K-Beauty: Skin Flood for Glowing, Hydrated Skin
How to Skin Flood for Glowing, Hydrated Skin
By Trinity – Former Esthetician & Founder of Daso Beauty
One of my favorite hydration techniques I share with my clients is called skin flooding — and it’s a total game-changer for achieving dewy, bouncy, glass skin.
In this blog, I’ll walk you through:
- What skin flooding is
- What types of products to use (and avoid!)
- My personal go-to routine using K-beauty favorites
Let’s get into it!
What Is Skin Flooding?
Skin flooding is a layering technique where you apply multiple hydrating products — starting with toners and essences — to deeply infuse your skin with moisture. It's especially helpful if your skin feels:
- Dry or tight
- Red and irritated
- Dull or dehydrated
It’s a gentle, barrier-loving routine anyone can do — especially with the right K-beauty products.
Why I Love Skin Flooding
As an esthetician, I’ve seen how skin flooding:
- Boosts hydration levels immediately
- Calms and soothes redness
- Improves glow and softness
- Helps strengthen your moisture barrier over time
And best of all — it’s easy to do and totally customizable.
Best Types of Products to Use
When skin flooding, look for lightweight, hydrating, and layering-friendly formulas. These are ideal:
Look for toners and essences that are:
- Water-based or light milky textures
- Alcohol-free and fragrance-free (if possible)
- Rich in ingredients like:
-
- Hyaluronic Acid
- Panthenol
- Centella Asiatica
- Beta-glucan
- Oat Extract or Rice Water
What to Avoid
Not all toners are safe to layer. Avoid products that exfoliate or strip the skin barrier — especially when layered multiple times.
Example to avoid:
Some By Mi AHA BHA PHA 30 Days Miracle Toner – While great for acne or texture, this contains exfoliating acids that can cause dryness or irritation when used in a skin flooding routine.
Save the exfoliants for nighttime 1–2x a week, not for flooding!
My Skin Flooding Routine Using K-Beauty Favorites
Here’s the exact routine I use (and recommend to customers!) to skin flood for plump, hydrated skin:
Step 1: Watery Toner (Layer 2–3x)
Purito Wonder Releaf Centella Toner (Unscented)
→ Lightweight, calming, and perfect for layering. Packed with centella, panthenol, and sodium hyaluronate to calm and hydrate.
Step 2: Milky Toner (Layer 2–3x)
TIRTIR Milk Skin Toner
→ Adds glow and nourishment with a silky finish. Great if your skin feels dry or dull.
Step 3: Essence Mist
Medicube PDRN Collagen Mist
→ A fine mist with PDRN + collagen that helps boost elasticity and seals in moisture. Also perfect as a refreshing mid-day mist!
Step 4: Serum and Moisturizer
(Finish up with the rest of your skincare routine)
After flooding your skin with toner and essence, now’s the time to lock in the hydration with a serum and moisturizer:
- Serum: Choose one that targets your skin needs — hydration, calming, or firming. I love using serums with ingredients like niacinamide, peptides, or ceramides after flooding.
- Moisturizer: This is your sealing step. Pick something gentle, non-stripping, and suited to your skin type to hold in all that hydration.
☀️ If you’re doing this routine in the morning, don’t forget your SPF!
Always finish with a broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) to protect your skin and keep that glow healthy and safe.
Skin Flooding Pro Tips
- Apply products to damp skin for better absorption
- Gently press in each layer — no rubbing
- Let each product absorb before layering the next
- Customize how many layers you do based on how your skin feels that day
Ready to Try It?
If your skin’s been feeling dull, dry, or tired — give skin flooding a try with these gentle, effective K-beauty layers. It’s a simple, soothing way to get that glass skin glow without harsh actives or complicated routines.
