in the body, and one of its many functions is to help keep the skin hydrated. Our body's ability to produce this key molecule decreases as we age, which is why it is a very popular ingredient in the cosmetic world. When applied topically, it helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and also improves skin elasticity. While there are many types of hyaluronic acids available today, both plant-derived and animal-derived, the most common version used in beauty products is biotechnological in origin, a sustainable alternative that makes the most of natural resources and allows for reliable results in terms of reproducibility. The most common name is “sodium hyaluronate” but in other cases we find it as “hyaluronic acid”, “hyaluronic acid crosspolymer” or “hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid”. This ingredient has been shown not only to increase moisture levels within the epidermis (hyaluronic acid can hold up to one thousand times its weight in water), but also to help increase collagen production while reducing inflammation caused by UV damage or irritation caused by the use of more “aggressive” actives.
Skin Flooding and Your Regular Beauty Routine
The concept of applying different layers of products to the skin to increase skin hydration is nothing new. Furthermore, you're most likely already doing it without realizing it (especially if you have dry or dehydrated skin). However, if your current routine doesn't include a serum containing hyaluronic acid and you think your skin could benefit from skin flooding, it's quite easy to make your skin look hydrated and plump. We recommend incorporating Ideal Moisture Level Serum (for normal to dry skin) or Ideal Rebalancing Level Serum (formulated for combination and oily skin) into your daily routine before applying your preferred moisturizer. Both serums are water-based and packed with powerful antioxidants and botanical nutrients, while their high concentration of high molecular weight hyaluronic acid keeps the skin super hydrated.
How hydrated skin protects sensitive skin
Another benefit of this beauty technique is that it can help protect sensitive skin from active ingredients known for skin irritation, such as retinol or vitamin C. The "plus" of hydration it provides, especially when using high molecular weight hyaluronic acid, creates an invisible barrier that protects and supports the skin's barrier function, which is usually compromised in sensitive skin.