BB Cream and my thoughts

1. BB (blemish balm) creams were originally formulated in Germany (and the crazed hype started in Korea) for use after aesthetic procedures like lasers and peels, to provide coverage and promote skin-healing. Would you use BB cream after such procedures? Why or why not?

I will suggest using BB cream if only it is not an ultra invasive procedure. The use of BB cream on lightly powered lasers and peels can aid in providing protection from the thinned out skin. But I will be wary if it is something more deeper. That will have to leave to the decision of the physician carrying out the procedure.

2. What is your understanding of a BB cream?
My take and understanding of a BB cream is a PHYSICAL sunscreen (with Titanium and/or Zinc Oxide based) with a thicker texture and an opaque finishing. In summary, it is a physical sunscreen mostly (but some brands do add in chemical sunscreen or use entirely chemical sunscreen formulation.)

3. Many non-Korean brands like Estee Lauder and Lancome, have launched BB creams of late. Do you reckon they are much different from their Korean counterparts?
Nope. They are similar as they all have to provide the slightly opaqueness to provide the BB cream claims. Not all Korean brands are made equal. I find that Estee Lauder, Clinique and MAC BB cream provide better formulation (in antioxidants) than some of the Asian brands BB creams out there.

4. Can you use a BB cream alone without any skincare and/or moisturiser, since it’s supposed to contain a myriad of skincare ingredients?
Yes. To allow the physical sunscreen to move upon the skin, various products in texturisers and moisturising properties is included into the BB cream.
to use it alone is best for those with oilier skin as drier skins might still need to place moisturiser before the BB crema goes on (or BB cream might appear patchy).
Not all BB cream is created equal in their skincare ingredients, some have nonsensical claims.

5. If it cannot be used alone, how different is it from a tinted moisturiser with SPF? BB creams often come in very limited shades, so how do you make the most of a BB cream?
Not all BB cream can be used on all skin tones. Medium to darker skin tones will find a strange greyish hue casted upon the skin upon BB cream application (from the titanium/zinc oxide). Unfortunately BB cream makers have yet to discover or find the importance of increasing the warmth tone of the BBcream to counter this effect.
For those skin tones that has amazing skin texture and laziness to apply much stuff, a tinted moisturiser with SPF is best for them (Try Urban Decay Urban Defense Tinted Moisturizer SPF 20 or Smashbox Sheer Focus Tinted Moisturiser for tanner skin).
Basically, medium to dark skin should stay off BB cream until the BB cream makers can wake up and smell the roses that everyone is born with different skintones and cater to that need.

6. Does a BB cream clog pores since it contains so many ingredients?
Texturisers and product fillers that can clogs pores. Also, it depends on the person skin. Some people break out from using anything with texturisers/fillers in them. Some you can layer pure olive oil on their skin and their skin remain dry/parched.
To keep the BB cream lightweight, I will suggest to stop overloading the skin with too much moisturisers/serum/products. Titanium or Zinc oxide based sunscreen are not recommanded for those with Acne sensitive skins, as they are known to aggrevate acne conditions. Always try out before buying.

7. What’s the best way to choose a BB cream?
Use a pea size of the product and spread it upon the back of your hand. Chances of it turning the back of your hand grey will turn out worse on your face.
Also the BB cream admist of all the claims and bullshitting by marketing, it has to feel good on your skin. and YES, it has to feel like a thin layer on your skin to protect your skin (same advice for all sunscreen out there).