Multi-purpose skincare products are nothing new, but there has been a boom of new products in recent years. These hybrid products are meant to bring more benefits and convenience to your skincare routine. But you can only make your life easier if you know how to choose the right product for you.
Multi-Purpose Cleansers
Cleansing is an important first step in skincare. Finding a multi-purpose cleanser can save you time while preparing your skin for the rest of your skincare regimen. Additional cleanser functions can be makeup removal and toning. Sensitive skin may require a gentle remover or natural oils that reduce irritation. Look for a cleanser that will leave your skin feeling fresh and balanced but not dry.
Alphabet Creams
One of the easiest ways to identify a multi-purpose skincare product is by looking for an alphabet cream. Most brands that offer these creams are making multiple claims about what they do. To identify the best product for you, you need to decide which benefits are most important to you. Some of the benefits offered by alphabet creams are:
- Moisturizing
- Sun protection
- Anti-Aging
- Brightening
- Coverage / concealing
- Dark spot correction
- Acne / blemishes
BB Creams
BB creams are usually identified as blemish balms or beauty balms. Many BBs focus on moisturizing along with a color tint to smooth the appearance of skin. Since moisturizing is a key benefit, many BB creams also have sun protection built in. Typical SPF claims are in the 30-35 range, but if you are particularly worried about the sun, there are BBs that offer SPF 40, 45, and even SPF 50. If you are concerned about acne, choose a lightweight BB formula without ingredients that trigger breakouts for you. Some BB creams even have anti-aging properties. Look for antioxidants or peptides to smooth out lines and wrinkles.
CC Creams
CC creams are typically classified as color controlling, color correcting, or complexion correcting. As you can tell, there is more of a focus on skin color here. As such, some CC creams can be more closely linked to makeup than BB creams. Of course, there are exceptions to the rule, but CC creams are generally lighter weight and provide more coverage. This lightness can be better for acne-prone skin. Some CCs provide redness coverage by blending in with your skin and adding a touch of pigment. There are even CC creams specifically for your eye area.
DD Creams
DD creams are a little less common with names like daily defense or dynamic do-all. They typically have similar benefits to BB and CC creams with an added focus on anti-aging. Look for a DD cream with an antioxidant punch for an extra anti-aging focus. DD creams have expanded on the multi-purpose skincare product category by offering more benefits in one product. Julep claims their DD cream combines the benefits of BB creams and CC creams. Then there’s DermaDoctor DD cream, which claims 15 benefits. These creams are really trying to do it all and combine many effects to give you an even and corrected complexion.
EE Creams
EE creams, which are the newest in the alphabet craze, for now, can be very different. Jojoba and Previse offer EE creams that are for “extra exfoliating” and come in wash-off formulas. The EE cream from Estee Lauder is for “even effect” and it claims some of the effects from BB, CC, and DD creams. Their EE cream focuses on dark spots, redness, sun protection, and anti-aging.
Find the Right Multi-Purpose Skincare Product for You
There are a lot of benefits, claims, and effects in the multi-purpose product world. To start looking for the right products for you, focus in on the things that will meet your specific needs. Remember, this is supposed to add convenience to your life, not confusion. The important thing is to find a product you like and stick with it.