Skin Flooding? My New Obsession For Autumn!

Okay, let's chat skincare! Autumn's officially here, and that means one thing for my skin: dryness. The transition from summer to cooler weather is always a bit of a shock, isn't it? One minute I'm dealing with a bit of shine, the next my skin feels like the Sahara. That's where skin flooding comes in – and trust me, it's amazing!

What Is Skin Flooding, Anyway?

Basically, it's layering your skincare products on damp skin to really lock in hydration. Look, here's the thing: think of your skin like a sponge – it absorbs water way better when it's already a little wet, right? That's the same principle. We're talking maximum moisture, plumped-up skin, and a seriously dewy glow. Who doesn't want that? I know I do!

My Skin Flooding Routine: Step-by-Step

This is what I've been doing for the past few weeks, and honestly, the difference is amazing. My skin feels so much softer and less tight, even on those ridiculously windy autumn days.

Cleanse: Obvious, but crucial! I like to use a gentle, hydrating cleanser. At the moment, I'm loving the Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser. It's a classic for a reason, and leaves my skin feeling clean but not stripped. You can find it at Boots or John Lewis.

Mist: This is where the "flooding" starts! Don't fully dry your face after cleansing. Instead, spritz a hydrating mist all over. I'm currently obsessed with the Avene Thermal Spring Water. It's so soothing, especially if your skin is feeling a bit irritated. Plus, it's available at most high street chemists.

Serum: While your skin is still damp from the mist, apply a hydrating serum. Hyaluronic acid is your best friend here! I really rate The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5. It's budget-friendly at around £7 and works wonders. You can grab it from Look Fantastic or Boots. I tried this after reading TikTok Beauty Hacks – Do They Actually Work? and it's become a staple!

Moisturiser: Don't let the serum dry completely. Immediately follow with a rich moisturiser. This is where you can really tailor things to your skin type. If you have oily skin, a gel moisturiser might be enough. But if you're dry like me, go for something thicker and creamier. I've been using the Charlotte Tilbury Magic Cream Light and it's divine – a bit of a splurge at £75, but worth it for the glow, in my opinion. You can find it at Charlotte Tilbury counters, Space NK, or Selfridges.

Facial Oil (Optional): If you really want to lock in that moisture, add a few drops of facial oil on top. This is especially great for those extra-cold autumn nights. I adore the Pai Rosehip BioRegenerate Oil. It's a bit pricey at around £25, but a little goes a long way, and it's amazing for repairing the skin barrier. Available at Cult Beauty or Feel Unique.

Why It Works (and My Honest Thoughts)

So, why is this "skin flooding" technique so effective? It's all about hydration, hydration, hydration! By applying your products on damp skin, you're helping them to penetrate deeper and work more effectively. Plus, the layers of moisture create a barrier that prevents water loss throughout the day.

Now, I'm not gonna lie – this didn't work for me perfectly straight away. The first time I tried it, I used too much product and ended up feeling a bit greasy. In my experience, the key is to use thin layers and really massage everything into your skin. And don't be afraid to experiment to find what works best for you.

Adapting Skin Flooding for Autumn

As we head further into autumn, I'll be tweaking my skin flooding routine slightly. I'll probably switch to an even richer moisturiser, and maybe add a hydrating mask once or twice a week. I'm also thinking about incorporating a facial oil into my morning routine as well, just to give my skin that extra boost of protection against the cold weather. We need to consider the weather and how it impacts our skin. Maybe even consider a Sustainable Fall Capsule Wardrobe? Yes Please!!

My Top Tips for Skin Flooding Success

* Don't skip the mist! This is the most important step. It's what helps to create that damp canvas for your other products.

* Use thin layers. You don't want to overload your skin. A little goes a long way.

* Massage everything in. This will help the products to absorb properly and prevent that greasy feeling.

* Listen to your skin. If something isn't working, don't be afraid to switch it up. Everyone's skin is different.

* Be patient! It might take a few weeks to see the full results. But trust me, it's worth it!

Final Thoughts

Skin flooding has been a total lifesaver for my skin this autumn. It's simple, effective, and relatively inexpensive (especially if you stick to budget-friendly products like The Ordinary). If you're struggling with dry, dehydrated skin, I highly recommend giving it a try. Just try it, you'll thank me later! Let me know in the comments if you've tried skin flooding before, or if you have any other favourite skincare tips for autumn! I’d love to hear them!

Happy skin flooding, lovelies!

Love,

Emma x

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