Trends come and go, but some techniques are so good that they make a comeback—often repackaged, and marketed as a new (we're looking at you, TikTok). The latest skincare trend to go viral on TikTok is none other than skin flooding. While new to Gen Z, millennials have been adopting this practice for years—and for good reason. Praised by dermatologist and beauty content creators alike, this multi-step routine is often credited as the secret to achieving glass skin (also known as mochi skin, 'chok-chok' skin or butter skin). So what is it, exactly? And is it really worth the buzz?
Skin flooding is exactly what it sounds like: Flooding your skin with hydration and skin-loving ingredients. It's a simple yet effective method of deeply nourishing and hydrating your skin—as our ELLE editors can attest to. Start with freshly cleansed skin, leaving it slightly damp (moist skin absorbs skincare better). Alternatively, you can apply a face mist. Then, apply your favourite toners, followed by serums, and lock everything in with a moisturiser. It's so simple, anyone can do it.
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@ashleysmixon Mixon Method for Beginners: SKINFLOODING 👏🏻 *product list at the end #MixonMethod #skinflooding #toners #hydration #glassskin @sokoglam ASHLEY10 @acwell_official @SK-II @imfrom_us @medipeel.official @Then I Met You @SKINRx LAB US @rhode skin ♬ original sound - Ashley S Mixon
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The predecessor to 2025's everything showers, skin layering can be traced back to the days of the 10-step Korean skin care routine made famous in the 2010's if you dig through the beauty archives. This multi-step regime involves a double cleanse, followed by an exfoliator, toner, essence, treatments, sheet masks, eye cream, moisturiser, and sun protection. Yes, we used to do all of that twice a day.
It was lauded by the community until around 2018-2019 when consumers couldn't keep up the regime and adopted a minimalist approach with just a few products in their routine. Beyond that, dermatologists have recommended skin flooding to patients with dry, ageing, or dehydrated skin long before it gained popularity on the web.
@jerziahameana this is basically the concept of korean skincare. you can’t go wrong with simple clean ingredients that are solely for hydrating your skin. Toners mentioned: acwell liquorice toner haruharu wonder black rice toner tirtir milk toner #skincare #koreanskincare #skinflooding #toners #hormonalacne #skincare #skintok #skinroutine #fyp #hyperpigmentation #tirtir #haruharu #hylauronicacid ♬ original sound - Jerziah Blossom
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By the time Covid and worlwide lockdowns came and went, users were well-educated on what ingredients worked on their skin types, had a variety of resources online, and were willing to try anything—from products and treatments, to achieve the skin of their dreams. And if skin flooding could do that, then it wouldn't hurt to try it out.
Seasons change, trends come and go, but skin flooding is here to stay in whatever form it'll take next. If you're looking to achieve a radiant, dewy complexion and intense hydration in 2025, here's how to do it.
SKIN FLOODING 101
Once you've gone in with a gentle cleanser, leave your skin damp or spritz on a face mist as moisturisers tend to absorb water more effectively with a water source to draw from.
The Face Mist, $142, AUGUSTINUS BADER.
From there, go straight in with a hydrating toner. To get skin that bounces light, a milky hydrating toner will do wonders.
Milk Skin Toner, $33.56, TIRTIR.
Up next is a serum of your choice. It'll vary based on your skin needs, but you can't go wrong with a good hyaluronic acid serum.
B-Hydra Intensive Hydration Serum, $78, DRUNK ELEPHANT.
To lock everything in, apply a nourishing lotion or cream that is going to repair and protect your skin barrier.
Ectoin Hydro-Barrier Serum, $28, THE INKEY LIST.