Sandalwood or Chandan powder is a woody fragrance used in Aromatherapy. It is well-known for its serene, calming effect. Sandalwood powder or oil is prized in Ayurveda and Ancient Chinese Medicine system. It has been a home remedy for skin and several health conditions for ages.
I still remember my grandma’s advice to apply sandalwood to treat pimples and acne. Sandalwood is a natural antibacterial treatment to clear away your zits.
Benefits of Sandalwood Powder on Face & Skin
Sandalwood powder, also known as Chandan powder, is a popular ingredient in many beauty and skincare products due to its numerous benefits for the skin. Derived from the sandalwood tree, sandalwood powder has been used for centuries in traditional Ayurvedic medicine for its healing and cosmetic properties. In this essay, we will explore the various benefits of sandalwood powder on the face and skin.
- Anti-inflammatory Properties
One of the most significant benefits of sandalwood powder on the face is its anti-inflammatory properties. Sandalwood powder contains a compound called santalol, which has anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties. These properties make sandalwood powder an excellent natural remedy for treating various skin issues such as acne, eczema, and psoriasis.
When applied to the skin, sandalwood powder can help to reduce redness, swelling, and inflammation, making it an effective treatment for inflammatory skin conditions. Additionally, sandalwood powder can help to soothe and calm the skin, making it an excellent ingredient for those with sensitive skin.
- Anti-Aging Properties
Sandalwood powder is also known for its anti-aging properties. The compound santalol found in sandalwood powder has been shown to help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, making it an excellent natural remedy for combating signs of aging.
Additionally, sandalwood powder contains antioxidants that help to protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals. Free radicals can damage the skin cells and accelerate the aging process, so using products containing sandalwood powder can help to slow down the aging process and keep the skin looking youthful.
- Moisturizing Properties
Sandalwood powder is an excellent natural moisturizer for the skin. It contains natural oils that help to nourish and hydrate the skin, making it an excellent ingredient for those with dry skin. Additionally, sandalwood powder can help to improve the skin’s texture and elasticity, leaving it looking smoother and more supple.
When applied to the skin, sandalwood powder forms a protective barrier that helps to prevent moisture loss, keeping the skin hydrated and moisturized. Regular use of products containing sandalwood powder can help to improve the overall health and appearance of the skin.
- Brightening Properties
Sandalwood powder is also known for its brightening properties. It contains natural skin-lightening agents that can help to reduce the appearance of dark spots, blemishes, and pigmentation. Sandalwood powder is an excellent natural remedy for those with uneven skin tone or hyperpigmentation.
Regular use of products containing sandalwood powder can help to improve the overall brightness and clarity of the skin, leaving it looking more radiant and youthful.
- Relaxing Properties
In addition to its numerous skincare benefits, sandalwood powder also has relaxing properties. The scent of sandalwood has been shown to have a calming effect on the mind and body, making it an excellent natural remedy for reducing stress and anxiety.
Using products containing sandalwood powder can help to promote relaxation and reduce tension, leaving you feeling calm and refreshed. This makes sandalwood powder an excellent ingredient for use in aromatherapy and other relaxation techniques.
It is a versatile and effective ingredient for improving the health and appearance of the skin. Its anti-inflammatory, anti-aging, moisturizing, brightening, and relaxing properties make it an excellent natural remedy for a variety of skin issues. Regular use of products containing sandalwood powder can help to improve the overall health and appearance of the skin, leaving it looking more youthful, radiant, and beautiful.
What’s the Best Sandalwood Variety You Must Get?
There are 5 types of sandalwood varieties found:
- Australian Sandalwood
- Hawaiian Sandalwood
- Indian Sandalwood
- Red Sandalwood
- Pacific Islands Sandalwood
Among these, Indian Sandalwood varieties are the purest. They are the most effective of all for the skin.
Please have a look at our products prepared using Sandalwood:
Chandan Sharbat – Homemade and 100% Natural
Here’s why you should consider adding sandalwood to your skincare routine:
1. Clears out Acne
Sandalwood reduces excess oil and sebum production from the body. They are the common reasons for blocking dirt that causes acne.
According to studies, sandalwood oil has antifungal and antibacterial properties. They help in treating acne, pimples, and skin infections.
In a study, a topical blend of salicylic acid with purified sandalwood oil is an effective treatment for mild to moderate acne.
Another 2012 study concluded that sandalwood is well tolerated by the skin and reduces lesions by 90% in acne patients.
