Stylish Londoners Adore This Ultra-Light Moisturizer—And Honestly, It Rescued My Irritated Winter Skin.

      It was an incredibly cold travel day from New York to Chicago, with a variety of new skincare products packed in my suitcase, ready for testing, which resulted in a perfect storm for my skin. My plan to try out a new product line (which will remain unnamed) quickly turned into a flare-up of eczema and a mix of irritated, pimple-like spots, spurred by fresh formulas and harsh Midwest winds. My skin maintained this chaotic appearance until I met with Trinny Woodall, the founder of the stylish British beauty brand Trinny London, who examined my skin closely. She diagnosed my skin as suffering from a compromised microbiome due to continuous product testing and recommended a new skincare routine, prompting me to record her instructions on my phone regarding which products to apply and when. Normally, such a suggestion wouldn’t sway me to change my entire regimen, but Woodall somehow convinced me, and the results were nearly immediate…almost miraculous.

      Three products quickly became my go-to heroes for morning and night: The Energise Me Niacinamide Moisturizer (used during the day), the Bounce Back Intense Peptide Moisturizer (for nighttime), and the Plump Up Peptide HA Serum (to be applied first). However, the one that really captured my attention and soon became my favorite travel essential was the Energise Me moisturizer—a lightweight, skin-soothing lotion that calmed my rosacea-prone skin, smoothed out dry patches, and provided an all-day glow that garnered me compliments, even without any makeup.

      **The Hero Product**

      Trinny London

      Energise Me

      The niacinamide moisturizer from Trinny London is one I’ll consistently use throughout the year, even after the late-winter winds have passed, due to its ultra-light formula that feels more like a serum than a cream. Although I often question lighter formulas when my skin craves something thicker, this one effectively delivered the rejuvenating nutrients my skin needed while locking in moisture with ease. Its product description states it’s “perfect for stressed and tired skin,” which accurately described my product-weary complexion.

      **What are The Benefits of Niacinamide Cream?**

      The formula is packed with skin-loving ingredients, including niacinamide (of course), succinic acid, and asiaticoside—but if this sounds like a foreign language, I can provide a translation. "Niacinamide is a fantastic ingredient for reactive skin because it helps to calm the skin barrier and enhances radiance," says board-certified dermatologist Dr. Elyse Love. "This boosts skin hydration, supports barrier health, and may reduce redness, burning, and other irritation symptoms." Dr. Marisa Garshick, another board-certified dermatologist, agrees, noting that these benefits are "particularly significant for those with eczema." While many associate niacinamide with oily, acne-prone skin, dermatologists understand its broader advantages. "It also strengthens the skin barrier, reducing moisture loss and providing hydration," Dr. Garshick adds. The anti-inflammatory properties not only aid eczema but also make it an "excellent option for individuals with acne or rosacea-prone skin."

      Though niacinamide takes center stage, there are a few other essential ingredients that elevate this formula. “Succinic acid acts as a gentle exfoliant and provides anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial advantages,” explains Dr. Garshick. “It has antioxidant properties that protect the skin from free radical damage.” After spending the winter moving between the chilly urban landscapes of New York City and Chicago (and experimenting with every serum, moisturizer, and cleanser imaginable), this sounds like the perfect remedy for winter skin to me. The final key ingredient is asiaticoside, which I needed to consult my dermatologists about for a clearer understanding. It's commonly found in many wound-healing topicals, which explains its ability to soothe my irritated areas. “Asiaticoside has demonstrated anti-inflammatory and skin-soothing benefits,” continues Dr. Garshick. “It also has antioxidant effects and may stimulate collagen production, providing excellent anti-aging properties.”

      **What I Liked About Trinny London’s Niacinamide Cream**

      It may sound exaggerated, but after trying all three of the mentioned products together, I noticed smoother, happier skin the very next day. My skincare routine has evolved into a ritual: I cleanse my face, apply two pumps of the Plump Up serum for a dewy, intensely hydrating foundation, and seal it with the Energise Me moisturizer. I follow the same procedure in the evening, swapping the niacinamide moisturizer for the thicker Bounce Back night cream.

      As I noted before, I observed results from the first application, but what were they, specifically? Well, the scaly eczema patches that were painful to the touch when exposed to other products were quickly smoothed, leaving a clean barrier where dry, makeup-attracting splotches once existed. My rosacea-triggered redness persists