Every store you walk into, whether it's a high end department store or your local MegaMart, have shelves lined with BB Creams, CC Creams and (soon to come) DD Creams. So, you stand there dumbfounded with the 1,000 yard stare and ask yourself "What the heck are these creams? Is right for me? If so, which one?!".
 
Well, you have come to the right place, my friend.
 
They all make remarkable claims about how they will make your skin defy aging but do they? Really? REALLLLLYYYYYY?
 
 
Let me break this alphabet cream business down for you.
 
In a nutshell, these creams are a hybrid of tinted moisturizers, old school foundations and *supposed* skin perfecting ingredients.
 
 
So what is the difference between all these creams?
 
 
BB creams
 
"BB" stands for "Beauty Balm". These are an Asian import that hit the US a couple of years ago.
 
BB Creams are meant to provide coverage (lighter than foundation but more coverage than a tinted moisturizer) while providing additional benefits like SPF and anti-oxidants etc. Each brand offers a slightly different list of ingredients. These anti-oxidants and "anti aging" additives will not be as effective as your physician dispensed serum. But a little anti-oxidant is better than none.
 
Also, you will still need to use a good SPF (see my SPF blog) because most of these will not provide adequate UV protection.
My opinion is-don't rely on BB cream to give you the same efficacy as a stand alone, pharmaceutical grade SPF or anti-aging serum.
 
 
CC creams
 
"CC" stands for "Color Correction". There is not much difference between a BB and a CC cream. Generally, CC creams will also have a few extras like light diffusing particles to help with the appearance or redness or dull skin.
 
Even though they are marketed differently and have some varying ingredients, honestly, I don't see a huge difference between the two. The exception being how much coverage you want or need. Some creams will be very sheer while others provide more moderate coverage. There is no real "standard" formulation for these creams or their ingredients. Basically, you will have to kiss a lot of BB/CC frogs to find one you like.
 
 
DD creams
 
Here we go with ANOTHER alphabetical cream......I wonder if they make it to 'ZZ' before the next big cosmetic craze hits the preverbal skin-perfecting fan. I feel like maybe companies are hopping on the bandwagon while the iron is hot. How many other clichés can I pepper in here? Oh well, if you can't take the heat, stay out of my kitchen! (and PS- an apple a day keeps ANYONE away..if you throw it hard enough. I digress)
DD cream will soon be hitting the market touted as the "Dynamic Do-all". It sounds to me like more of a BB/CC combo. We shall see.
 
 
Will these creams take the place of traditional foundation?
 
I doubt it. Plus, I still prefer and recommend using a mineral foundation. Make up artists reviews say that BB/CC creams are kind of like using an all-in-one shampoo/conditioner/body wash. It probably won't give you an exact color match or quite the finish that you are looking for. Maybe use a BB/CC cream as a primer could be an option? Most dept stores will give you samples so try a few out and see if it's right for you.
 
 
My final thoughts.
 
SPF and anti-aging is always a great thing vs. using none at all. But I wouldn't believe all the hype and marketing. The FDA regulates the amount of effective ingredients available over the counter so don't think these products will give you the results you would see with clinical lines of skin care.
 
 
I just today bought Kate Somerville's 'IllumiKate CC cream" because I read some good reviews. I will give it a try and update this blog in a week or two with my verdict.
 
 
There ya go, folks!
 
 
HOW OLD YOU ARE IS YOUR BUSINESS, HOW OLD YOU LOOK IS OURS!
 
 
Shhhhh. Pretend I folded this up and passed it to you under the desk in study hall,
 
 
Michelle and Nancy
 
THE SKIN GURUS
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