If your skincare routine suddenly feels like it needs a life raft, TikTok has an answer: skin flooding. The viral technique is exactly what it sounds like—drenching your skin in hydration, on purpose.
Instead of applying products to dry skin, skin flooding starts with a freshly cleansed, still-damp face, then layering lightweight, water-based hydrators like toners, essences, serums, and finally a moisturizer to seal it all in.
The idea is simple and satisfying. Damp skin helps humectants (ingredients that attract water, like glycerin or hyaluronic acid) pull moisture into the skin more effectively. By stacking hydration from thinnest to thickest, you’re essentially “flooding” the skin barrier so it looks plumper, calmer, and glowier—especially helpful if your face feels tight, dull, or stressed.
Fans swear it gives that glassy, bouncy look without fancy tools or harsh actives. Think less overhaul, more hydration harmony—and a routine that feels as refreshing as it sounds.