Unlock the Glow: What is Skin Flooding and Why Your Skin Needs It Now
At GLOWBOX, we’re always scouting the latest skincare trends that actually deliver. One that’s taken the beauty world by storm lately? Skin flooding — the moisture-boosting ritual your skin will thank you for, especially during seasonal changes or when your barrier feels compromised.
What is Skin Flooding?
Skin flooding is a layering technique focused on maximizing hydration by applying products in a specific order while your skin is still damp. Think of it like drenching your skin with moisture — and then sealing it in. Inspired by K-beauty’s iconic multi-step routines, skin flooding emphasizes gentle, layer-by-layer hydration using water-based products.
It’s not about overwhelming your skin — it’s about feeding it what it craves in just the right way.
Who is Skin Flooding For?
Perfect for:
- Dry or dehydrated skin (hello, winter skin saviors)
- Sensitive or barrier-damaged skin
- Anyone dealing with dullness, flakiness, or tightness
- Even oily skin types benefit — dehydration can cause your skin to overproduce oil!
How to Skin Flood: The GLOWBOX Way
Here’s a simple step-by-step guide using Korean skincare heroes :
🌊 Step 1: Cleanse Gently
Start with a hydrating cleanser that doesn’t strip your skin. We love the BANILA CO Clean it Zero Original Cleansing Balm which removes makeup and impurities while keeping skin soft, and the Mung Bean pH-Balanced Cleansing Foam, which gently washes away residue without disturbing your skin’s natural barrier.
💧 Step 2: Apply Toner on Damp Skin
Don’t wait for your skin to dry! While your face is still slightly wet, pat on a hydrating toner. Our go-to? COSRX 6 Peptide Skin Booster Serum Toner — it boosts elasticity and deeply hydrates your skin.
🌿 Step 3: Layer a Hydrating Serum
Next, apply a humectant-rich serum and/or ampoule. Look for ingredients like glycerin, panthenol, and more hyaluronic acid. Celimax Noni Ampoule is a great choice — formulated with 71% noni fruit extract, hyaluronic acid, and panthenol, it delivers deep hydration, soothes irritation, and supports a healthy skin barrier without feeling heavy.
🧴 Step 4: Lock It In with Moisturizer
Once your skin feels juicy, seal the deal with a barrier-repairing moisturizer. We recommend Dr. Althea 345 Relief Cream or AESTURA Atobarrier 365 Cream — they are both lightweight but deeply calming and nourishing.
🛡️ Optional: Top with a Facial Oil or Occlusive
At night, you can finish with a few drops of squalane or jojoba oil, or a sleeping mask like BIODANCE Bio Collagen Real Deep Mask Sheet for extra dew.
GLOW TIP: Use Skin Flooding After Exfoliation
After a gentle exfoliation (like a PHA toner), your skin is primed to soak in moisture. Skin flooding afterwards can help calm and restore.
Why It Works
Skin flooding aligns with K-beauty’s philosophy of hydration-first skincare. Rather than attacking your skin with harsh actives, it focuses on building up skin health and resilience. Healthy, hydrated skin means better glow, fewer breakouts, and a stronger barrier.
Ready to build your own skin flooding routine?
Check out our Glowbox Skincare Bestsellers or subscribe to get the latest Korean hydration heroes delivered to your door.
