$19.99
Target
$21.99
Ulta
Skin flooding is taking over Tik Tok — here’s what you need to know
Is the new trend the answer to super dry skin? I spoke to experts to find out.
Experts have previously recommended this cleanser, saying it’s a gentle option for those with sensitive skin. It has multiple ingredients that Abeyta and Sung recommend for hydration, including glycerin, ceramides and niacinamide, according to the brand. NBC Select updates editor Mili Godio is a fan of this cleanser, saying it’s gentle on her reactive skin and has a lightweight consistency.
Prefer a thicker cleanser? Try a balm. NBC Select social media associate Caitlin Cusack likes how this one melts into her skin and easily removes makeup — including stubborn mascara. It has a blend of lipids and oils to hydrate skin as it washes away dirt and grime so your skin is left feeling soft and supple, according to the brand.
Some toners are irritating or drying, but not this one. The texture’s a bit more like a serum, according NBC Select editorial operations associate Jem Alabi, who says it absorbs quickly and feels smooth going on. It also has allantoin to help address dark spots and acne scars, according to the brand.
This brand is known for affordable skin care with potent ingredients. In this case, hyaluronic acid is the star. It’s particularly good for those with sensitive skin because it is fragrance-, alcohol- and oil-free. NBC Select reporter Zoe Malin likes that it absorbs quickly and says her skin dries out less frequently and looks more hydrated since she started using it.
Our experts pointed out that those with oily or acne prone skin should be more careful with the products they choose for skin flooding. This one is oil-free and noncomedogenic, so it won’t clog pores. It also has a seal of approval from the National Eczema Association, making it safe for those with sensitive skin.
After having my daughter, my skin type totally changed — out of nowhere I had dry, sensitive skin. My dermatologist turned me on to this simple moisturizer. It has no bells and whistles, but it does the exact thing I need it to, which means it hydrates like a boss without irritating my complexion.
This thick cream earned the top spot on our list of best moisturizers. All of our staff found that it worked for them, no matter their skin type. The formula has a combination of niacinamide and panthenol, which work together to improve water retention and boost the skin barrier, according to the brand. “It’s not as sexy or nicely packaged as some other formulas, but it’s truly the best cream,” says NBC Select editor Lindsay Schneider. “It’s so thicky and rich feeling and is really good for calming skin down, too. Whenever I have any flareups, this is what I turn to. Plus, I like that you can also use it on your body, as well.”
At NBC Select, we work with experts with specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and experience. We also ensure all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and without undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.
Bethany Heitman is a contributor at NBC Select and a journalist who regularly covers beauty, home and lifestyle and has written extensively about skin care. For this story, she interviewed two experts about the skin flooding trend and the best products to use if you want to take part. She also included formulas she’s personally tested along with options the NBC Select editorial team has tried and vetted.
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