Are Talcum Powder Really Healthy?

To prevent the possible risks associated with talcum powder, it is important not to apply them near the mucous membranes in order to avoid inhalation

Talcum powder is often used in skin care. For many years man has taken advantage of this product, derived from a mineral compound called magnesium silicate.

It has been used to prevent or reduce skin irritations and rashes. However, how healthy is talc really?

Talcum powder uses and benefits

Talc is not only used on children’s skin. Young people and adults use this product on a daily basis to satisfy many cosmetic needs. For example to avoid irritation after shaving, after sun exposure and other injuries.

• Talcum powder is also used as a pain reliever for certain skin lesions.
• Likewise, they can be used as an exfoliant and as a hygienic solution for bacteria and bad odors in places like the feet.

Being such a light and mild mineral compound, it is also used as a main ingredient in many medicinal products such as soaps, lubricants and toilet powders.

It is also used in the manufacture of cosmetics, colognes or lotions. Other uses away from the area of ​​beauty and hygiene include polishing wood, ceramic and leather.

How does talcum powder work?

The product applied on the skin fulfills the function of absorbing excess moisture.

• It acts as a deodorant, protector of the epidermis and fights infections caused by fungi, such as athlete’s foot.
• These powders derived from a mineral have the ability to easily mix with perfumes, medicines, antiseptic substances. In this way, they help to spread easily on the skin.

Are there any drawbacks to using talc?

Despite the many benefits this product has to offer, there are many people who question its use, especially in children.

Some of these inconveniences are derived from the inhalation of the product that could cause lung damage, contact with the eyes and the fragrances contained that could cause allergies.

• However, one of the main controversies regarding the use of talc, especially in the female genital area, has to do with the development of ovarian cancer in women.
• This assertion is due to the fact that it is a very fine product that in some of its commercial presentations contains phthalates,  a substance considered carcinogenic.

Recommendations for use

The best way to avoid risks related to the use of talcum powder is to follow guidelines.

Maintaining freshness, keeping moisture away and taking care of baby’s skin is possible by using the usual talcum powder. To do this, certain recommendations must be followed:

• The talc should not be applied directly to the baby. It is best to place it in the caregiver’s hands and rub it gently over the skin. In this way, drowning caused by the expulsion of the product is avoided.
• The container should not be shaken before being used, as it could cause spillage or the powder to be thrown out.

However, the recommendations for using talcum powder are not only for children. Anyone who wants to use this product should also follow these tips and a few more specific ones:

• A woman who uses talcum powder or derived products should be careful when applying them to her intimate area  and make sure that it does not come into contact with the internal part.
• Likewise, it is necessary to verify that the products that are going to be used in the internal part of the intimate area, such as condoms, are free of talc.

Additional uses of talcum powder

This is a product so well known and used worldwide that its uses are practically endless. Some of the lesser known are:

To repel ants

Sprinkling a circle of talcum powder around an area could be the ultimate remedy to keep ants away.

It is a very practical use to make snacks and share in territories populated with ants.

To remove grease stains on fabrics

Applying talcum powder to a garment that has just been stained with grease could save it.

• As soon as the garment is stained, a little of the product should be applied to the affected area.
• The purpose is for the talc to absorb the grease in order to remove the stain during washing.

Dry shampoo

• To remove oil from your hair, simply sprinkle some of the talcum powder directly onto the comb or brush.
• It is then passed through the hair to remove fat and give it a freshly washed appearance.