JoAnn M. Romeo Aesthetics

CC CREAMS: The difference between BB and CC creams are subtle. CC generally stands for “color correcting” and the products are meant to address issues like redness or sallowness (usually with light-diffusing particles), where BB creams are like lighter foundation with a few skin care benefits thrown in. CC creams are a variation on the BB cream to separate their products from the glut of options out there. CC creams generally provide more coverage than BB creams but not always, and are pitched as being formulas that can cover flaws as well as provide skin benefits, but they don’t always do that. CC creams are more of a whipped, light, fluffy feel and finish, kind of a new and improved BB cream. Where BB and CC creams get most confusing is the benefits and coverage, which vary greatly between different brands. You would have to be diligent in reading the ingredients and most importantly, trying them out to figure which is best for your of what you want to do. Truth, is a g...

BB CREAMS: BB creams were originally developed in Germany and used for skin care following a cosmetic surgical procedure. “BB” stood for “Blemish Balm” (blemish referring to any skin imperfection, not just breakouts). They caught on big in Korea, and then became a must-have beauty product in most of East Asia, therefore they are known to be an Asian important. They have become super popular in the last 2 years here in the US.  When these products hit the US market, they were renamed as Beauty Balms. Regardless of the country, the main selling point of BB creams is that they provide some amount of coverage similar to a sheer foundation along with some extra perks. Therefore they are lighter than a foundation but heavier than a tinted moisturizer. What are these extra perks? They are sun protections, skin lightening, and anti-aging ingredients. An all-in-one product for daytime. While the additives in the BB creams can have the same efficiency as they would in stand-alone...

If you've been reading and seeing while shopping for cosmetics lately, you are seeing a new group of products referred to as BB, CC, or DD creams, which is a genuine alphabet soup or a lot like shopping for bras. But what do they all (supposedly) do? What’s the difference between them? And most importantly: which should you use? These among other questions, have been brought to me as a skin therapist in my treatment room. These flesh colored fluids are just another formulation that have joined the tinted moisturizers and standard foundations on the shelves as potential skin-perfecting options. These are new products, all with enticing claims. These creams are supposed to do everything from fading dark spots and healing breakouts to fighting wrinkles, lightening dark circles, and brightening skin tone. Who wouldn't be intrigued with these particulars? Truth be told, there is not a ton of differences between the various skin cream acronyms, but we can have a favorite in...

As I sit think about writing this post, as it will post on Mother's Day, where and when did it start. Many say it is just another Hallmark holiday, they are not entirely wrong, but you will find a great article written by National Geographic  last year, that describes a great background about Mother's Day. There is also an article on History  that outlines not only the day and where it came from, but how it is celebrated around the world. However, I know that there are some who have lost their mother's. With this, my dearest condolences and I know that today is hard, but as the National Geographic articles states, it all started with women mourning over the fallen soldiers of the Civil War. You have the right to mourn today also, but more importantly, remember the happy days, the good memories. Start your own new memories in honor of those who have fallen, whether they were fighting a battle of cancer, health issues, or an accident. Dwelling on them being gone will n...

Men and Women....How to protect your skin from the elements. Today, we hear so much about the negative effects that sun and free radicals can hurt both our skin and our bodies. A recent study showed that polluted areas are less hydrated, oxygenated, and shed dead cells less efficiently, and is depleted of skin-saving antioxidants like Vitamin E. Don’t assume just because you live in the country or suburbs, that you are protected from these free radicals. Pollutants such as ozone and nitrogen are carried in all direction by the wind, but here is how you create a shield to defend these free radicals and aging process. 1.       Cleanse, do not strip the skin. The problem with most cleansers is they may get rid of the surface pollutants, but they can also strip the skin of natural oils. Ask your esthetician and find a cleanser that will take care of the daily grime and fight skin dryness and preserve skin nutrients. 2.        S...