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Handpicked from nature, today our spotlight is on an ingredient whose usage was widely known even 4000 years ago. Termed ‘liquid gold’ by ardent admirers, the precious derivatives from this tree are known to heal skin disorders and chronic illnesses naturally. Our forefathers blended it in beauty products for radiant, glowing skin and performed many religious ceremonies with it.
Sandalwood, or Chandan, a yet another favourite beauty ingredient of Indian grandmothers. Its earthy and woody fragrance emanates from an herb that is literally packed with all things good. Apart from being a great moisturiser, it also possesses anti-inflammatory and antiseptic benefits to drive a wedge into the hearts of skin and hair care products. Traditionally used to treat sunburns, help cuts to heal, and treat scrapes, this herb has been in use for hundreds of years. It can also soothe inflamed skin, dry out those annoying pimples, and freshen you up to leave your skin cool and refreshed.
Still wondering what this mysterious, magical tree is? Sandalwood or more commonly known as Chandan boasts of numerous properties. These include its astringent, disinfectant, antiseptic, antidepressant, aphrodisiac, diuretic, expectorant, sedative and stimulant benefits. And if you'd rather have the convenience of ready-made products rather than mixing your own, these skincare and haircare options will do just that! Here’s how you can incorporate it into your daily skincare regime .
Benefits Of Sandalwood For Skin
The benefit of sandalwood on skin has been cherished for generations, especially in the form of Chandan powder or oil thanks to its healing and soothing properties that are effective against all those conditions which make skin red and inflamed-such as eczema, dermatitis, and psoriasis-and reduce irritation and redness. Chandan has several benefits for the skin and can be used in varied ways. It has cooling properties according to the philosophy of Ayurveda, which reduces pitta doshas. This perfectly manages cases of sunburn and prickly heat, giving instant relief.
This is the reason why sandalwood is commonly observed in aftershave and even toners. Its antiseptic and antimicrobial properties further the advantages of chandan powder on the skin, making it useful for treating pimples, cuts, and minor wounds by preventing infection and keeping the skin clean. The reason why it is excellent for those who have oily or combination skin is that sandalwood acts as an astringent since it causes the skin to tighten and does not develop those major pores.
The benefits of Chandan powder applied like a paste are immensely obvious to those suffering from acne or sensitive skin. It dries up the infected pimples, encourages healing, and soothes any inflammation. It has light exfoliation properties that lighten up the complexion, leaving you radiant and glowing with health. Whether it is sandalwood oil or chandan powder, this natural product is said to be a powerhouse in the treatment of all kinds of skin problems, ranging from acne to sunburn, which may create improvements in the overall texture and appearance of the skin.
How To Use Sandalwood On Your Face: DIY Recipes
If you are seeking a natural cure to pamper your skin, then surely one of the best options is sandalwood, also known as Chandan. The benefits of sandalwood on the skin include soothing irritation and fighting breakouts among many others. Be it oil or powder, this ingredient is filled with healing properties. The benefits of Chandan for the skin are so vast that it has been a part of Ayurvedic remedies for so many centuries.
Want to try it out for yourself? Here are some easy DIY recipes to harness the benefits of chandan powder on your face:
- Sandalwood and Rosewater Face Pack Mix 1 tsp of sandalwood powder with a few drops of rose water to make a smooth paste. Apply it to the face and sit for 15-20 min. The mask will tighten the skin, reduce breakouts, and leave your face feeling refreshed.
- Sandalwood and Turmeric Mask: To brighten up and cool the complexion, take equal proportions of sandalwood powder and turmeric with milk as the base. It will thus soothe sunburns, lighten up the tanning in dark spots, exfoliate the skin gently and soothe the pain and anguish from too much exposure.
- Sandalwood and Honey Spot Treatment: A pinch of sandalwood powder mixed with honey applied directly to the zit dries up the zit and speeds up the healing process.
