What Happens When You Use Face Powder Every Day

Face powder does have its plus side. If you do a skillful, mistake-free job of applying it, face powder can provide a light, natural look, and also has the benefit of absorbing excess skin oils. Face powder also tends to be sweat-resistant, and thus more likely to stay in place than liquid makeup. In fact, some women prefer using tinted face powder and skipping foundation altogether, although this won't cover up skin flaws to the extent that using liquid makeup and then "setting" it with powder will do.

While used in moderation, face powder can be relatively safe. Still, if you use it every day, there are downsides to this cosmetic product. Dermatologist Dr. Shefali Trasi-Nerurkar told The Health Site that face powder can be drying to skin, since it might absorb a little too much of the skin's natural oil, and it may also lead to clogged pores and acne. The biggest problem with using face powder on a regular basis, however, is the fact that it can put you at risk of a serious condition known as face powder poisoning.

Face powder frequently contains the ingredient talc, which according to DrugWatch, can be quite dangerous if accidentally inhaled. Inhalation exposure can lead to symptoms including breathing trouble, a burning feeling in the throat, coughing, and eye irritation. Face powder can also be dangerous if you somehow manage to ingest any of it, as this may lead to abdominal pains, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Medline Plus suggests that anyone inhaling face powder be moved to an area where they can breathe fresh air, and that anyone swallowing the stuff be given milk or water to drink unless they are vomiting or experiencing convulsions or a decreased level of alertness. In such an instance, poison control should be called and a trip to the emergency room may also be in order.

While carefully-applied face powder shouldn't be too much of a danger, still, using any type of cosmetics on a daily basis may not be the kindest thing you can do for your skin. If you can bring yourself to skip the warpaint from time to time, you might be pleasantly surprised to find out what going makeup-free can do for your skin.