If these combinations of letters in the modern cosmetic trend have flown past you without you paying serious attention, we guarantee that with this text you will be well prepared to join any conversation on the topic among randomly chosen beauty queens without any problem.
These innovative cosmetic products operate under the code name “alphabet creams,” as their names follow the ascending order of the Latin alphabet. BB and CC creams have been a permanent addition to the daily skincare routine of many ladies for years, including the new generation of influencers and trendsetters.
They are especially preferred by those who opt for a natural, almost makeup-free look (which, it turns out, is making a subtle comeback, just like the Charleston dance). But what exactly lies behind the two-letter abbreviations of these products and why the difference between BB and CC is more than just phonetic.
BB and CC creams – similarities and differences
Both products care for a radiant, flaw-free complexion. Both hydrate and protect the skin from harmful sun rays. Both are available in various natural shades. However, there are differences. And they are important.
BB creams cannot conceal problematic areas such as redness, inflammation, or pimples. Their fine texture helps even out the complexion and only covers light imperfections. Moreover, the sun protection they offer is not always sufficient, and in many cases, a combination with an additional SPF factor is necessary.
CC creams, on the other hand, are more concealing and can cover stubborn imperfections such as acne, inflammation, and rosacea. They also offer a more reliable shield against harmful sun rays, although an additional SPF factor will still be needed if you plan on active sunbathing.
BB creams up close
The two Bs (we are talking about the Latin B) come from beauty balm or blemish balm. (Translated as “beauty balm” or “balm against imperfections.”) In this case, the name speaks for the content. BB creams aim to make the skin more beautiful by smoothing the complexion and concealing light imperfections. Sound familiar?
Yes, their effect is similar to that of makeup base or foundation, but they have one irreplaceable advantage. Besides being able to even out the skin tone with just a few massage movements (BB creams are best applied with clean hands), these products also care for the health of your skin.
While foundations and primers aim solely at achieving visual perfection (which undoubtedly helps with influencer breakthroughs on Instagram), BB creams provide hydration and sun protection.
In fact, their creator – the German dermatologist Christine Schrammek, in the 1950s after the wars, aimed to offer a product that would help with the rapid recovery of the skin after serious invasive procedures on the face (at that time, plastic surgery was already advancing, fighting the scars from the two world wars).
That is why Schrammek’s BB formula not only concealed imperfections but also stimulated the skin’s regenerative functions.
And although the idea of BB cream was born in Europe, it actually gained popularity first in Korea in the 1980s, then secured strong positions in the American market, and only then triumphantly returned to its native old continent.
Composition and application of BB creams
Schrammek’s formula, which primarily aimed at skin recovery after serious surgical or other interventions, has undergone changes over the years. Today’s BB creams do not have such a strong regenerative effect, but instead combine three actions in one – hydrating, evening out the complexion, and protecting from harmful sun rays.
BB cream has a very light texture and is applied quickly and easily even if you don’t have a mirror in front of you. Due to its gentle consistency, it does not accumulate in wrinkles and skin folds and looks very natural on the face. It is also an excellent choice for summer when less is more, and makeup is almost unnecessary.
CC creams up close
The name CC is an abbreviation of the English “correcting cream” (cream that corrects skin tone), and in this case, the name is quite justified. These creams appeared as a natural continuation of BB creams, precisely to meet the needs of problematic skin. That is why CC creams are recommended for skin with visible imperfections – acne, rosacea, pigment spots.
They neutralize imperfections by using the principle of complementary colors. For example, if you want to get rid of dark circles under the eyes and the network of blue capillaries on the face, it is good to choose a CC cream with a peach (orange) tint.
For rosacea, acne, sunburns, or broken capillaries, it is recommended to choose a CC cream with a green shade, because green most successfully neutralizes red. These creams are also a perfect substitute for foundation in the warm months, when a clean, radiant skin is the desired effect.
Moreover, CC creams usually have a very high SPF factor, which solves your sun protection problem during the day (unless you are heading to the beach at the peak of the heat).
Composition and application of CC creams
CC creams are more concealing but have a lighter texture than BB creams and do not contain oils, which makes them especially suitable for acne-prone and oily skin. Some CC creams contain special anti-aging ingredients and are also suitable for more mature skin.
Opt for CC creams containing the powerful niacinamide, also known as vitamin B3, as well as those containing vitamins B and E. Niacinamide gently exfoliates the skin by reducing wrinkles, while vitamins B and E enhance its natural defenses and protect it from moisture loss.
And since BB and CC creams are close relatives, their combined use is allowed. That is, you can alternate them, adjusting your choice to your skin type and the effect you are looking for.
With both, you will opt for a minimalist look, and with both, you will save time – instead of three products, you apply only one that hydrates and evens out the skin tone, and also provides protection against the hidden enemy – the sun.
