We’re all in search of that one wonder cream that will be a prophetic solution to all our skin problems. Be it creams that help you fight against issues like acne, blemishes, anti-ageing etc or make-up products like foundation, sunscreen or moisturiser, today our market is burgeoning with dozens of cosmetics, each with their USPs. But now, to give all these a tough competition, there finally is a product that’s taking the world of beauty by storm. Yes, we’re talking about the magical Blemish Balm or the Beblesh Balm (BB) cream. Though it’s the latest beauty trend this year, the cream was first formulated way back in the ‘50s. German dermatologist Dr. Christine Schrammek first came out with the cream, which was initially used to protect the skin after laser procedures and surgery, while also providing light coverage. Over the years, from being a strictly medicinal product, it slowly developed into a beauty cream. Later, it was introduced in South Korea in the 80s, where it has been labelled as ‘the beauty secret of Korean actresses’. Thanks to its rising popularity, it’s now being introduced in India and has become a hot-selling product. After all, who wouldn’t want dewy-fresh skin all day long? What’s the BB cream? Some believe it’s a miracle cream. Dr Rashmi Shetty, cosmetic physician, says, “It claims to be an all-in one cream. Though the name is new, the ingredients and effects of the cream are very similar to make-up products like sunblocks and moisturisers. The main role is played by the ingredients — it is important to understand that our skin needs a certain quantity of each ingredient that is mentioned in the product.” Most BB creams give you a good base for make-up like a primer, even out the complexion like a tinted moisturiser, cover minor imperfections and redness like a concealer, hydrate your skin and protect it with SPF like a sunblock. Some varieties also have healing, soothing and anti-ageing properties and a few even offer skin-whitening benefits. The Advantages According to Dr. Naveen Taneja, director, National Skin Centre, “The BB cream is ideal for working women, who don’t have the time or inclination to use a horde of beauty products. Also, since it’s an OTC cream, it’s not got any real harmful side-effects.” Studies have shown that regular use of the cream also improves the skin’s texture. “It hides imperfections, corrects uneven skin tone and smoothen the skin, leaving it looking fresh,”says Dr. Shetty. Another benefit is that it does not fade away quickly and lasts for a longer duration. Its Downside Most of you will grudgingly find that the BB cream isn’t yet widely available in more than one shade and is usually fit for women with a lighter skintone, thus limiting its use. Says Dr. Naveen, “While some of the brands offer anti-ageing and skin-whitening benefits, the ingredients they add aren’t used in concentration levels high enough to be effective. So if you are looking for a anti-ageing cream, it’s best to use a product that exclusively helps in slowing down the ageing process.”