Sweaty shirts. Uncomfortable chafing. Embarrassing body odor. Sound familiar? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. Men everywhere are all too familiar with these unpleasant experiences and are frustrated by products that simply don’t work. Thankfully, the use of body powder, particularly talc or talcum powder, has re-emerged as a new trend in male grooming because of its strength and performance.
With sales on the rise, more and more men are using talc powder to prevent and alleviate moisture, and associated irritation, caused by day-to-day activities. New brands have developed with modern formulas to compete with traditional product lines and to give new life to an age-old product.
What exactly is talc powder?
Talc powder is made from the mineral talc, which contains magnesium, silicon, and oxygen. It first gained popularity in the 1900s and was later used by men and women because of its powerful moisture absorbing properties and its ability to heal and soothe irritated skin.
Modern talc powder formulas, have progressed to include natural healing ingredients, such as eucalyptus and peppermint oils, which are designed to moisturize and heal skin while preventing moisture and odor.
Talc Power is not Baby Powder
While they appear similar, baby powder should not be used as a substitute for talc powder. With its soft scent, baby powder is mild and gentle and often modifies its formula to include cornstarch instead of talc. Talc powder, on the other hand, is composed primarily of talc, giving it a much stronger scent and higher degree of absorbency.
When to use it?
Commonly used during the summer months and before vigorous physical activity, talc powder can be used when you want to control perspiration and minimize skin irritability created by excessive moisture causes.
TIP: Keep a travel size bottle of talc powder in your gym bag, office drawer or briefcase so you’ll always be prepared to tackle uncomfortable situations.
What’s the best way to apply talc power?
Each person will have their own preferred way of applying talcum powder. Some prefer applying it with a brush, others prefer sprinkling powder on a towel and then dabbing desired areas, and others simply apply it with their hands.
The most important thing to remember is to dry your skin before applying it to sensitive and moisture prone areas of the skin – the face, the neck, chest, thighs, back, under arms, feet, groin, and other sensitive regions – after a shower or before an exerting activity.
It is also a good idea to apply it in small doses as excess residue can linger on your clothes or skin for quite a while.
TIP: Not into powder? Try this grooming oil to reduce chafing and irritation.
The best brand?
There are a number of talc products on the market with varying strengths and fragrance. Traditional powders, such as those from Taylor of Old Bond Street, Clubman Pinaud, and Roberts Borotalco, tend to have strong scents of classic fragrances like sandalwood. Newer powders, including Balla Powder, tend to have added natural ingredients and softer scents.
Depending on your body composition and your main area of concern – sweat, odour, chafing, etc. – each product will work a little different. Try a few variations to see which works best!
