I didn’t realise how crucial this skincare step was until I tried it myself

Adding this step to my skincare routine has been a game-changer

I suffered from one of the worst breakouts of my life last October. For weeks, my face was covered in cystic acne, and my confidence was on the floor.

A dermatologist recommended stripping back my skincare routine, so I went back to basics, and the difference was pretty noticeable.

It may have taken nearly a year for it to clear up, but my skin finally started to feel better again.

My skincare routine solely consisted of two different cleansers, moisturisers, and SPF, but is that really enough?

During a recent visit to SkinGlow Clinic, I realised I was missing out on one crucial step.

The SkinGlow Clinic's Sara O'Hagan explained that using a toner is one step I needed to add to my routine.

She explained why it is so important, "Toners have come a long way since the old-school ones we all used to dread, you know the ones that stung like mad and left your face feeling like cardboard? 

"Thankfully, those days are long gone. These days, a good toner is like a secret weapon in your skincare routine. It hydrates, soothes, helps clear breakouts, and even tightens up the look of your pores.

"After cleansing, your skin’s pH can go a bit haywire, especially if you live somewhere with hard water or you’re using a cleanser that’s a bit too harsh. 

"A toner brings things back into balance (ideally to that sweet spot of around 4.7–5.5), which is essential for keeping your skin barrier strong and happy," Sara explained.

"And here’s the kicker, it helps your fancy serums absorb better, up to 30% better in some cases. So no, it’s not just a ‘nice to have’. It’s the behind-the-scenes step that makes all the magic work better.”

I've only been using a toner for two weeks now, and I've already noticed a difference in my skin. It feels brighter, less congested, and has given my skin a natural glow.

One of the best toners on the market is The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Exfoliating Toner. Buy it here for €13.05.

Read more: The cleanser that finally started to clear up my cystic acne