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	A sprinkling of something soft You know those surveys where they ask the supermodels what single cosmetic they would want if they were stranded on a desert island? It seems like they always choose their red lipstick, which is fine if they're stranded with Leonardo DiCaprio and a film crew. But, for those of us willing to accept a little less glamour and a lot more practicality, the choice has to be powder. Dusted on the face, powder can even out your skin tone, absorb excess oil and leave that enviable matte finish we see on the magazine covers. Dusted on the body, it can absorb moisture and leave us feeling soft, smelling sweet, and feeling much better than a stranded supermodel.



	Keep an Eye Out for Talc Talcum shares some chemical similarities with asbestos, and has been associated, in some studies, with ovarian cancer. Although a causal link has not been confirmed, you're better off safe than sorry. Check the label: cornstarch-based powders are first choice for body use, especially in the lower abdomen or genital area. Many women dust their diaphragms with powder before storing them. This practice has not been proven dangerous. Take a Powder Break Before heading off to the ladies room (they don't call it the powder room for nothing), thank your lucky stars for the natural properties of starch -- a staple ingredient in most cosmetic powders: Starch is naturally porous, giving it very good powers of absorption. Great news for those of us who would otherwise look like an oil slick by noon. Plant starches take the form of granules; rice starch has the smallest granules while potato starch has the largest. Starch spreads smoothly and evenly over your skin, clinging to the face and eyelids, where oil tends to build up. Powder combines well with pigments, making it the perfect vehicle for giving your face a healthy bloom of color.



	Cornstarch-based Cornstarch does more than thicken soups and sauces. It can help keep skin dry. Starch is a long polymer of carbohydrates (a long chain of sugar). It is a very effective drying agent and can hold up to 25 times more moisture than talcum powder. Cornstarch may cause allergic reactions, such as skin rashes and asthma. Talc-based Talcum powder is crushed magnesium silicate, a naturally occurring mineral. Talc can help keep your skin dry and rash-free by absorbing oils, moisture, and irritants. Talcum powder has been linked to ovarian cancer.



	Appropriate Uses Cornstarch powder Absorbs oil and moisture to keep skin dry. Talcum powder Absorbs oil and moisture to keep skin dry. Happy Powdering To reduce the amount of powder in the air, apply powder to your hands, then to your body. Pat powder gently anywhere you want to feel cool and smooth. If you use powder right after a shower, make sure you're completely dry and that the room isn't too humid or you could end up with powdery lumps all over yourself.



	Powder May Not Be Completely Benign Talcum-based powders may increase risk of cancer and inhalation may result in pneumonia or death. Keep out of reach of children. Powder may increase irritation when applied to cracked or broken skin. Cornstarch-based powders may cause allergic reactions, including skin rashes and asthma. Do not use if you are allergic to talcum or any other ingredient in the product.



	Websites, Organizations & Manufacturers Ask the Mayo Physician Dangers of Talcum Powder American Academy of Dermatologists Sources & Further Reading Books 1. Jones, S; W Freitag.Guide to Baby Products, 5th ed. Consumer Reports Books, Yonkers, NY, 1996. Find more books on health and wellness at barnesandnoble.com. Articles 1. Brink, S; MB Marcus, N Shute.Problem Powder; Keep Screening; Turn on to Health. U.S. News & Workd Report, Vol. 122, 3/17/97.