Does Baby Powder Make Your Baby’s Skin Darker?

Baby powder is generally applied directly to the baby’s skin. Therefore, you should be careful while picking the right one for your baby. It absorbs moisture and keeps your little one comfortable, particularly when the nappy brushes against the skin of a baby. But the question is: does baby powder make your little one’s skin darker?

Although rare, some of the talc-based baby powders with chemical components like magnesium and silicone can make your little one’s skin darker. Therefore, it is advisable to opt for a talc-free powder. 

BabyChakra

Natural Baby Powder

₹ 225

Add To Bag

Read on to know more.

Talcum Powder v/s Talc-free Powder

Talcum-based baby powder is made from the mineral talc, which contains mostly the elements magnesium, silicon, and oxygen that absorb moisture and reduces skin-on-skin friction. Although this might help prevent rashes, some of the talcum powders for babies can make the little one’s skin darker.

Talcum powders contain a substance called asbestos and are extremely toxic for use. These can also cause severe irritation, redness, and soreness.

If your baby accidentally inhales it, it can cause asthma, bronchitis, and talcosis. The American Academy of Paediatrics does not recommend using talcum powder for babies as its small particles can end up inside the lung causing respiratory issues.

It can cause pneumoconiosis, a lung disease caused by the inhalation of dust if the powder container accidentally spills on the little one or even if he/she inhales a small amount of the particles.

When talcum powder gets into your baby’s eyes, it can also cause redness and irritation.

In addition to these, mums should avoid using talcum powder for babies as research has found that talc is a prime factor of ovarian cancer in women who had used it on their genitals.

On the other hand, mums can choose a talc-free powder that’s formulated with natural ingredients like arrowroot powder, oatmeal powder, chamomile, and lavender oil along with shea and rose butter.

With all the certified organic ingredients, it refreshes the little one’s skin and absorbs moisture without irritating your baby’s super-soft and delicate skin.

A talc-free powder should be devoid of asbestos, gluten, paraben, phenoxyethanol, artificial fragrance, and artificial colours and should be non-GMO. It also helps if it is clinically proven.

What Kind Of Baby Powder Should Mums Opt For?

Doctors and paediatricians recommend using baby powders that are made from cornstarch as its particles are larger and are therefore difficult to get in the surrounding air.

If you are still hesitating to use a baby powder for the tender skin that’s still developing, you can also use essential oils like lavender or chamomile as these are safe alternatives to a baby powder.

These essential oils can be used for babies over three months as these have anti-inflammatory properties and will soothe your little one’s skin and heal diaper rashes and irritated skin.

DISCLAIMER: We have taken steps to check the accuracy of the information & practices shared above; however, it is not a replacement for a doctor’s opinion. Please check with either your doctor, or an expert, before trying any suggestion, practice, or medication mentioned here.