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BB and CC creams went from American obscurity to prime time commercial breaks and at every makeup counter in the department store. The first Beauty Balm was developed in Germany and quickly gained popularity in the Asian market. While those of us in the skincare and beauty industry have known about these products for years, the craze did not hit America until about 2011.  If you are in the search for a new product, just enjoy trying something new or are looking for a minimalist approach to your daily skin routine you may want to experiment with a BB or CC cream. They run the gamut when it comes to targeting specific concerns like acne, pigmentation, and maturing skin. Some are more lightweight in consistency and more reminiscent of a heavy tinted moisturizer, but much more often they have a whipped or mouse like constancy. Depending on your desired level of coverage you may like to use them alone or use as a primer, layered under your liquid or powdered foundation. While there are some differences between brands the most common similarities between these balms and creams are in the ingredients, so when reading labels you may see these key words: SPF, both physical sunscreens (titanium dioxide and/or zinc oxide) and Chemical sunscreens (octinoxate) A silicone derivative, which works as a primer and pore smoother Light reflecting particles such as mica, to create a more radiant healthy skin glow Antioxidants like Vitamin C to brighten and lighten skin, and vitamin E, which aids in skin healing and free radical damage Moisture binders such as Hylaronic Acid Licorice which fights pigment discoloration, lightens skin, aids in inflammation and is effective in fighting bacteria Algae that thickens the product consistency and helps the skin retain moisture Some BB and CC users may enjoy the product alone, but keep in mind that if you have specific skin issues such as very dry, dehydrated skin you may still need to use a daily moisturizer. Apply your moisturizer before using your beauty balm. If you have chosen a beauty balm that specifically targets acne, chances are it does not contain an SPF, as the FDA does not allow sun protection ingredients and acne fighting ingredients, such as salicylic acid to be combined in a single product, so you will still need to wear a daily sunscreen. While some trends come and go in a single season, the Alphabetically squared trend seems to just be getting started and manufactures are sure to be moving their way down the alphabet when it comes to treating and protecting the skin.   Blog Written by askderm's in house Esthetician Chantal Monique Chantal Monique is a NYS licensed Esthetician and Makeup Artist. She has 7 years experience in skin care and makeup artistry. Her specialties include makeup application and facial treatments, which were featured on ABC's Wife Swap. Chantal also has a background in the Fine Arts. With the unique combination of her education as well as the desire to help people feel beautiful, Chantal provides expert skin care knowledge for our customers as well as the must have ingredients and trending looks. With an ever growing portfolio and clientele askderm is excited to be teamed up with Chantal for future blogs, informational videos and skin care tips!

Walking through the makeup aisle in a store or browsing makeup products online can be a pretty daunting task. As an askderm product specialist, one of the most common makeup questions we get it is, what is the real difference between a BB and CC cream? Let’s get straight to the facts.  What is a BB cream? A BB (a.k.a. beauty balm) cream is a tinted moisturizer that does much more than act as a foundation. It also provides your skin with much needed benefits such as anti-aging effects, sun protection, and hydration for dry skin. But my favorite part is the coverage that a BB cream provides. I tend to have small breakouts every now and then that I want to cover up. With a BB cream, I can apply it to my face to give me full-coverage without the heavy foundation feeling. The key benefits to using a BB cream are: It’s a lighter, tinted foundation Great for all skin types Includes SPF to help fight the sun’s harmful rays Some BB creams I suggest using are: VICHY Laboratories ProEVEN Mineral BB Cream La Roche-Posay Effaclar BB Blur Rodial BB Venom Skin Tint Brandt Signature BB Cream With Flexitone LifeCell BB Cream Hydrating Anti-Oxidant Beauty Balm SPF 30 What is a CC cream? A CC (a.k.a. color correcting) cream works to restore your skin’s natural tone, especially for those who suffer from redness or any other color related issues. Not only is it an effective moisturizer, it also has a higher SPF for all you beach goers. And we all know that with added sun protection also comes anti-aging properties. A CC cream has a thicker consistency than a BB cream, which allows it to treat wrinkles and fine line The key benefits to using a CC cream are: It works to even the skins tone and correct complexion Has powerful anti-aging properties Keeps your skin hydrated while treating Some CC creams I suggest using are: Nip and Fab CC Cream SPF La Roche-Posay Rosaliac CC Crème Broad Spectrum SPF 30 La Bella Donna CC Cream Phytomer CC Crème - Skin Perfecting Cream Brandt CC Glow with Signature Ruby Crystal What should you use? If you’re looking for a light, tinted moisturizer to act as a foundation, than a BB cream is right for you. But, if your looking for a moisturizer to either correct color related issues or to help fight aging, add a CC cream to your daily skincare routine. Whether you decide to get a BB or CC cream, you will be treating your skin like never before. Give yourself a noticeably flawless look that everyone will stop and stare at.