BB Creams & CC Creams: Your New Favourite Skincare
By Neesha Desai, Pharmacist
Skincare experts and make-up artists have been loving BB and CC creams for many years, and now it's time for you to love them too. These skincare and beauty essentials provide the perfect alternative to foundation, allowing you to smooth imperfections and cover blemishes while promoting healthy skin.
Though their names are similar, CC and BB creams work differently. Here, we explain how to use each and why (based on your needs and skin type).
What Are BB Creams?
BB stands for 'blemish balm' or 'beauty balm'. BB creams are used to hide skin imperfections and nourish your skin, while providing a small amount of coverage. They are typically infused with antioxidants, brightening acids and broad-spectrum SPFs. This allows BB creams to function as both a moisturiser and a light foundation, offering sun protection, hydration and anti-aging benefits along with lightweight coverage
BB creams were originally developed for use by patients during post-laser treatment as they offer combined protection, coverage and hydration. The skincare industry took note and is now spreading the good word about this wonder product.
What Are CC Creams?
CC stands for 'colour correct' or 'complexion correct'. CC creams are used to conceal imperfections, in a lighter way than concealers and foundations. They even out skin tone and correct marks and discolouration, from redness and rosacea to dark spots and yellow eye circles. CC creams can be used all year round, including in hot summer months when you want to have lighter makeup days.
After the success of BB creams in the market, the beauty industry developed CC creams as a complementary skincare product – providing concealer and foundation coverage without the need for layers of product.
The Difference Between BB And CC Creams
The core difference between BB and CC creams is coverage. BB creams focus on nourishing the skin to maintain clear skin with minor coverage. CC creams focus on covering blemishes, dark circles and skin discolouration, without the need for multiple products (e.g. green creams for red skin, pale concealers for dark under eye circles) with good coverage.
Choosing BB Or CC Creams Based On Your Skin Type
Depending on your skin type, be it oily or dry, and your skin goals, you will want to choose between either a BB or CC cream.
Oily Skin & Acne-Prone Skin
L'Oreal suggests that those with oily skin should choose a CC cream over a BB cream. BB creams aim to moisturise skin and so tend to be oiler. CC creams also have a matte finish which works wonders at minimising shiny or greasy-looking skin.
If you have trouble with acne-prone skin, CC creams are the perfect choice as they combat the redness of blemishes and uneven skin tones but are not as oily as BB creams.
For those keen to use a BB cream when they have oily or acne-prone skin, La Roche-Posay has formulated a BB cream specifically for you: La Roche-Posay Effaclar BB Blur.
Dry Skin & Sensitive Skin
To minimise skin irritation, more common with sensitive and dry skin, you need to be using hypoallergenic skin products. Most BB and CC creams are hypoallergenic, but it is worth checking your choice before applying.
BB creams are the best choice for dry or flaky skin as they hydrate and help repair skin. CC creams tend to be more dehydrating and matte, so if you are using them on dry skin then it is recommended you apply a BB cream first.
For sensitive skin, including skin prone to redness or rosacea, a colour-correcting CC cream will provide the best coverage without aggravating the skin. We recommend: La Roche-Posay Rosaliac CC Cream.
Dry Skin & Sensitive Skin
To minimise skin irritation, more common with sensitive and dry skin, you need to be using hypoallergenic skin products. Most BB and CC creams are hypoallergenic, but it is worth checking your choice before applying.
BB creams are the best choice for dry or flaky skin as they hydrate and help repair skin. CC creams tend to be more dehydrating and matte, so if you are using them on dry skin then it is recommended you apply a BB cream first.
For sensitive skin, including skin prone to redness or rosacea, a colour-correcting CC cream will provide the best coverage without aggravating the skin. We recommend: La Roche-Posay Rosaliac CC Cream.
Disclaimer
The products offered are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any illness or disease, or to replace the advice of a medical professional. Results are not guaranteed and may vary from individual to individual.