Prepare an anti-acne paste, apply it and leave it overnight. And witness the sandalwood acne-fighting properties at home.
2. Delays the Signs of Ageing
Sandalwood is full of antioxidants. They fight free radicals, which are responsible for cell damage and the aging process.
These free radicals are the results of alcohol abuse, poor nutrition, pollution, and smoking. They quicken the process of aging at a young age.
A study proves that sandalwood is an excellent anti-aging agent. Also, it does have any side effects.
Take sandalwood oil steam once or twice a week to maintain a wrinkle-free, youthful skin. It is a good replacement for exposing your skin to harsh chemicals.
3. Skin Whitening Effect
Exposure to harmful UV rays and pollution leads to excess production of melanin. Melanin is a skin pigment responsible for skin tan.
Sandalwood contains alpha-santalol that inhibits tyrosinase, an enzyme required for melanin production. Thus, it prevents abnormal skin pigmentation due to exposure to UV rays.
You can try a sandalwood skin whitening mask at home. Make a paste by mixing the sandalwood powder, honey, curd, and lemon juice. Put it on your face for 20 minutes and wash it off. Apply it once or twice a week to prevent skin tanning.
4. Lightens Scars & Even tones Skin
The skin-lightening effect of sandalwood helps lighten scars, dark spots, blemishes, and eczema. It even tones your skin and cleanses your pores of impurities.
A 2018 study found that a mixture of sandalwood and honey can prevent hypertrophic scarring (thick, inflamed scars).
5. Moisturizes Dehydrated Skin
Sandalwood oil is super hydrating for dry, dehydrated, patchy skin, especially in winters. It is rich in alpha-santalol and phytochemicals. Hence, sandalwood moisturizes your skin and treats dry, itchy patches.
You can use sandalwood oil for psoriasis to experience relief from itchiness and dryness.
Prepare a paste by mixing sandalwood powder in milk. Apply it on your face or psoriasis patches for about 10 minutes. The hydration bomb (powder) will do your dry, irritated skin a huge favor.
6. Heals Wounds
In Ayurveda, Sandalwood oil is well-known for its antiseptic, and anti-bacterial properties. It works by healing skin tissues and has a cooling effect to reducing the burning sensation of the wound. Its skin-lightening effect helps you get rid of scars as well.
7. Soothes Sensitive Skin
Even if nothing suits your sensitive skin, sandalwood will cause you no harm. Its anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and soothing properties are perfect for soothing itchy, irritated skin.
The cooling effect of sandalwood is a great remedy for skin-related problems. It cures rashes, sunburns, insect bites, infections, skin reactions, acne, and more.
Side effects of Sandalwood Powder on the Face
Sandalwood powder is a popular natural remedy for various skin issues and is often used as an ingredient in face masks and other skincare products. However, there are some potential side effects of using sandalwood powder on the face that you should be aware of.
- Allergic reactions: Some people may be allergic to sandalwood and may experience allergic reactions when using sandalwood powder on their face. Symptoms of an allergic reaction may include itching, redness, swelling, and hives.
- Irritation: Sandalwood powder may cause skin irritation, especially in people with sensitive skin. This can result in redness, burning, and itching.
- Staining: Sandalwood powder has a yellowish-brown color that can stain the skin. This may be difficult to remove and can be especially noticeable on light-colored skin.
- Dryness: Sandalwood powder may have a drying effect on the skin, especially if used excessively. This can lead to flakiness, and dry patches, and even exacerbate existing skin conditions such as eczema or psoriasis.
- Contamination: If sandalwood powder is not obtained from a reputable source or is not stored properly, it may be contaminated with harmful bacteria or fungi, which can lead to skin infections.
To avoid these side effects, it’s important to do a patch test before applying sandalwood powder to your face. Apply a small amount to a small area of your skin and wait for 24 hours to see if any adverse reactions occur. If you have sensitive skin or a history of allergic reactions, it’s best to avoid using sandalwood powder on your face altogether.
It’s also important to buy sandalwood powder from a reputable source and store it properly in a cool, dry place to avoid contamination.
Final Verdict
Sandalwood is a time-tested skin treatment medicine. It has been effective for acne, scars, dryness, oiliness, and several skin conditions.
Sandalwood masks are common among bride-to-be for their skin-brightening, deep-cleansing, and glowing effects. And its skin-soothing effect on burns, wounds and itchy skin patches makes it a go-to natural cure in Indian homes.
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