SKIN FLOODING IS THE NEWEST SKINCARE FAD IN TOWN THAT MIGHT ACTUALLY BE GOOD FOR YOU

Breathe in...

Manifest clear skin, flawless glow, and youthful complexion.

And, breathe out.

Isn't this what we all want? Achieving glass skin in 2024 has been on the wish list for most of us. But getting radiant-looking skin that is well-hydrated is no cakewalk.

Enter the many social media-approved beauty trends that claim to make all our beauty dreams come true. From face taping to skin cycling, beauty enthusiasts keep on coming up with new tricks and hacks.

Skin flooding is one such Instagram trend that has got everyone hooked. This technique claims to keep the skin hydrated for longer. But does it actually work?

India Today got in touch with a few experts to find out the same.

What?

"Skin flooding is a new technique that involves layering products in a specific order to provide deeper, longer-lasting hydration to the skin. Basically, it is about ultra moisturising," says Dr Anup Dhir, senior consultant, Apollo Hospital and ex-president, Indian Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons.

He says that the idea behind skin flooding is to deliver moisture to deeper layers of the skin.

"Also known as moisture sandwiching, this skincare technique is about creating a barrier on the skin to lock in moisture by applying multiple layers of hydrating products," adds Delhi-based dermatologist Dr Rinky Kapoor from The Esthetic Clinics.

This method aims to saturate the skin with hydration by layering lightweight serums, essences, and moisturisers one after the other.

Know the benefits

• By trapping water within the skin, moisture sandwiching helps improve hydration levels and enhances the overall appearance of the skin.
• Dr Kapoor explains, "One key benefit of skin flooding is its ability to boost the effectiveness of skincare products by allowing each layer to penetrate deeply into the skin." 
• This technique is particularly beneficial for those with dry skin, as it helps replenish lost moisture and restore a healthy glow.
• The doctor adds that skin flooding can be customised based on individual skincare concerns and preferences, making it a versatile and adaptable approach to achieving well-hydrated and nourished skin.
• Skin flooding lets you create a reservoir of hydration on the skin.
• This technique helps plump up the skin, improve elasticity, and enhance overall radiance.
• It can also lead to improved skin texture, enhanced hydration levels, and a more youthful appearance.
• Basically, by strategically layering hydrating products, you can ensure that your skin remains supple and nourished.

It isn't just for people with dry skin

Dr Mikki Singh, head dermatologist at Bengaluru's Bodycraft Skin Clinic, says, "Skin flooding is great for people of all skin types, not just those with dry skin. It's helpful for those with dehydrated skin, but those with oily or combination skin types can also benefit from this method, provided they use the appropriate products for their skin type."

The key to successful skin flooding lies in using the right products tailored to individual skin needs. For people with dry skin, opting for heavier creams and serums would be ideal, while those with oily skin may prefer lightweight, oil-free formulas.

However, Dr Dhir warns that if your skin is sensitive or acne-prone, you should avoid this method.

Picking the right product is important

Dr Kapoor shares, "When it comes to skin flooding, the products used play a crucial role in achieving maximum hydration and glowing skin. Various types of moisturisers are involved in this technique, each serving a specific purpose."

By combining these different types of moisturising products, one can effectively flood the skin with hydration for a radiant and healthy complexion that lasts throughout the day.

Adding to this, Dr Singh shares the different types of moisturisers:

• Humectants: These draw moisture into the skin, like glycerine, hyaluronic acid, and propylene glycol.
• Emollients: These help soothe, soften, and increase the moisture levels in the skin, like squalane, jojoba oil, and ceramides.
• Occlusives: These create a physical barrier on top of the skin to keep it moist and hydrated like petrolatum, shea butter, beeswax, and lanolin.

Know the process

• Start by thoroughly cleansing the skin to remove any dirt, oil, or makeup that could inhibit absorption.
• While your skin is still damp, apply a humectant-based product to draw moisture into the skin.
• Gently massage the product onto your skin using upward motions to encourage blood flow and stimulate collagen production.
• Facial mist can be used in between these two to enhance the moisture effect.
• Follow with an emollient to help soften and smooth the skin's surface.
• Seal everything in with an occlusive moisturiser.

When should you do it?

The experts share that skin flooding is best done at night. While it can be added to your daytime routine as well, doing it at night can be especially beneficial as it provides ample time for the skin to repair and rejuvenate without exposure to environmental stressors.

As we know, the skin goes through a natural repair and regeneration process at night, allowing the products used during skin flooding to work more effectively.

Always remember...

The goal is to saturate the skin with moisture, creating a barrier that helps to lock in hydration and protect against external threats.

However, it should not be overdone. Over-hydration could lead to tiny pimples. Before trying skin flooding, it is important to know your skin type and choose the products accordingly.

The experts also suggest that you must do a patch test while using new products to ensure that you don't have an adverse reaction.

Additionally, when practising skin flooding, it is crucial to consider the amount of pressure being applied to the skin. Gentle and consistent pressure helps improve blood circulation and lymphatic drainage without causing any damage to the skin.

2024-03-22T10:53:36Z dg43tfdfdgfd