The 2022-2023 hydration technique of layering hyaluronic acid serum on damp skin multiple times before moisturizer, creating maximum moisture absorption for plump, dewy results.
Origins
Skin flooding emerged on TikTok in June 2022, popularized by celebrity facialist Alexis Granite and skincare influencer Alicia Lartey:
- Method: Apply hyaluronic acid on soaking wet skin, let absorb, repeat 3-5 times
- Science: HA binds up to 1,000x its weight in water, damp skin enhances absorption
- Timing: Post-shower or after misting face thoroughly
- Goal: Deep hydration without heavy creams
The technique addressed dry, dehydrated skin concerns exacerbated by indoor heating, air conditioning, and over-exfoliation from skincare trends.
The Technique
Skin flooding follows specific steps:
Method:
- Cleanse face normally
- While skin still dripping wet, apply hyaluronic acid serum
- Wait 30-60 seconds for absorption
- Mist face again with water or essence
- Apply second layer of hyaluronic acid
- Repeat process 3-5 times total
- Seal with moisturizer while skin damp
Key principles:
- Damp/wet skin crucial (HA needs water to bind)
- Multiple thin layers > one thick application
- Seal with occlusive to prevent evaporation
- Morning or night routine compatible
TikTok Virality
#SkinFlooding reached 480 million+ views:
Content types:
- “Flood your skin with me” routines
- Before/after plumpness results
- Product recommendations (best HA serums)
- Dermatologist explanations
Influencers like Alicia Lartey (@alicialartey) demonstrated the technique, generating millions of views and product sellouts.
Hyaluronic Acid Science
Dermatologists explained the mechanism:
Why it works:
- Hyaluronic acid is humectant (draws moisture in)
- Molecular weight matters (low MW penetrates deeper)
- Damp skin provides water for HA to bind
- Multiple layers = more hydration capacity
- Occlusive seals prevents HA drawing moisture from deeper skin layers
Important caveat:
- Dry climates can backfire (HA pulls from skin if no environmental moisture)
- Must seal with moisturizer/occlusive
- Not substitute for drinking water
Product Recommendations
Skin flooding drove HA serum sales:
Popular products:
- The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 ($7): Affordable, effective
- CeraVe Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Serum ($15): Dermatologist-developed
- Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Serum ($18): Drugstore favorite
- The INKEY List Hyaluronic Acid ($9): Budget-friendly
- SkinCeuticals Hyaluronic Acid Intensifier ($102): Luxury option
The Ordinary’s HA serum experienced continuous sellouts throughout 2022-2023.
Combination with Other Trends
Skin flooding integrated with existing trends:
Layering:
- Flood, then slug (HA + occlusive combo)
- 7-skin method adaptation (Korean essence layering)
- After skin cycling active nights (hydration recovery)
Routine placement:
- Morning: Flood, then SPF
- Night: Flood, then retinol, then moisturizer
- Post-exfoliation: Flood to rehydrate
Common Mistakes
TikTok featured flooding error content:
Mistakes:
- Applying on completely dry skin (HA can dehydrate)
- Not sealing with moisturizer (evaporation)
- Using in very dry climates without humidifier
- Too many layers (diminishing returns)
- Wrong HA molecular weight
Corrections:
- Always dampen skin first
- Seal immediately after layering
- Use humidifier in dry environments
- 3-5 layers maximum
- Multi-weight HA formulas best
Dermatologist Perspective
Skin experts validated with caveats:
Dr. Shereene Idriss, Dr. Dray commentary:
- Technique is sound for dehydration
- Layering does increase hydration
- Damp skin application correct
- Must seal to prevent reverse osmosis
- Not miracle cure, but effective hydration boost
Professional validation helped technique gain credibility beyond viral trend.
Dry Climate Warnings
Important regional considerations:
Humid climates:
- Skin flooding works excellently
- Environmental moisture supports HA
- Can skip some misting steps
Dry climates (desert, winter heating):
- Risk of HA pulling moisture from skin
- Humidifier recommended
- Sealing step absolutely crucial
- May need heavier occlusives
The technique worked better in some environments than others—context mattered.
Before/After Results
Visual content drove adoption:
Reported benefits:
- Immediate plumpness
- Reduced fine lines appearance
- Dewy, healthy glow
- Better makeup application
- Long-term hydration improvement
Realistic expectations:
- Temporary plumping (hours, not permanent)
- Addresses dehydration, not aging
- Maintenance required
- Individual results vary
Staying Power
Skin flooding showed sustained relevance:
- 2022-2023+: Two years of practice
- 480 million+ views: Strong engagement
- Dermatologist endorsement: Professional validation
- Routine integration: Not trend, but technique
By 2023, skin flooding had become standard hydration technique—recommended by dermatologists and estheticians.
Legacy
The skin flooding trend demonstrated:
- Science-based skincare’s TikTok appeal
- Technique over products gaining traction
- Proper application mattering more than expensive products
- Hydration focus in modern skincare
Skin flooding proved that understanding ingredient application could maximize affordable product effectiveness.
Sources:
- Allure: “What Is Skin Flooding?” (2022)
- Byrdie: “How to Try the Skin Flooding Trend” (2022)
- Vogue: “Skin Flooding Is the Hydration Hack You Need” (2022)