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Sandalwood is also known as “Santalum Album” or “Chandan” in the Indian region, where it is most popular (1). The sandalwood, well known for its immense aromatic and skincare properties, is used in different forms – as oil, powder, or paste. It is used widely as an active ingredient in many beauty products. If you have oily and acne-prone skin and have explored the world of skincare products, then you may have used a product containing sandalwood.
Your skin is exposed to pollution, dirt, and stressful conditions. These conditions impact overall skin health and may trigger dark spots, acne, wrinkles, etc. Sandalwood oil is a worthy investment for these skin problems. This article discusses the benefits of sandalwood oil along with its uses, applications, and recipes.
Uses of Sandalwood Oil
Sandalwood oil can be trusted to take care of numerous skin problems. Some of the benefits are discussed below –
1. Acne, Pimples, and Breakouts:
Sandalwood has antiseptic properties that prevent pimples, acne, and sores from developing. However, daily exposure to dust and dirt may cause bacterial growth on your skin, leading to skin problems. The sandalwood oil fights against these acne-causing bacteria (2).
2. Dark Spots and Dark Eyes:
Enriched with anti-inflammatory & astringent properties, sandalwood effectively treats conditions like dark spots and dark eyes. Regular application of sandalwood can reduce these unwanted spots.
3. Skin Inflammations:
Sandalwood oil is known for its anti-inflammatory properties and can cure skin inflammation, itching, and localized rashes. It is also helpful in treating skin cuts, wounds, and insect bites. In addition, sandalwood can soothe inflammatory skin conditions like eczema, dermatitis, and psoriasis.
4. Moisture Retention:
Sandalwood oil is extremely gentle on the skin and helps in retaining the moisture level of the skin. It keeps the skin soft, supple, and hydrated.
5. Protects from Aging Effects:
The daily exposure of the skin to free radicals and different forms of pollutants may cause wrinkles and sagging skin. Sandalwood oil is rich in antioxidants which fight the actions of free radicals. In addition, the anti-aging properties of sandalwood oil gradually heal the skin of these premature aging effects (3).
6. Maintains Skin Oil Balance:
Sandalwood oil may also help to maintain the oil balance of the skin. But, most importantly, sandalwood oil does not upset or destabilize the oil balance.
Also Read- Sandalwood Face Pack for Skin Whitening
7. Exfoliates Skin:
Sandalwood has light exfoliating properties and can be used to treat skin problems like a suntan.
8. Skin Infection:
The antibacterial properties of sandalwood oil make it an effective solution for the treatment of skin infections.
9. Cures Prickly Heat:
The sandalwood has a soothing effect, which makes it an excellent cure for heat rashes.
10. Large Pores:
Sandalwood functions as an astringent, which helps in the tightening and contraction of tissues and pores. This activity reduces the appearance of large pores and reduces the occurrence of skin breakouts.
Application of Sandalwood Oil
1. Direct Skin Massage:
The sandalwood oil can be directly massaged on the skin. However, some people may have hypersensitive skin and may require dilution of the oil. Adding jojoba oil to the sandalwood oil may prevent adverse reactions.
2. Massage Oil:
A few drops of sandalwood oil can be added to the regular massage oil for whole-body massage. As a massage oil, it functions to soothe and hydrate the skin and offer calmness to the mind.
3. Steam Inhalation:
This is used for two reasons – (a) to take care of respiratory issues and (b) to treat facial skin problems like pimples, acne, and breakouts.
Direction for Use
- Add a few drops of sandalwood oil to steaming water in a bowl.
- Place your face over the steam, cover your head, face, and bowl with a clean towel, and inhale the steam.
Inhalation helps to deal with respiratory issues while the oil particles with steam help to clean the facial skin and cure certain skin problems.
8 DIY Sandalwood Oil Recipes
While sandalwood oil can turn out to be a magic wand in treating various skin problems, let’s look at some of the recipes that you can prepare from the comfort of your home.
1. Pimple:
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon of turmeric powder
- 3 drops of sandalwood oil
- Rosewater or spring water
- Mixing bowl
- Tepid water
Directions for Use:
- Add the turmeric powder and 2-3 drops of sandalwood oil into your mixing bowl (You may use as much as 7 drops of sandalwood oil depending on your skin sensitivity).
- Add spring water or rose water (for dry skin, use spring water) and mix well. Apply a thin layer on your face and let it dry for 20-30 minutes.
- Rinse off with tepid water and use a soft towel to pat your skin dry gently. Apply 2-3 days a week.
Turmeric and sandalwood have anti-inflammatory properties, and both functions to soothe skin irritation and inflammation. Pimples start shrinking within 48 hours of the first application.
2. Excessive Tan:
Ingredients
Direction for Use
- Mash the cucumber into a paste.
- Mix the sandalwood, cucumber paste, yogurt, and lemon into a fine paste.
- Apply generously to the skin.
- Leave to dry and rinse off with tepid water.
