Skin flooding is one of the simplest ways to deeply hydrate the skin — yet it’s often misunderstood as just another skincare trend. In reality, it’s a technique rooted in how the skin barrier works and how moisture is retained.
If your skin feels tight, dull or dehydrated even when you’re using good products, skin flooding could be the missing step.
What Is Skin Flooding?
Skin flooding is a hydration method that involves applying skincare products to damp skin in a specific order, finishing with an oil or balm to seal everything in.
The goal is simple: maximise water content in the skin, then prevent that moisture from escaping.
Think of it like watering dry soil. If the soil is completely dry, water runs straight off. But when you slowly add water and then cover it, the moisture stays where it’s needed.
Your skin works in much the same way.
Why Skin Flooding Works
Skin flooding works because it supports the skin barrier — the outer layer of skin responsible for keeping moisture in and irritants out.
When skin is dehydrated, the barrier becomes compromised. This can lead to:
- dryness and flakiness
- increased sensitivity
- inflammation
- fine lines appearing more visible
By applying hydration first and sealing it with oil, skin flooding:
- reduces trans‑epidermal water loss
- improves skin elasticity and softness
- helps calm stressed or reactive skin
- supports long‑term skin health rather than quick fixes
This makes it especially helpful for hormonally changing skin, perimenopausal skin, sensitive skin and skin under chronic stress.
How to Do Skin Flooding Naturally (Step by Step)
Skin flooding doesn’t require complicated routines or synthetic actives. In fact, natural products often work best.
Step 1: Start with Oil Cleanse, Damp Skin
Cleanse your skin gently, then leave it slightly damp. Start with an oil cleanser on dry or slightly damp skin. Oil cleansing removes makeup, SPF and impurities without stripping the skin.
Ermana’s oil cleanser supports the skin’s natural lipid barrier, meaning skin is left clean, soft and receptive to hydration – not tight or dry.
Rinse with warm water and remove with a damp cloth, leaving your skin damp.
Step 2: Add a Hydrating Layer with our Rose Mist
Apply a hydrating mist while the skin is still damp.
This is the flooding step.
Mist Rose Hydrate generously onto freshly cleansed skin. The skin should feel lightly damp, not dripping. Rose water helps soothe, refresh and hydrate while prepping the skin for oil.
This step provides the water your skin needs – which is crucial before applying oil.
You can repeat this step using products that attract water, such as glycerin or aloe vera.
Step 3: Seal with a Face Oil
While the skin is still damp from the mist, apply a few drops of your Ermana face oil (Renew or Revive) and gently press it into the skin.
Face oils don’t hydrate on their own – they seal. Applying oil over damp skin locks in hydration, strengthens the barrier and prevents moisture loss.
Warm a few drops between your hands and gently press into the skin.
This final step is what prevents moisture from evaporating and leaves skin feeling plump and nourished.
That’s it. Three steps. No overload.
Who Is Skin Flooding Best For?
Skin flooding is suitable for most skin types, but it’s particularly beneficial if you have:
- dehydrated but oily skin
- dry or tight‑feeling skin
- sensitive or reactive skin
- hormonally fluctuating skin
- skin that feels worse in winter or after stress
If you’re using actives such as retinoids or exfoliating acids, skin flooding can also help support the barrier and reduce irritation.
Skin Flooding vs Slugging: What’s the Difference?
Skin flooding focuses on hydration first, then sealing it in.
Slugging uses a heavy occlusive (often petroleum‑based) as the final layer and doesn’t always prioritise adding water to the skin beforehand.
Skin flooding is generally lighter, more breathable and better suited to sensitive or hormonally changing skin — especially when done with natural oils.
The Nervous System Benefits of Skin Flooding
Skin flooding isn’t just good for the skin — it can be calming for the nervous system too.
Slow application, gentle facial touch and taking a moment to breathe all send signals of safety to the body. This can help shift you out of stress mode and into rest mode.
When the nervous system calms, inflammation often reduces — and skin responds positively.
How Often Should You Skin Flood?
You can skin flood once or twice daily, depending on your skin’s needs.
Many people find it most beneficial in the evening, when skin repair naturally happens overnight.
Consistency matters more than quantity.
Skin Flooding FAQs
What is skin flooding?
Skin flooding is a skincare technique that hydrates the skin by applying products to damp skin and sealing that moisture in with an oil. It focuses on improving hydration levels and supporting the skin barrier, rather than adding more active ingredients.
How is skin flooding different from slugging?
Skin flooding prioritises adding water to the skin first, then locking it in with lightweight oils. Slugging typically uses a heavy occlusive as the final step and doesn’t always focus on hydration underneath. Skin flooding is generally more suitable for sensitive, hormonally changing or reactive skin.
Can you do skin flooding every day?
Yes. Skin flooding can be done once or twice daily, depending on your skin’s needs. Many people prefer doing it in the evening, when the skin naturally repairs itself overnight.
Is skin flooding good for sensitive skin?
Skin flooding can be very beneficial for sensitive skin because it supports the skin barrier and reduces water loss. Using gentle, fragrance-free or naturally scented products is key if your skin is reactive.
Does skin flooding work for oily or acne-prone skin?
Yes. Dehydrated skin can overproduce oil to compensate. Skin flooding helps restore hydration balance, which can actually reduce excess oil production when done with non-comedogenic oils.
What products do I need for skin flooding?
You only need three things: a gentle cleanser, a hydrating mist or serum, and a face oil. The technique is more important than the number of products used.
Is skin flooding good for perimenopausal or menopausal skin?
Absolutely. Hormonal changes can weaken the skin barrier and increase dehydration. Skin flooding helps replenish moisture and support resilience during this stage of life.
Can skin flooding help with fine lines?
Skin flooding won’t remove lines, but well-hydrated skin appears plumper and smoother, which can soften the appearance of fine lines caused by dehydration.
Final Thoughts
Skin flooding is not about using more products — it’s about using them more intelligently.
By working with the skin barrier rather than against it, skin flooding supports hydration, resilience and long‑term skin health.
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