Navigating skin flooding and skin cycling techniques
As winter approaches, people are seeking moisturizing hacks to prepare and hydrate their skin in preparation for the colder months. Concepts such as "skin flooding" and "skin cycling" are circulating widely across social media, particularly on platforms like TikTok. These terms refer to existing skincare techniques that are gaining increasing popularity now. Here's a closer look at these terms.
Decoding skin flooding
Applying a generous amount of a single skincare product—typically a moisturizing serum or moisturizer—to the skin is known as "skin flooding." The concept revolves around completely covering the skin with the substance to facilitate its penetration and provide intense hydration. Proponents of skin flooding emphasize the idea that saturating the skin with a high concentration of active substances might enhance absorption.
How it works
Skin flooding generally involves applying hydrating serums generously, allowing each layer to be absorbed before adding the next. It is then concluded with a moisturizer to seal in the hydration and reinforce the skin barrier. The idea is to completely cover the skin with the substance so that it may penetrate the skin and provide much-needed hydration.
What is skin cycling?
Unlike skin flooding, skin cycling looks into what is applied to the skin rather than how it's applied. It revolves around adjusting your skincare routine based on your skin's changing needs throughout the month. The core idea is to rotate or "cycle" active components like retinoids and skin peels over four days, allowing these ingredients to work as intended while minimizing potential adverse effects.
The idea behind skin cycling
The idea is to let your targeted active products work their magic, taking "days off" to concentrate on hydrating, building your barrier, and providing nourishment. This strategy will produce noticeably healthier skin because there will be no overuse of active compounds that irritate and overstimulate the skin. Skin cycling allows for a dynamic approach, adapting your routine to address changing skin conditions.
Which method should you choose?
Skin flooding can provide you with much-needed hydration. Meanwhile, skin cycling offers adaptability to address varying concerns. If time is of the essence, skin flooding provides a quick and visible boost. For those who enjoy tailoring their routine, skin cycling offers a personalized approach. Understand your skin type, and issues before committing to one. You can even incorporate both as a more balanced approach.