Here’s How You Can Incorporate Sandalwood Into Your Daily Regime
1. Khadi Natural Sandalwood Massage Oil Soothes & Moisturizes
Treat your skin to the benefits of sandalwood oil for a smooth and supple feel. Adding Khadi Sandalwood Herbal Massage Oil to your body care routine can make a big difference. The oil is packed with apricot, sandalwood oil, and vitamin E, so it dries pretty quickly on your skin. Added to that is the wonderful smell of sandalwood for rejuvenation and relaxation. Best of all? It is not very heavy on your wallet, light in weight. This product will neither feel greasy nor heavy on your skin.
2. Forest Essentials Body Mist Mysore Sandalwood & Vetiver
This fresh sandalwood-infused Body Mist softens, rejuvenates and heals skin in an instant. This quick pick-me-up formula is enhanced with natural antiseptic properties to moisturize skin from within, leaving it calm and soothed. Sandalwood also acts as a natural skin toner to retain moisture levels, purify and cool with just a spritz.
3. Biotique Bio Sandalwood Face & Body Sun Cream SPF 50 UVA/UVB
This nutrient-rich sunscreen is blended with Pure Sandalwood, Saffron, Wheat Germ, Honey and the bark of the Arjuna Tree to keep skin soft, supple and nourished. Its natural oils protect the body from harmful sun rays up to SPF 50 UVA/UVB. Since it is also water resistant, it's ideal to carry along on a vacation or when you go for a swim.
4. Fabindia Sandalwood Soap
Get the feel of a spa at home with the luxurious Fabindia Soap. Sandalwood known for its antiseptic, antibacterial and cleansing properties retains moisture and purifies the skin gently. This Sandalwood soap also effectively heals pimples and acne scars, reducing their appearance on the skin surface, and leaving you with a healthy, glowing body.
5. Forest Essentials Facial Treatment Masque Nourishing Mysore Sandalwood & Nagkesar
The Forest Essentials Luxury Sugar Soap in Sandalwood & Turmeric is a transparent soap with an organic cane sugar base. It cleanses skin without removing its natural oils. Ayurvedic, sulfate-free soap blends the calmative essence of sandalwood with fresh turmeric to give it not only a beautiful glow but also a lovely fragrance for the skin.
Conclusion
The benefit of sandalwood on the skin is undeniable. Whether it's in oil or powder, this nature-based ingredient forms a long, wide-ranging flow of benefits-some form of irritation soothing to even treatments for acne. Chandan, in one form or another, is perfect for sensitive and acne-prone skin because of its cooling, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties. The benefits of Chandan powder on the face go a long way as it reduces pores, brightens complexion, and soothes sunburn. You can get a shining, refreshing, and healthy complexion with the natural addition of sandalwood as part of your skincare routine.
FAQs
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Can you apply sandalwood to your face every day?
Absolutely! You can use sandalwood powder daily. Just mix it with coconut oil or honey and apply it to your face. If you prefer, you can also combine it with water to make a paste. Simply spread it on your skin, leave it for about 10 minutes, and then rinse it off for a fresh, glowing complexion.
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Can sandalwood brighten skin?
Sandalwood is great for healing skin, which makes it effective at fading scars, blemishes, dark spots, and even eczema. Its natural ability to cleanse and remove impurities can help even out your skin tone. So if you're looking to brighten your complexion, sandalwood powder is a fantastic, natural option to achieve that glowing, balanced look.
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Can I leave sandalwood on the face overnight?
If you're using sandalwood oil, you can definitely leave it on overnight for extra skin benefits. However, if you're using a sandalwood face pack, it's best to keep it on for about 30-40 minutes before rinsing it off.
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What does sandalwood do for your skin?
One of the major benefits of sandalwood on the skin is that it is fantastic for hydrating and rejuvenating! Thanks to its mild astringent properties, sandalwood oil works as a gentle toner, helping to tighten the skin and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Plus, it’s packed with calming compounds that soothe the skin, even out your complexion, and leave your face feeling refreshed and revitalised.
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Can I use sandalwood every day?
Sandalwood face packs are great for oily and acne-prone skin, but it's best to stick to applying them 2 to 3 times a week. Its natural astringent properties help control excess oil and calm breakouts, making it a fantastic addition to your skincare routine!