The exfoliating properties of the mixture remove the excessive tan and rid the skin of scars and dark marks.
3. Skin Rashes, Itchiness, and Inflammation:
Ingredients:
- 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder
- 3 drops of sandalwood oil
- 1 teaspoon of lime juice
- Mixing bowl
- Tepid water
- Towel
Directions for Use
- Add the 2-3 drops of sandalwood oil (you may use as many as 7 drops).
- Add 1 teaspoon of turmeric and 1 teaspoon of lime juice to the bowl.
- Mix all ingredients into a fine paste.
- Apply the paste generously to the affected skin areas.
- Leave the paste on for 30-40 minutes.
- Rinse off with tepid water and pat dry your skin gently using a soft towel.
This mask treats the itchiness immediately, however, skin swelling and inflammation get soothed gradually.
4. Scars:
Ingredients:
- Sandalwood
Direction for Use
- Apply diluted sandalwood oil to your skin (mix equal amount of coconut oil to dilute)
- Massage gently in a circular motion.
- Wash off with tepid water.
5. Dry Skin:
Ingredients:
- Honey
- Sandalwood
Direction for Use
- Mix the sandalwood oil with honey.
- Apply the mask generously to the skin.
- Leave on for 20-30 minutes and rinse off with tepid water.
6. Eczema
Ingredients:
- Sandalwood
Direction for Use
- Apply 2-3 drops of diluted sandalwood oil to your palm.
- Massage gently to the affected areas.
- Repeat the process daily until visible results are seen.
7. Wrinkles and Fine Lines
Ingredients:
- Sandalwood oil
- Egg yolk
- Honey
Direction for Use
- Mix all the 3 ingredients into a fine paste.
- Apply the paste generously to the affected areas and leave it on for 20-30 minutes.
- Rinse off gently using tepid water.
8. Makeup Removal
Ingredients:
- Half cup of hot water
- A quarter cup of Castile liquid
- 10 drops of sandalwood oil
- 2 tablespoons of coconut oil
- Storage bottle
Direction for Use
- Mix the Castile liquid and hot water.
- Add 10 drops of sandalwood to the mixture.
- Add two tablespoons of coconut oil.
- Mix all ingredients in a perfect blend.
- Store in a well-sealed storage bottle.
- Using a cotton swab, dab the mixture on your skin for makeup removal.
Precautions and Possible Side Effects
1. Carry out a patch test before using sandalwood essential oil. This allows you to confirm you have no allergic reaction to the oil. To do this, apply the intended sandalwood oil recipe to a little patch of your skin. Then, put a bandage over the patch and keep it dry for 24 hours. If you experience no irritation or rash afterward, then it may be safe for extensive use.
2. For use during pregnancy or on children, kindly consult your health expert before applying it.
For skin problems that have been persistent with no visible sign of improvement, consult your dermatologist or any accessible medical expert for further diagnosis and treatment.
3. If used improperly or excessively, sandalwood oil may result in adverse side effects. Some of these include
Eye Irritation -. Burning sensation, redness, itching may occur when you accidentally touch your eyes after using sandalwood oil.
Nasal Irritation – This may include runny nose, sneezing, and nasal congestion.
Phototoxic Reactions – When you expose your skin to direct sun rays after applying sandalwood oil, you may experience reactions such as redness, skin blistering, burning, and itching sensation.
Summary
Sandalwood oil and extracts are a worthy investment for various common skin problems. There are numerous benefits of including sandalwood oil in your beauty regimen. The anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties of sandalwood oil can treat acne, dark spots, skin inflammation, and wrinkles effectively. However, if used improperly, you may experience rashes and irritations.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use sandalwood oil on my face daily?
Topical application of sandalwood oil is considered safe; however, one should refrain from using it daily to avoid skin irritation and rashes. Instead, you can add a carrier oil to dilute its strength.
Can the use of sandalwood oil darken my skin?
No, contrary to popular beliefs, regular application of sandalwood oil may help in brightening and whitening the skin. It can also be used to check acne, pigmentation, and dark spots.
Can sandalwood oil remove dark spots?
Yes. Sandalwood oil’s exfoliating and anti-inflammatory properties effectively reduce skin blemishes, dark spots, acne, pimple, etc.
Is sandalwood essential oil good for oily skin?
Yes, sandalwood oil is good for oily and acne-prone skin. Enriched with astringent and antiseptic properties, it fights against skin inflammation, controls excess moisture, and reduces the appearance of acne.
Also Read – 10 Best Sandalwood Soaps in India for a Lighter, Brighter, and Flawless Skin
References –
- “The Health Potential of Sandalwood” – healthline.com
- “Benefits Of Sandalwood For Your Skincare Regime” – forestessentialsindia.com
- “SANDALWOOD OIL CAN BE A MIRACULOUS TACKLE ON SKIN AGING, SKIN APPEARANCE AND WRINKLE SKIN-A REVIEW” – researchgate.net
