What is body talc used for?
What is talc? Talc is a silicate that has a layered structure, is greasy to the touch and has a pronounced pearlescent luster. It has a white color with various shades, which are determined by the impurities included in the composition (nickel, manganese, chromium, iron and aluminum). The intensity of the color is determined by the degree of purification. Depending on the structure and existing impurities, the following types of talc mineral are distinguished:
- Agalite. It has a needle-like structure. The crystal fibers are located almost parallel, in the same direction.
- Minnesotaite. The presence of iron (it replaces magnesium) gives it a brownish tint.
- Steatite. Characterized by a dense structure. It is also called wen.
- Willemseit. Due to the presence of nickel, it has a bluish or greenish tint.
- Noble talc. A translucent stone with high density. Well processed.
- Soapstone chlorite. Contains chloride.
According to the degree of grinding, talc powder, microtalc and coarse grinding are distinguished. It has a standard hardness of 1. That is, it is the softest mineral. It was first discovered and described by Michael Faraday while studying dielectrics. It is mined in America, Canada, China, France and other countries. In Russia, the largest deposits are located in the Urals and Krasnoyarsk Territory.
Properties of the mineral
Not everyone knows what talc is and what its physical and chemical characteristics are. It is a chemically complex composition of hydrogenated magnesium silicate. The approximate chemical formula of talc looks like this: Mg3Si4O10(OH)2. It may vary slightly due to the replacement of some impurities with others. We list the main properties of talc:
- Odorless.
- Does not dissolve in water.
- It does not react chemically with acids and settles to the bottom of the container.
- It is a good adsorbent. Perfectly absorbs moisture and odors.
- Has poor thermal conductivity.
- Characterized by low hardness equal to 1.
- It has a low density (2,75 kg/m³). It has no jewelry value.
- Fireproof. When heated strongly (800-900°C), it turns into a very solid substance.
- Has good dispersibility. Finely ground powder forms a suspension with water.
- Is a dielectric.
It is also credited with magical properties. The powder was used for all kinds of potions designed to restore youth and beauty. These were mainly creams and poultices made with talcum powder. The stone has positive energy. It is very useful to keep solid talc products in the house.
This mineral has been used by mankind since ancient times. Ancient craftsmen used it quite widely because of its softness and easy workability. Even in Ancient Egypt, amulets and necklaces were made from it. Russian stone cutters made icons. In China, colored talc was passed off as valuable jade. The Sumerians carved seals.
Areas of use
What is talc and what is it used for? Let’s look at the most famous areas:
- In medicine. As a powder for the treatment of bedsores and skin diseases. It is also used as a binder in tablets.
- In technology. Used as a solid lubricant and as an additive for motor oils.
- In the food industry. It is used to sprinkle chocolate products, and it is used to make molds for the production of liqueur candy shells. Food grade talc has a code – E553b.
- At home. Various rubber products (gloves, shoes, etc.) are sprinkled with it to prevent sticking.
- In construction. They are used for cladding bathrooms and saunas, and also as stones for stoves.
- In cosmetology. It is used to produce baby powder, liquid body talc and massage powder.
Let us analyze the use of talc in cosmetology and dermatology in more detail. It has been finding its consumers for more than 100 years and is still an indispensable component of many cosmetics. As the softest mineral, it is most often used in powder form. It is definitely included in powder and eye shadow. Scented talc is used as a deodorant and applied to areas of increased sweating. Using it during the depilation procedure prevents ingrown hairs. Liquid talc is very effective in caring for rough heels. It is added to shaving cream because it promotes easy glide. It is due to this quality that talc powder is used for massage.
What is talc? The first thing that comes to mind for many is baby powder. Good absorbency makes it suitable for children. It also has anti-inflammatory properties. Used to treat and prevent heat rash in infants. Talc is the main component of powder. In addition, the composition includes extracts of medicinal plants, zinc oxide and starch.
Pure ground talc is sold in pharmacies. Release form: powder for external use. Available in jars and small bags.
When working with talc, you need to be careful and try not to inhale it. There is even an occupational disease – talcosis, which is usually detected in mining workers and medical personnel. Without constant contact with the powder, it is impossible to acquire this disease.
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Myths about the dangers of talc
The benefits of talc
Rules for using talc
Talc is a mineral, a mineral mined in mines. It has a soft structure and is easily converted into powder, which is used for cosmetic purposes. There is a lot of debate about the benefits and harms of talc. Some talk about its many positive properties, while others say that body talc can be harmful. Let’s try to find the truth! We will tell you why this product is needed and how to use it to achieve the effect!
Myths about the dangers of talc
There are two popular myths about the dangers of talc. Let’s figure out how true they are.
Myth 1
The first thing that opponents of talc warn about is the harm from frequent inhalation of this powder. Indeed, if enough granular matter gets into the lungs, a disease called talcosis may begin. However, talcosis is an occupational disease, and it is dangerous only for those who take part in the extraction or production of talc. The amount of powder used at home is simply incapable of affecting your health!
Myth 2
The second disadvantage of talc for the body is the presence of carcinogens in its composition. Yes, this is possible, but only if there is asbestos among the components of the powder. However, its content in modern skin care products is extremely unlikely, since since 1976 this substance has been prohibited for use in the creation of cosmetics and perfumes!
As you can see, modern talc is absolutely safe. Yes, you shouldn’t buy products from noname manufacturers, but if you use products from well-known brands, you will only benefit! Let’s look at which one next.
The benefits of talc
Now let’s talk about the advantages talc for body. The most valuable property of this product is its ability to absorb moisture. Therefore, it can be used very effectively against sweat, not only in the armpits, but also on the back, chest and even on the face. The advantage is that the powder will not interfere with natural sweating; it will only absorb moisture and relieve you of the unpleasant odor. The skin will be dry and velvety, and you will get a feeling of slight coolness. In addition, the use of talc will protect against irritation resulting from excessive sweating.
Talc solves another men’s problem – chafing on the inner thighs while walking in hot weather. Simply sprinkle the powder on the friction points, and you can forget about painful sensations during and after long hikes.
Using talc on your feet, you will not only get rid of the unpleasant odor, but also save your skin from the appearance of calluses. In addition, you can replace massage oil with powder if you don’t like a greasy film on your skin.
Talc can also be used as an antistatic agent – clothes will not stick to skin sprinkled with powder!
Rules for using talc
In order for the use of talc to be effective, when applying it you need to remember the following rules:
- Apply powder only to dry, clean skin.
- You should use talc before you get dressed. Otherwise, the clothes will be sprinkled with powder.
- For uniform application, it is better to use a sponge or a wide cosmetic brush, which should be periodically washed and treated with an antiseptic.
- During the procedure, you should try not to inhale powder particles.
- It is better to apply talc away from small children.
And one more important rule – in order for the use of talc to bring an exclusively positive effect, give preference to products from trusted brands that are responsible for the quality of their products. These are the products presented in our catalog – look and choose! And if you have any questions, ask our consultants – they will be happy to help you choose an effective product!
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