Baby powder: composition, application, how to choose

Every newborn, after birth, enters the air environment, although before that he exists for a long time in the aquatic environment. Because of this, the skin endures certain stresses and is susceptible to the influence of external factors that can have a negative impact.

In order for adaptation to proceed smoothly and without discomfort for the baby, parents have to take maximum care and use special cosmetics: shampoos and gels, aromatic oils, creams, powders. We will talk specifically about powders - how to choose them, what they are, what criteria to consider when purchasing, and so on.

What is baby powder used for?
Composition of baby powder
Types of powders for children
How to choose the right baby powder
Review of popular baby powder manufacturers

Selection rules

Baby powder is designed to protect baby's delicate skin from irritation, diaper rash and redness. Most often it is applied to the groin area, armpits and elbows. The need for this hygiene product arises starting from the second month of life.

To choose the right cosmetic product for your baby, take into account the following rules.

Study the label carefully. Children's products, like any other product, can be counterfeited. Therefore, if there are errors on the label text, unclear printing or dull colors, please treat this product with caution. Check whether the jar of powder has a protective film or protective membrane, and whether the label is glued evenly. The packaging must indicate the expiration date, the name of the manufacturer and its legal address.
When purchasing, compare several products and choose, in your opinion, the best. Place several jars from different manufacturers nearby. Study their composition, weight and price. The most expensive sprinkles are not always the highest quality. Just as you should not follow the lead of savings by purchasing the cheapest product.
At home, carefully examine the product for smell and consistency. Baby powder should have an even consistency, without lumps. It is desirable that it has an unobtrusive, pleasant aroma or does not contain fragrances at all. To avoid causing an allergic reaction in your child, choose fragrance-free products.
If your baby has sensitive skin, prone to allergic rashes or easily dried out by regular powders, use liquid talcum powder.

Remember: buying powder for future use is a bad idea. You will use it only as needed. For example, in the summer months when it is very hot.

What to look for when purchasing

Always carefully and scrupulously read all the information on the packaging, because we are talking about the health of your child. Any baby powder whose ingredients are written with grammatical errors, or which has an unclear expiration date, should be immediately excluded.

A mandatory requirement for powders is the presence on the label of complete information about the composition and manufacturer of the product, indicating a clear address and telephone number. If you do not see all the information described above, then most likely you are looking at either a fake or a low-quality product that could easily contain harmful substances.

For example, Johnson baby powder contains on its label, in addition to basic data, hotline numbers for mothers, email where you can send your wishes, and even Skype.

The main composition requirements that authorities impose on baby powders are a base of completely natural products, the absence of strong odors and lumps (the powder must be homogeneous).

A strong-smelling baby powder indicates that the manufacturer has gone overboard with the ingredients. Even if they are natural, there must be moderation in everything, otherwise the baby may experience headaches or develop allergies.

There is no point in buying powder for future use. You will most likely use it only in the summer months, when the heat is intense. The rest of the time, due to high humidity, climate changes or improper storage, it may simply deteriorate.

If on the packaging you see an inscription like “Baby powder, talc + fragrance, identical to natural,” you should not buy such a product. Artificial dyes or scent substitutes are not the best product for baby's skin care.

Also, you should not purchase any children's cosmetics that contain the following abbreviations: BBP, CDC, DBP, CMR, DEHP, DHP and DIDP. They are all united by one group of substances – phthalates. They are extremely harmful for both children and adults. Some unscrupulous manufacturers may add these substances to their powders, so be careful and read the label.

Powder composition

The main component of any baby powder is mineral talc . It has anti-inflammatory and absorbent properties. Some claim that it is dangerous to health, but this is not entirely true. Talc can only cause harm if you regularly inhale its vapors for 2-3 years.

Safe ingredients included in baby powder include rice or corn starch, corn flour, zinc oxide (for a wound-healing effect), medicinal extracts of chamomile, calendula or lavender. Some manufacturers introduce parabens and preservatives into their products. Be careful if the powder contains designations such as E214, E216, E218 or names like isopropyl-, isobutylparaben-, propyl-, methyl-, ethyl-, etc. In this case, it is better not to use it.

Please note: if it is indicated that the powder contains a flavor identical to natural, you should not purchase it. Any substitutes, whether flavorings or dyes, can harm children's sensitive skin. You should not take products containing such markings as BVR, CDC, DBP, CMP, DEHP, DHP and DIDP. They contain phthalates, substances that are harmful to both children and adults.

When powder is contraindicated. Are there any side effects?

Skin problems are a loose concept. However, we can say with confidence that pustules cannot be treated with such means.

The following possible adverse reactions of baby powder are described:

itching;
redness;
rash.

However, these reactions occur only in the presence of hypersensitivity to the components of the drug. However, allergies to talc, zinc oxide and starch are rare. But for perfume compositions and plant extracts - often.

If one of the components of the powder is talc, then it is very important to have an idea of its quality. For example, traces of asbestos in it can lead to cancer. Therefore, you should choose baby powder that is registered as a medicinal product, or a product from a trusted manufacturer.

