Social media is teeming with videos that promote skin flooding or the layering of hydrating products on damp skin to combat dryness and achieve that dewy glow, and many patients may be skin flooding based on these influencer videos.

Alexis Young, MD, a dermatologist. with Hackensack University Medical Center in Hackensack, NJ, broke down the pros and cons of this trend.

Potential Benefits:

• Increased Hydration: For individuals with dry or dehydrated skin, skin flooding can provide a boost of hydration, improving skin texture and reducing dryness.
• Enhanced Product Absorption: Applying products to damp skin can potentially improve their absorption.
• Plumping Effect: Hydrated skin appears plumper and can temporarily minimize the appearance of fine lines.

Possible Downsides:

• Over-hydration: For some skin types, especially oily or acne-prone skin, skin flooding can lead to over-hydration, potentially clogging pores and causing breakouts.
• Irritation and Sensitivity: Layering multiple products, especially those with active ingredients, can increase the risk of irritation and sensitivity, particularly for those with sensitive skin.
• Product Interactions: Certain ingredients may not work well together, leading to reduced efficacy or even adverse reactions.
• Not a Long-term Solution: Skin flooding primarily addresses surface-level hydration and doesn’t necessarily address underlying skin concerns.

Her bottom line? There are alternatives to skin flooding that include effective strategies for winter skin hydration, such as using humidifiers, incorporating hydrating masks, and adjusting showering habits, she says in a news release.