Author: Evelina Ivanova
BB and CC creams - discover the differences
If these combinations of letters in the modern cosmetic trend have flown past you without you paying serious attention, we guarantee that with this text you will be well prepared to join any conversation on the topic among randomly chosen beauty queens without any problem.
These innovative cosmetic products operate under the code name “alphabet creams,” as their names follow the ascending order of the Latin alphabet. BB and CC creams have been a permanent addition to the daily skincare routine of many ladies for years, including the new generation of influencers and trendsetters.
They are especially preferred by those who opt for a natural, almost makeup-free look (which, it turns out, is making a subtle comeback, just like the Charleston dance). But what exactly lies behind the two-letter abbreviations of these products and why the difference between BB and CC is more than just phonetic.
BB and CC creams – similarities and differences
Both products care for a radiant, flaw-free complexion. Both hydrate and protect the skin from harmful sun rays. Both are available in various natural shades. However, there are differences. And they are important.
BB creams cannot conceal problematic areas such as redness, inflammation, or pimples. Their fine texture helps even out the complexion and only covers light imperfections. Moreover, the sun protection they offer is not always sufficient, and in many cases, a combination with an additional SPF factor is necessary.
CC creams, on the other hand, are more concealing and can cover stubborn imperfections such as acne, inflammation, and rosacea. They also offer a more reliable shield against harmful sun rays, although an additional SPF factor will still be needed if you plan on active sunbathing.
BB creams up close
The two Bs (we are talking about the Latin B) come from beauty balm or blemish balm. (Translated as “beauty balm” or “balm against imperfections.”) In this case, the name speaks for the content. BB creams aim to make the skin more beautiful by smoothing the complexion and concealing light imperfections. Sound familiar?
Yes, their effect is similar to that of makeup base or foundation, but they have one irreplaceable advantage. Besides being able to even out the skin tone with just a few massage movements (BB creams are best applied with clean hands), these products also care for the health of your skin.
While foundations and primers aim solely at achieving visual perfection (which undoubtedly helps with influencer breakthroughs on Instagram), BB creams provide hydration and sun protection.
In fact, their creator – the German dermatologist Christine Schrammek, in the 1950s after the wars, aimed to offer a product that would help with the rapid recovery of the skin after serious invasive procedures on the face (at that time, plastic surgery was already advancing, fighting the scars from the two world wars).
That is why Schrammek’s BB formula not only concealed imperfections but also stimulated the skin’s regenerative functions.
And although the idea of BB cream was born in Europe, it actually gained popularity first in Korea in the 1980s, then secured strong positions in the American market, and only then triumphantly returned to its native old continent.
Composition and application of BB creams
Schrammek’s formula, which primarily aimed at skin recovery after serious surgical or other interventions, has undergone changes over the years. Today’s BB creams do not have such a strong regenerative effect, but instead combine three actions in one – hydrating, evening out the complexion, and protecting from harmful sun rays.
BB cream has a very light texture and is applied quickly and easily even if you don’t have a mirror in front of you. Due to its gentle consistency, it does not accumulate in wrinkles and skin folds and looks very natural on the face. It is also an excellent choice for summer when less is more, and makeup is almost unnecessary.
CC creams up close
The name CC is an abbreviation of the English “correcting cream” (cream that corrects skin tone), and in this case, the name is quite justified. These creams appeared as a natural continuation of BB creams, precisely to meet the needs of problematic skin. That is why CC creams are recommended for skin with visible imperfections – acne, rosacea, pigment spots.
They neutralize imperfections by using the principle of complementary colors. For example, if you want to get rid of dark circles under the eyes and the network of blue capillaries on the face, it is good to choose a CC cream with a peach (orange) tint.
For rosacea, acne, sunburns, or broken capillaries, it is recommended to choose a CC cream with a green shade, because green most successfully neutralizes red. These creams are also a perfect substitute for foundation in the warm months, when a clean, radiant skin is the desired effect.
Moreover, CC creams usually have a very high SPF factor, which solves your sun protection problem during the day (unless you are heading to the beach at the peak of the heat).
Composition and application of CC creams
CC creams are more concealing but have a lighter texture than BB creams and do not contain oils, which makes them especially suitable for acne-prone and oily skin. Some CC creams contain special anti-aging ingredients and are also suitable for more mature skin.
Opt for CC creams containing the powerful niacinamide, also known as vitamin B3, as well as those containing vitamins B and E. Niacinamide gently exfoliates the skin by reducing wrinkles, while vitamins B and E enhance its natural defenses and protect it from moisture loss.
And since BB and CC creams are close relatives, their combined use is allowed. That is, you can alternate them, adjusting your choice to your skin type and the effect you are looking for.
With both, you will opt for a minimalist look, and with both, you will save time – instead of three products, you apply only one that hydrates and evens out the skin tone, and also provides protection against the hidden enemy – the sun.
Author: Evelina Ivanova