Kinds

There are two main types of baby powders: powder and liquid talc. Each mother decides for herself which of these varieties to use, depending on her preferences, the characteristics of the child’s skin and the purpose of the product.

Powder powder is more popular than liquid talc. It is designed to treat diaper rash and dry problem areas. More expensive powder may come with a cooling effect. Among the disadvantages, some parents highlight excessive spraying of the product during application. As a result, the child has to inhale small particles, which can lead to the development of allergies.
Liquid talc has a creamy structure. After application to the child’s body, it turns into a powder mass and then acts similarly to powder powder. The advantages of liquid talc include the fact that it does not form lumps at the application sites and creates additional protection in the form of a thin film. The product is sold in economical packaging, it is very convenient to use and does not crumble. The disadvantages include its high cost: the price of liquid talc is several times higher than the cost of powder.

How to choose the right powder and where to buy it?

Before purchasing, you should pay attention to the following points.

Compound. Do you see a lot of chemical compounds on the list? Set this jar aside. Three to five components is what you need. Are you prone to allergies to essential oils? It is better not to use powders containing lavender oil or other essential oils. A history of hypersensitivity to a certain component of the product in the parents (the person caring for the child/patient) is also a serious reason to refuse to purchase and use it.
Weight. If the product has never been tried, it is better to purchase a small package. What if it doesn’t suit you or you just don’t like it? Such funds are not taken for future use.
Marking. The label must indicate what kind of product it is, why and how to use it, precautions, release date and expiration date, and contact details of the manufacturer. The information must be complete, in Russian. Grammatical errors in the text are a reason to never pick up a jar of this powder again. Medicines must be provided with a package insert.
Price. Powder-medicine is usually inexpensive - about 40-50 rubles. for 40 g. The price of cosmetics can start from 15 rubles. and up to 250 rub. And if you can take any drug without fear for the baby’s health, then super-cheap cosmetics should either be rejected or the composition carefully studied. Talc in products with a suspiciously low price may contain unnecessary impurities, and starch may contain GMOs. Such funds are not checked or controlled by anyone.

You can buy baby powder at a pharmacy, supermarket, or a specialty store that sells products for babies. You just need to keep in mind that it is safest to buy such products from a pharmaceutical organization. Pharmacies are better and more often controlled; storage conditions are always observed here, and a quality certificate is issued upon the buyer’s request.

Rating of popular baby powders

The market for children's hygiene products offers a variety of products. It cannot be said that one remedy is better and another is worse. It is better to focus on the individual characteristics of the child. Therefore, we will briefly talk about the most common brands of powders available for sale.

Johnson's Baby

Johnson's Baby powder is considered a popular hygiene product. It contains purified mineral talc, the particles of which have a rounded shape, which avoids irritation and damage to delicate baby skin. In addition to talc, the product contains a menthol fragrance that cools the skin on hot summer days. There are other varieties of powder from this company. For example, Johnson's Baby before bed. The main component of this product is purified talc. However, the scents used are chamomile and lavender. The powder can be used to massage your baby before bed, as it glides perfectly over the skin.

"The world of childhood"

From the first days of a child’s life, you can use World of Childhood powder. It eliminates diaper rash and skin moisture. It contains only natural ingredients. Thanks to zinc oxide, the powder has a drying and bactericidal effect.

Bubhen

Many parents speak positively about the German-made product Bubhen. This powder does not contain dyes, flavors or chemical additives. It quickly absorbs moisture, does not form lumps, does not clog pores and allows the skin to breathe.

Sanosan

Another product from German manufacturers is Sanosan. Contains mineral talc, zinc oxide, avocado and olive oil. This powder prevents the formation of inflammation and irritation, quickly absorbs moisture and prevents the baby's delicate skin from rubbing against the diaper. Thanks to the additives included in the composition, Sanosan powder can be used even in the presence of skin inflammation (atypical dermatitis, neurodermatitis).

"Our mother"

Russian-made baby powder “Our Mother” is designed specifically for children with sensitive skin. It contains only natural ingredients that effectively eliminate diaper rash and irritation.

"Karapuz" and "Fluff"

Ukrainian powders “Karapuz” and “Pushok” are produced with different compositions. Both products have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Consist of natural ingredients. They use extracts of chamomile, calendula and celandine as additives.

Diaper cream

Baby cream forms a protective layer that protects the newborn’s skin from the effects of feces and excess moisture.

Composition of baby protective cream

There are many creams with different compositions, but their mandatory component is beeswax, lanolin, chitosan or natural fat; it is these components that create a protective layer on the skin. Many creams contain panthenol, which has an anti-inflammatory effect, as well as talc and zinc oxide, which are found in any baby powder. Sometimes vitamins, as well as oils and extracts of medicinal plants, are added to the cream.

