Sandalwood: An Evergreen Secret to Healthy Skin

Sandalwood or Santalum album, has been a close and celebrated part of South Asian countries in traditional medicine and beauty rituals for centuries. This fragrant wood, native to India, is treasured for its skin-friendly properties and is widely used in both powder and oil forms. Rich in natural compounds that are safer and more effective than harsh chemicals, like alpha-santol, sandalwood is celebrated for its anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and soothing benefits, making it a go-to ingredient for various skin concerns.

Sandalwood Skin Benefits

Offering numerous benefits to the skin, sandalwood is considered a multi-purpose ingredient, or say, an all-rounder! Some of the well-known qualities are as follows:

1. Anti-inflammatory Properties: Sandalwood is known for significantly reducing inflammation in the skin. This makes it particularly useful in treating conditions like acne, eczema, and psoriasis. The alpha-santol in sandalwood oil has been proven to inhibit the production of inflammatory cytokines- a protein that builds a robust immune system and helps calm irritated skin.
2. Antimicrobial Effects: Sandalwood has been celebrated for its purity since ages, which means nothing but its natural antimicrobial properties that help combat bacteria and fungi on the skin. This exceptional property makes sandalwood effective in preventing and treating acne and healing wounds and cuts.
3. Skin Brightening: One of the most overlooked benefits of sandalwood is its ability to lighten the skin and reduce hyperpigmentation—yes, a lot of people don’t know that regular use of sandalwood can help reduce the appearance of dark spots and blemishes, leading to even skin tone.
4. Moisturization and Hydration: Sandalwood makes an excellent non-drying facial mask. It locks moisture in the skin, making it soft and supple. It especially benefits dry skin, providing deep hydration without clogging pores.
5. Anti-Aging: The antioxidants found in large quantities in sandalwood help fight free radicals on the skin, which are one of the most common causes of premature ageing nowadays. Regular use of sandalwood can reduce fine lines, smile lines, wrinkles, and age spots, promoting a youthful complexion.
6. Soothing and Cooling Effect: Sandalwood is known for its cooling and soothing properties. It is considered an excellent remedy for sunburns, rashes, and other skin irritations. It soothes the skin, making it feel free from itching and redness.

Sandalwood Powder for Skin

Sandalwood powder is a highly versatile skincare ingredient that is generally safe to pair with other ingredients. Hence, it can be used in various ways, such as:

1. Face Masks: Sandalwood powder can be mixed with other natural ingredients like rose water, milk, or honey to create soothing face masks. These masks can help reduce acne, lighten scars, and provide a natural glow to the skin. Try La Pink Ubtan Haldi Sandalwood Face Mask for the best results.
2. Exfoliation: Sandalwood powder can be used as a gentle exfoliator for the removal of dead skin cells and blackheads, unclog pores, and reveal a brighter complexion. It is an ideal choice for those with sensitive skin, as it is less abrasive than other exfoliants. It can be mixed with other exfoliants - if needed, such as coffee pairs well with sandalwood. Try Ubtan White Haldi Sandalwood Face Wash which gently cleanses and exfoliates.

Spot Treatment of Pimples and Acne: Sandalwood powder is effective in treating pimples and acne due to its antibacterial properties. A thick paste of rose water and sandalwood powder can be applied directly to to reduce inflammation and kill acne-causing bacteria.

Sandalwood Oil for Skin Whitening

Sandalwood oil is a concentrated form of all the compounds found in sandalwood, which makes it a powerful agent for skin whitening and brightening:

1. Reduction of Dark Spots: Regular application of sandalwood oil can significantly reduce dark spots and blemishes. Try applying oil directly to the spots. Oil's natural skin-lightening properties help in achieving a more even complexion over time.
2. Even Skin Tone: Sandalwood oil helps in regulating melanin production- the agent behind skin's pigmentation. This regulation leads to reduced pigmentation, even skin tone, reduced dark patches that usually get triggered by sun exposure.
3. Radiant Complexion: The oil's nourishing properties help in revitalising dull and tired skin, imparting a radiant and healthy glow. It is particularly beneficial when used in night creams or serums.

PS: Using an oil - of any sort can trigger acnes for oily skin people. It is extremely essential to perform a thorough patch test before incorporating any foreign ingredient.

Some Commonly used Sandalwood Face Mask Home Remedies for the Skin:

Sandalwood and Turmeric Face Mask for Acne

Ingredients:

1 tablespoon sandalwood powder

1 teaspoon turmeric powder

2 tablespoons rose water

Instructions: 

Mix all the ingredients thoroughly to get a smooth paste. Apply the paste to your face, neck or any exposed area you wish to target. Leave it on for about 15-20 minutes before rinsing off with normal water. This mask helps in reducing acne and soothing inflamed skin, as it provides a double dose of antibacterial ingredients i.e haldi and chandan (turmeric and sandalwood).

Sandalwood and Honey Face Mask for Dry Skin

Ingredients:

1 tablespoon sandalwood powder

1 tablespoon honey

1 tablespoon milk

Instructions: 

Combine the mentioned ingredients to form a thick paste. Apply it to your face and leave it on for about 20 minutes. Rinse off with normal water. This mask provides deep hydration and leaves the skin feeling soft and hydrated.

Sandalwood and Multani Mitti Face Mask for Oily Skin

Ingredients:

1 tablespoon sandalwood powder

1 tablespoon Multani Mitti (Fuller’s Earth)

2 tablespoons rose water

Instructions: 

Mix the mentioned ingredients form a smooth paste. Apply it evenly on your face with the help of a clean brush and let it dry for 15-20 minutes. Wash it off normal water . This mask helps in absorbing excess oil and detoxifying the skin, making it ideal for oily skin types.

Chandan for Skin Whitening - What are the ways to incorporate chandan in the skin care regimen?

Chandan (another name for sandalwood) is a popular ingredient in skin-whitening formulations, and used in various skincare products:

Face Packs: Chandan face packs are widely used and this isn't a fresh concept, they're in use since ages. They're used to lighten the skin and achieve an even toned complexion by minimising the pigmentation and regulating melanin production. When combined with ingredients like tomato juice or yoghurt, chandan can effectively work in favour of enhancing the skin’s natural glow and resilience.

Face Creams: Face creams with sandalwood can be used daily to lighten the appearance of pigmentation and dark spots to improve overall complexion of the skin. These creams are especially beneficial for people with dark spots, pigmentation, and uneven skin tone.

Sandalwood for Hair Care

Sandalwood is not only beneficial for the skin but also for the hair:

1. Promotes Hair Growth: No one talks about hair care benefits of sandalwood. Sandalwood oil is highly beneficial in stimulating hair follicles - it is also known as a natural hair sprouter. It helps in promoting hair growth. Massaging the scalp with sandalwood oil helps in improving blood circulation, leading to healthier and stronger hair.
2. Reduces Dandruff: The antimicrobial properties of sandalwood help in fighting dandruff, scalp infections and keeping the scalp clean. Regular use of sandalwood oil can prevent dandruff and soothe an itchy scalp.

Adds Shine: Sandalwood oil can be added to hair masks or conditioners to add shine and softness to the hair. It also helps in reducing frizz and flyaways. It helps in making the hair more manageable.