What Is Skin Flooding... and Can It Really Help Dehydrated Skin?

If your skin often feels tight, flaky, or dull—even after you’ve moisturized—it may be dealing with dehydration. And no, that doesn’t just apply to dry skin types. Oily and sensitive skin can become dehydrated, too. One technique gaining attention for its hydrating benefits is called skin flooding—and it’s worth understanding.

Let’s walk through what skin flooding is, how it supports your skin, and how to try it for yourself using gentle, plant-based products that work with your skin’s natural rhythm.

What Is Skin Flooding?

Skin flooding is a method of layering moisture-focused products in a specific order—from the lightest to the richest. It’s designed to help your skin better absorb hydration and hold onto it longer. The goal is simple: build moisture in layers that nourish the skin barrier and leave your complexion looking and feeling calm, smooth, and refreshed.

This technique is especially helpful when your skin needs extra support, whether from weather changes, stress, or over-exfoliation.

Key Players in Skin Hydration

Before we get into the routine, let’s look at the key players:

• Humectants (like Hyaluronic Acid and Glycerin) - Attract water into the upper layers of skin.
• Emollients (like plant oils and butters) - Smooth rough patches and help improve texture.
• Occlusives (like nourishing oils) - Create a breathable layer that helps keep moisture in place.

Layering these in the right order gives your skin a better chance to soak it all in—and hold onto that hydration without clogging pores or feeling greasy.

Why Products Sometimes Pill

If you’ve ever had skincare roll up or flake off, you’ve experienced what’s called “pilling.” It can happen when:

• You use too much product
• You don’t give each step time to absorb
• You mix textures that don’t work well together
• You rub instead of pressing products into the skin

The fix? Adjusting how you apply each layer. That’s where skin flooding shines.

A 4-Step Skin Flooding Routine

Here’s a simple, skin-supporting routine using some of our favorite formulas. You can follow this general order with any products, just make sure they serve the same purpose.

Step 1: Blue Tansy Toning Essence

What it does: Adds a first layer of hydration with humectants like Hyaluronic Acid and Glycerin, along with soothing plant extracts like lavender, blue tansy, and witch hazel.

How to use: After cleansing, mist generously over your face and neck while skin is still slightly damp. Let it absorb or press in gently with clean hands.

Step 2: Algae Serum Jasmine

What it does: A lightweight serum that draws in water and soothes with aloe vera, green tea, cucumber, and more Hyaluronic Acid.

How to use: Apply 2–3 pumps to damp skin. Gently press into skin instead of rubbing.

Step 3: Dream Nighttime Phytocream

What it does: A nourishing cream with shea butter, mango seed butter, jojoba esters, and niacinamide. This step supports the skin barrier and softens rough spots.

How to use: Massage a small amount into skin. Let it sit for a minute or two before moving to the next step.

Step 4: 23 Phytoserum

What it does: Seals in hydration with a blend of 23 antioxidant-rich oils, including argan, marula, rosehip, and jojoba. Adds a soft glow and helps calm the skin.
How to use: Warm a few drops between your palms and press into skin as your final step.

How to Get the Best Results

A few tips can make all the difference:

• Start on slightly damp skin: After cleansing or misting, apply the next product before your skin fully dries.
• Use less than you think: A small amount goes a long way.
• Press, don’t rub: Gentle pressure helps products absorb better.
• Pause between steps: Let each product settle for a minute or two before layering the next.
• Warm thicker products in your hands: This helps them melt into the skin more easily.

Why It Works

Skin flooding supports skin the way it naturally functions: starting with water, then sealing it in. When done consistently, it helps improve moisture balance, supports the skin barrier, and can help reduce the look of dullness or irritation.

Skin flooding isn’t about chasing trends—it’s about listening to what your skin is asking for. It’s a thoughtful, step-by-step approach that gives your skin hydration where it needs it most, without overdoing it.

If your skin has been feeling off lately, try this method for a week. With the right care, your skin can feel more comfortable, look more radiant, and stay balanced longer.