Skin Flooding with Toners: What It Is, How to Do It, and Why Your Skin Will Thank You
If you’ve ever felt like your skin drinks up moisturizer and still feels thirsty—listen up. Skin flooding might be your new favorite ritual.
No, it’s not a TikTok gimmick. And no, you don’t need 10 layers of product to glow.
This blog breaks down what skin flooding is, why it works, how to do it properly, and which toners are actually worth your time (and $$$).
What Is Skin Flooding?
Skin flooding is a layering technique that focuses on delivering hydration to the deeper layers of your skin before locking it in with your usual moisturizers and creams.
It typically starts with:
A gentle cleanse
Layers of watery, hydrating toners and essences (like hyaluronic acid, panthenol, glycerin-based formulas)
A sealing step—moisturizer, cream, or sleeping mask
The idea is to flood the skin with moisture and create the ultimate glow-from-within finish.
🔗 Science of transepidermal water loss (TEWL)
What Are the Benefits?
Deeper hydration: Great for dry, flaky, or dehydrated skin
Plumper skin: Hydration = volume
Better product absorption: Prepping skin allows serums to work more efficiently
Healthier barrier: Skin feels bouncy, not tight or irritated
💡 Ideal for:
Barrier-compromised skin
Over-exfoliated faces
Post-travel or dry climate recovery (hello Calgary!)
Skin Flooding Myths to Avoid
Myth 1: “You need 7+ layers for it to work” → ❌ Not true. 2–3 is plenty. More = not always better.
Myth 2: “Any toner works” → ❌ No ma’am. Astringent or alcohol-based toners will wreck your barrier.
Myth 3: “You can skip moisturizer after” → ❌ Lock it in or it evaporates. Always seal!
How to Skin Flood (Step-by-Step)
Start with a clean canvas. Use a gentle, hydrating cleanser (no foaming, stripping formulas).
Apply your first toner layer to damp skin (spritz or pat).
Wait 30–60 seconds between layers. Add 1–3 layers max.
Layer a hydrating serum (optional but ✨ chef’s kiss ✨).
Seal with moisturizer or barrier cream.
Extra glow bonus: Add a few drops of facial oil at the end (if your skin tolerates it).
💚 Shop gentle, skin-flooding toners on iHerb
🛒 My top picks on Amazon.ca
Some Great Toners for Skin Flooding (All Skin Types)
Pyunkang Yul Essence Toner – Sensitive-skin friendly, bouncy finish
I’m From Rice Toner – Brightens while it hydrates
Round Lab Dokdo Toner – Lightweight, deeply hydrating
Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Toner Plus – Plump city, no stickiness
Hada Labo Gokujyun Premium – OG Japanese hydration bomb
🛍️ Find them on my iHerb + Amazon storefronts
What NOT to Use for Skin Flooding
🚫 Toners with alcohol (SD alcohol, denatured alcohol)
🚫 Witch hazel-based astringents
🚫 Exfoliating toners with AHA/BHA/PHA (save those for another routine)
You want hydrators, not actives or harsh stripping agents.
TL;DR: Think of Skin Flooding as a Big Drink of Water for Your Face
It’s simple, calming, and effective. If your skin’s feeling tight, dull, or chronically dehydrated, this is your signal to flood (gently).
Hydration is always in style.
✨ Want Help?
👉 Take our skin quiz HERE and we’ll help you build your routine, step-by-step.
Until next time,
Keep Glowing!
