Not yet familiar with CC creams?  Get ready for the next big thing in the skin care industry.  CC creams, or "color correcting" creams, are the follow-up to the BB cream sensation that has taken the cosmetic industry by storm.

A mere 12 months ago, we wrote about how BB, or Beauty Balm, creams were poised to enter the North American market.  After being developed in Germany by a dermatologist in the 1960s to treat patients recovering from laser or plastic surgery, BB creams became a beauty staple in Asia where they typically contain a tinted moisturizer, sunscreen, blemish healer and skin whitener.

In the past year it seems as though every major skin care and cosmetic company has jumped on the BB band wagon and come out with their own version. BB cream is a marketing term so there isn't a hard and fast rule as to what they must include. In general, they moisturize and tint skin, but may also contain:

 •sunscreen

 •antioxidants for anti-aging

 •ingredients to fade discoloration

 •caffeine for inflammation

 •silica for oil absorption

 •ceramides and peptides

Manufacturers tell us that BB creams "perfect" the skin.

CC Creams go one step further by merging makeup and skin care in one handy tube. They improve on BB creams in texture, finish and coverage.  For those who love the convenience and benefits of the BB cream but need a foundation-level of color, CC creams may be just the answer. Happily, CC creams also promise higher SPF protection plus long-term skin care benefits from anti-aging ingredients such as antioxidants and collagen boosters.

The busy, working parent in me loves the multi-tasking possibilities of BB Creams, and as much as I have wanted to incorporate them into my skin care routine, I haven't quite found one where the finish, feel and shade are just right for me. In trying to accomplish everything, it feels like a BB Cream can't do any one thing really well. When CC creams hit the shelves, I'll be as eager as the next person to give them a test run.

What do you think: skin care phenomenon or too good to be true?

Sharmani Pillay is a Registered Pharmacist who specializes in anti aging skin care and women's wellness. She owns and operates an online skin care store at [Link Removed]
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