Sandalwood ? Nothing but the Best for Skincare

Posted by Uma on October 1st, 2015

Sandalwood is highly prized for its warm scent and incredible medicinal and cosmetic qualities. The natural oils in sandalwood clear the complexion and impart a natural glow to the face. It shrinks the pores and tightens the skin tissues for a more youthful appearance. Its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties also help with acne. As a cooling astringent, sandalwood keeps the skin safe from the harsh summer sun. Traditionally, it has been used in Ayurveda for lightening the complexion and removing scars and blemishes. Here is a look at how sandalwood can give you that extra glow:

Pimples and acne

Sandalwood has amazing benefits for treating acne. Take a piece of sandalwood and grind it on a flat rough stone with a little water. Apply the resulting thick paste directly to the face and allow it to dry for 20 minutes. Wipe off with a moist tissue and then wash the face with cold water. Add a pinch of organic turmeric powder and some rosewater for better results. The antibacterial properties of sandalwood effectively get rid of the bacteria and fungi on the face without any side effects.

Skin spots and pigmentation

Skin spots and pigmentation are caused by acne, physical injuries, liver dysfunction, sun exposure or age related ailments. Mix equal measures of sandalwood powder and organic turmeric powder, and a pinch of camphor. Make a light paste by combining this mixture with milk. Apply this paste to the face evenly and leave it on for at least four hours (preferably overnight) before washing off with cold water. Regular application will clear away the spots and result in flawless skin. Be sure to apply the paste uniformly all over the face and not just over the spots or pigmentation marks. You can use this for removing blackheads also.

Sandalwood scrub

Dead cells accumulate on the surface and the body sheds them periodically. Removal of these deal cells is called exfoliation and results in radiant, smooth skin. Although, exfoliation employs different ingredients, the best by far is the sandalwood scrub. Take equal measures of sandalwood powder and chickpea flour, and make a paste with rosewater. Apply to the face by massaging the skin with soft, circular, upward moving strokes. Leave it on for 30 minutes and then wash off with cold water. Towel off and once the skin is completely dry, take two drops of sandalwood oil and gently massage into the skin.

Anti-tanning

Direct exposure to the sun for a few hours can result in severe tanning. A solution to lighten the tan involves the use of sandalwood powder, curd and honey, Mix equal quantities of the powder with curd, add ½ tsp of honey and mix well. After 10 minutes, apply over the tanned area. Allow it to dry for an hour before you wash off with cold water. You can use virgin coconut oil and almond oil instead of curd and honey to achieve the same results. You can also add cucumber, lemon or tomato juice with curd and honey.

Anti aging

Aging can often result in sagging skin, the appearance of wrinkles, lines and furrows. Exposure to harsh environmental conditions and pollution, use of chemicals in cosmetics and nutritional deficiencies accelerate the aging process. While it is not possible to completely reverse the process, you can delay it by employing sandalwood. Take 1 tsp each of sandalwood powder, organic turmeric powder, and lavender oil, and mix it with 1 egg yolk. Apply the thick paste to the face and neck and allow it dry for an hour. Wash off with cold water. Apply this paste once a week. Turmeric is a great antioxidant and reverses the damage on the skin caused by free radicals. Regular application of sandalwood oil also delays the aging process. You can also take a couple of ml of sandalwood oil and gently massage it into the skin with gently circular upward moving strokes.

Deodorant

Sandalwood is nature’s answer to excessive sweating and body odour. Make a light sandalwood paste with water and apply on the body for an hour. Wash off the paste in the shower. Performing this routine for a minimum of 15-20 days will ensure the best results.

Sandalwood and sandalwood oil are precious commodities with no harmful side effects from daily use. Let your supply improve with age by storing in a dark, airtight container away from the light in a cool place.

About The Author:

This article is written by Maya Menon. Maya Menon is the Director of Marketing & PR, Uma Oils. Uma Oils is one of the best company that provides 100% natural & organic luxury skincare and wellness oils. These oils are grown, extracted, formulated and bottled entirely at a lush family estate in India. They carefully inspect every harvest, and handcraft our oils in small batches. They aim to transform skin and overall wellbeing with these oils as distinctive as the women who wear them.