Sedating Sandalwood

Sweet, exotic and woody - Sandalwood is the most predominant incense used in the world. Its smell not only treats one’s nose but also soothes mind. Since ages people use it for beautifying, treating and perfuming themselves


Our grandmas always used to share the secrets of their sparkling beauty and about the natural aids they apply for skin related problems. In their list we remember sandalwood (chandan) was the first thing which they trust the most for beautifying them. Sandalwood is extremely valuable in skincare and is full of benefits for all skin types.

Sandalwood is remarked as Indian Ayurvedic remedy for skin. It has an immediate effect of rejuvenating and energizing the person who smells it. The usual sensation of anyone who inhales sandalwood smell deeply, would feel a sense of being enriched, a sense of well being and fullness of life. Being a wood with a heavenly smell, it is extensively used in cosmetic and soap manufacturing. The beauty-conscious Indian women used to rub their bodies with a sandal and turmeric paste for a blemish-free skin much before the western cosmetic industry made inroads into India. In many parts of the country, brides still have their ritual bath with sandalwood paste.

Sandalwood (Chandan) is synonymous with India's rich culture and tradition. This valuable traditional product is still in use for beauty treatment and as a perfume. “In terms of healing properties, there are other products, like Neem and Tulsi, which also have powerful healing benefits, especially in skin problems. However, as far as fragrance is concerned, sandalwood is the leading product. In fact, sandalwood oil is used as a fixative in the most expensive perfumes of the world,” says beauty expert Shahnaz Husain.

Destresses the Nerves
Sandalwood has the capacity to cleanse and condition the skin, leaving it moisturized, free of germs and it also protect the skin from the harmful rays of the sun. Science and tradition has also shown that sandalwood helps to soothe and calm down the stressed nerves. It is used as an astringent which helps in tightening up the skin and gives a fresh look. In India, two varieties of sandalwood are used for skin treatment. The white sandal is used for make-up and skin care and the red sandal is widely used for its medicinal values and skin care abilities.

Sandalwood oil was used traditionally by herbalists to treat skin diseases, acne, dysentery, gonorrhea, and a number of other conditions. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, sandalwood oil is considered an excellent sedating agent. “It has also been proved that sandalwood oil significantly support cellular repair and rejuvenation both internally and topically by fighting free radical activity, reducing inflammation. It even supports healthy blood flow, while helping to prevent and reverse damage to genetic material,” says Ayurvedic expert, Dr Anand Mohan Garg. This truly holistic approach will reverse many signs of aging, turn off the genes that cause wrinkles and rejuvenate the glow on our skin. It also imparts a glow to face if a few drops of sandalwood oil are added in cream and face packs.

Cleansing Substitute
Oily skin and blemishes are common, especially amongst teenagers. Sandalwood oil is a unique and natural cleansing alternative with properties like antidepressant, antipyretic, a coolant, and antibacterial as well as an ideal ingredient for aromatherapy. Being an essential oil, sandalwood oil has the unique ability to penetrate the skin pores better as compared to non-essential oils, which helps in regulating oil secretions while maintaining hygiene, thereby promoting a balanced skin profile. An ancient Indian remedy for prevention of sunstroke is a glass of cold milk scented with a drop of sandalwood oil. This drink is also supposed to prevent boils and other skin ailments caused, according to the Indian school of medicine.

Sandalwood oil, added to the body massage oils, gives a perfect balance. In fact, the use of essential oils is part of Aromatherapy. In Aromatherapy, massage is an important form of treatment. The fragrance of certain ingredients plays a very important role. Sandalwood is one such ingredient. The fragrance can have the power to alter a person’s mood or mental state. It is used in treatments, as it has a calming effect on the nerves and helps in inducing relaxation and reducing stress. In massage, it also helps to relieve fatigue and muscular tension, bringing about relaxation. Massage has greater efficacy, because the oil is absorbed more efficiently by the skin during massage.

The sandalwood oil is an Ayurvedic medicine and it helps in curing the problems like acne, chapped hands, dry cracked feet, dry skin, itchy skin, nail problems, razor bumps, rosacea, skin rashes, splitting or torn cuticles, stretch marks, wrinkles etc. Now treat all your problems with Sandalwood oil and impart glow to your face as it will help in regulating oil secretions while maintaining hygiene, thereby promoting a balanced skin profile and relieves itching and irritation.

Experience the difference

Sandalwood & turmeric
For treating pimples, make a paste with 1 teaspoon of sandalwood powder and 1 teaspoon of turmeric. Add one teaspoon of water to make the paste, and apply to pimples before bed as a night-time treatment. Add a small piece of camphor to the recipe for an added cooling effect. Your pimples will vanish without a scar within a very short period.

Sandalwood & Rosewater
Sandalwood powder combined with rosewater can be used as a mask to treat acne. Combine 2 teaspoons of sandalwood with enough rosewater to make a spreadable mixture. Spread it evenly on your face and leave it for 20 to 30 minutes. This is also a pleasantly cooling treatment for acne on the chest and back.


Sandalwood & Almond
Mix 5 tablespoons of coconut oil with 2 teaspoons of almond oil. Add 4 teaspoons of sandalwood powder and apply the mixture to the overexposed areas. This sandalwood tone oil will keep your skin complexion even. It will also remove the suntan and will stimulate a fairer complexion.

Sandalwood Oil
Sandalwood oil can be used for massage and as a moisturizer. Sandalwood's cooling effect soothes the skin. If your skin suffers hot and itchy symptoms, try sandalwood oil to cool them off. To make your own, add sandalwood powder to your favorite oil and let it sit overnight before use.

Be Careful
While buying products, one should not compromise on quality and go for products of reputed companies. In many products, sandalwood may be used only for its fragrance. In skin or hair care products, sandalwood is used along with other extracts and oils.

By Samridhi Bhatnagar