Sandalwood is a ‘holy grail’ skincare product for millions of women across the globe. Using sandalwood in skincare is an age-old practice, and we mainly choose the white version of the ingredient for this purpose. White sandalwood, also known as Indian sandalwood, has gained immense popularity for its incredible skin benefits and fantastic aroma. But do you know that the red variety of sandalwood is equally beneficial for your skin? Red sandalwood, or ‘Rakta Chandana,’ is one of the most reliable natural ingredients that can help you fix almost all your beauty woes when included in the face pack or face mask. In this article, let us explore red sandalwood’s benefits, uses, and side effects on the skin.
What Is Red Sandalwood?
Red sandalwood (Pterocarpus Santalinus), red sanders or saunderswood, differs significantly from white sandalwood (Santalum Album). It is a tree with a rich red-colored heartwood (the wood at the center of its trunk) with no significant aroma. Red sandalwood is mainly valued for its medicinal properties; hence, it is widely used in traditional herbal medicine. It has excellent anti-inflammatory, anthelmintic, antipyretic, anti-hyperglycaemic, aphrodisiac, and diaphoretic properties, which make it a perfect solution for digestive tract issues, fluid retention, cough, etc. The ingredient can also improve the overall health of our skin remarkably with its strong healing characteristics (1).
Red sandalwood is often used as an alternative to white sandalwood. However, they have huge differences in characteristics and properties and hence, should not be used alternatively.
Benefits And Uses Of Red Sandalwood For Skin
1. Offers Great Nourishment
A skin that is healthy-looking outside is properly nourished inside, and red sandalwood is one of the best natural ingredients that provide sufficient nourishment to our skin cells.
How to Use:
Add 1-2 teaspoons of red sandalwood powder to your body oil, or paste them regularly.
2. Gives a Radiant Complexion
Red sandalwood can be your savior if dry; rough skin dulls your complexion.
How To Use:
Add two tablespoons of plain curd or fresh raw milk, one tablespoon of red sandalwood powder, and (1/2) turmeric powder. Use this paste on your face to get a bright and shiny complexion. Mixing rose water with red sandalwood powder, you can also prepare a face pack.
Read Also – Natural Skin Whitening With Sandalwood Face Pack
3. Makes Skin Even-Toned
Blotchy skin with lots of blemishes and old breakout marks looks unattractive. Get a flawlessly even tone by opting for red sandalwood.
How To Use:
Prepare a face mask by combining four tablespoons of fresh coconut milk and two teaspoons of almond oil with four teaspoons of red sandalwood powder and use it regularly.
Read Also – Uses Of Sandalwood Oil In Skin Care
4. Helps in Exfoliation
Red sandalwood can help you immensely exfoliate the upper dead skin cell layer and reveal a fresh layer of skin underneath.
How To Use:
Make an exfoliating mask by mixing two tablespoons of nicely mashed, ripe papaya with one tablespoon of red sandalwood powder. Scrub your skin with it lightly and then rinse off with lukewarm water.
5. Controls Oiliness of Skin
Oily skin with large pores can lead to unwanted breakouts. Red sandalwood powder can soak up excess oil and reduce sebum secretion in your skin, keeping it grease-free throughout the day.
How To Use:
Make a simple face pack by adding the juice of fresh lemon to 1 tablespoon of red sandalwood powder and apply it all over your face to regulate the secretion of sebum and make the pores tighter.
6. Removes Ugly Sun Tan
Red sandalwood can be a wise choice if you try to eliminate your month-old sun tan. It fades away those ugly tan marks and protects the skin from further sun damage.
How To Use:
Add two tablespoons of red sandalwood powder and plain curd or fresh cucumber juice. Blend well and use it all over the troubled area of the skin.
Read Also – Best Sandalwood Soaps In India – Top 7 Picks
7. Fades Pigmentation Marks
If your pigmentation marks are stealing your self-confidence, give red sandalwood a try to get rid of them. The ingredient effectively eliminates pigmentation by removing the layer of affected cells.
How To Use:
Prepare a smooth paste by blending two teaspoons of red sandalwood powder with two tablespoons of raw fresh milk and use it daily on the marks for the best results.
Also Read – AuraVedic Skin Lightening Oil Review: Price, Ingredients, Pros, and Cons
8. Clears Up Acne and Pimples
A simple paste of red sandalwood powder and plain water or rose water can help you a lot in preventing those irritating acne and pimples. The ingredient’s anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and soothing properties help a lot.
How To Use:
Take one tablespoon of red sandalwood powder and add a little rose water to prepare a smooth paste. Apply it regularly on the affected spots and get flawless skin. Add a little turmeric powder or one tablespoon of honey to this mixture for better results.
9. Combats Premature Aging
Keep all those signs of aging at bay with red sandalwood, and enjoy having gorgeous, young-looking skin.
How To Use:
Make a face mask by mixing two teaspoons of strong chamomile tea with four teaspoons of red sandalwood powder, and turn the clock quickly.
10. Soothes Itchy, Inflamed Skin
Being a natural anti-inflammatory agent and highly soothing, red sandalwood can heal your inflamed skin.
How To Use:
Add red sandalwood powder to your favorite massage oil in sufficient quantity. Massaging your skin with it will reduce skin irritations considerably.
Red sandalwood can also be used to treat severe skin disorders like eczema. It is also a great antiseptic that aids in the healing of wounds and injuries.
Side Effects Of Red Sandalwood
Red sandalwood is generally safe for topical use. However, you must avoid applying it to the skin during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Summary
Sandalwood, especially the white Indian version, is a revered skincare staple globally. Yet, its red counterpart, ‘Rakta Chandana,’ often overlooked, proves equally advantageous. Red sandalwood, distinct from white, boasts anti-inflammatory, medicinal properties. It nourishes, brightens, evens skin tone, exfoliates, controls oiliness, removes tan, fades pigmentation, tackles acne, combats aging, and soothes inflamed skin. Safely used topically, it’s cautioned during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Embrace red sandalwood for holistic skincare, unlocking its myriad benefits.
References:
- “Red Sandalwood“, WebMD.com