Ease of use

Diaper cream is easy to squeeze into your hands and apply to your baby's skin, but if you apply it too thickly or don't let it absorb before putting on the diaper, skin irritation may increase. Applying the cream is not an unpleasant process for the baby, but is more like a massage. The disadvantage of using such a cream is that it can leave greasy stains on diapers and clothes, and also cannot be washed off the skin with plain water.

Efficiency

Diaper cream forms a film that protects the baby's skin from germs, while allowing it to breathe. With its help, diaper rash heals, redness and inflammation go away. It nourishes and soothes the skin, softening it. The cream contains a large number of medicinal ingredients that help accelerate regeneration. Excellent for children with very delicate and overly sensitive skin.

How to use

For powder to be beneficial, it must be used correctly.

Apply powder only to clean and dry skin. On the damp surface of the dermis, the powder will become damp, begin to clump, and clog pores, causing discomfort to the baby.
Do not apply the product directly to the body. Sprinkle a little onto your palms or onto a cotton pad and only then spread it over problem areas with gentle movements. Do not rub the powder into your baby's skin or use too much of it.
Avoid treating problem areas with baby cream and powder at the same time. These remedies have the opposite effect. The cream is used to moisturize the skin, the powder is used to dry it.

Video about powders, creams and other newborn care products

The following video from the author Anna Davydova tells a lot of interesting things about baby powders, creams and oils.

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Precautions

When using any baby care product, you should be careful and be very attentive. Below are effective tips that will help you avoid unpleasant consequences.

Before using the product, carefully read the instructions for use and possible restrictions.
Make sure that the powder does not get on the baby's face, especially in the eyes and respiratory organs.
Keep the powder container away from the crib and out of the baby's reach.
When changing a diaper, carefully remove any remaining powder. Dry the skin well, then apply a new portion of the product.
During the hot season, treat the knees and elbows, the area under the arms and the baby’s neck with powder (especially if the baby is fat). This way you will prevent inflammation and diaper rash in these places.
If there are wounds on your child's skin, refrain from using powder in these areas. Be sure to consult with your child's doctor to find out how to eliminate inflammation.
If flaking and dryness appear on your skin, do not ignore these symptoms. Perhaps the product is not suitable for your baby. Change the manufacturer or stop using powder altogether.

Baby powder is not an essential product. Some mothers do just fine without it. However, there are babies who find it extremely difficult without additional care. This is especially true for children with sensitive skin and a lot of folds. In this case, powder becomes necessary and helps children grow healthy.

Summarizing

Let us outline the main points that you need to pay attention to when using baby powder:

Avoid getting powder on the baby’s face;
keep the packaging as far away from the crib as possible;
do not sprinkle powder directly on the child’s body;
treat only clean, dry skin;
When choosing a powder, carefully study the packaging and be sure to smell it.

Some mothers can do without baby powders, treating problem areas with a rich cream to prevent and treat diaper rash. But there are children for whom it is extremely difficult to care for without using powder. For some babies, especially those with an abundance of folds and overly delicate skin, this remedy helps them grow healthy and cheerful.

From what age can it be used?

The age of use of baby powder is determined by necessity. If the skin is clean, does not suffer from diaper rash, and is not rubbed by diapers, then powder is not needed. But this is a rare case. Usually you cannot do without the use of talc. If necessary, you can use it from the first days of life.

Pediatricians advise using talc no earlier than a month after birth. Up to a month, if necessary, it is better to use oil. Buy a suitable one at a pharmacy or boil natural vegetable oil at home.

Not suitable for children

The use of these children's cosmetics by adults is often recommended in cases where people suffer from allergies or conventional cosmetics are contraindicated for them. Thus, during pregnancy, women are recommended to use powders instead of powder and some other products, since adult cosmetics in any case contain preservatives and other not very useful substances. And the children's room is always hypoallergenic and environmentally friendly.

Another use for women is in cosmetic masks. The powder is mixed with oils, scrubbing agents, chopped fruits and vegetables, etc. These face masks are used when necessary:

get rid of acne;
whiten skin;
smooth out small wrinkles, etc.

Children's powder is used not only for sweat in babies, but also for hyperhidrosis in adults, since very often this pathology is combined with severe skin irritation and an unpleasant odor. It does not help get rid of sweating as a disease, but it is very good as a symptomatic remedy: it is used for sweat and odor along with other well-known remedies.

For armpit sweating, it is better to use creamy talc or in the form of a spray, since a large amount of sweat produced will lead to the formation of powder pellets. And the powder is more effective against sweating feet. It has long been known how to use talcum powder for feet for hyperhidrosis of the feet: washed and dried feet are powdered, and after that a little more powder is scattered inside the shoes, evenly distributed over the walls and insole.

It is important to know

Powder should not be used if the child has very sensitive skin. The product can get into the skin folds under the “diaper” - in this case, moisture is mixed with the talc and lumps are formed that irritate the skin. For this reason, the product is not recommended for use in the first weeks of a child’s life. During this time, it can be used to dry out divots on the elbows and knees.

Under no circumstances should the powder be used together with baby cream.