During my trip to the Middle East, I literally went bonkers exploring all new sorts of spices, and there I found the magical and really expensive sandalwood powder. It has a beautiful aroma; there were sandalwood incense sticks, sandalwood beads, air fresheners and and the best of them is sandalwood powder for skin which is being used since ancient times.
So what is Sandal Wood? And what are its benefits in terms of skincare? Sandalwood, as the name states comes from the wood of a tree in subcontinent. It is also called Chandan. We do have a DIY recipe for Sandalwood rose perfume, DIY sandalwood room spray and sandalwood Diffuser blends if you are a big DIY enthusiast like this mama. For now, let’s focus on sandalwood for skin.
Types of Sandalwood
Although there are fifteen different species of this plant, two of these species are most commonly used for skincare; White Sandalwood and Red Sandalwood. Red sandalwood, however, is more costly because it takes longer to grow and mature, whereas the white sandalwood is known for its aromatic properties. Other than this both of these types have almost same medicinal properties.
Benefits of Using Sandalwood Powder for Skin:
Sandalwood powder and oil have been used for skin over the centuries and hold an important place in Ayurveda skincare treatments. Some of the known sandalwood benefits are:
Astringent Properties:
This means that sandalwood causes the tissues to contract. This property not only tones but also cleanses your skin. Sandalwood has a tendency to reduce wrinkles and tighten skin.
Improves Cell Activity:
Sandalwood powder naturally improves cell activity, which enables your skin to not only retain but also draw moisture giving it a healthy radiant glow. You can use a few drops of sandalwood oil in your daily moisturizer and feel the difference in just a few days.
Lightens Tan and Scars:
Fuller’s earth, along with sandalwood for face, has been proven to reduce suntan and acne scars.
Another remedy for skin lightening and using sandalwood powder for acne scars involves fresh tomato pulp and rosewater mixed with sandalwood powder.
Another home remedy of using sandalwood paste for acne scars involves mixing the powder with milk, cinnamon powder, and a few drops of lemon essential oil.
Prevents and Reduces Acne:
The best way to treat acne is by preventing it from occurring. Sandalwood mask for acne scars clears dead skin cells, unclogs pores, and has antiseptic properties. All of which helps prevent acne and reduces acne flare-up. Make a fine paste by mixing rose water, turmeric and a few drops of tea tree essential oil in sandalwood powder.
Exfoliates skin:
The fine granules of sandalwood, along with its astringent properties are great for skin exfoliation. You will see better results with every application. Make a fine paste with rose water or milk and lemon juices. You can even add honey for extra nourishment.
Anti-aging:
Lavender and sandalwood powder, when used together with rosehip essential oil make the perfect anti-aging mask.
Sandalwood Oil for Scalp and Hair Growth:
Sandal wood works like a charm for itchy scalp and improves hair growth hence widely used as a central component in hair oils. Sandalwood beard oils and sandalwood shaving cream are also very popular among men. There are several DIY sandalwood beard oil recipes and DIY Sandalwood beard growth shampoo to follow instead of opting for expensive brands.
In our home remedies section we aim to provide our user with our own used and best recipes, you can read our best homemade Lip Oil recipes here.
How to Store and Use Sandalwood Powder
The most comprehensive guide : How to make DIY Lip Balm at home
Sandalwood powder can be stored in an airtight container in a cool and dry place for months. To use it, simply take out the required amount of Sandalwood powder in a bowl and make a fine paste using rosewater and other ingredients according to your skin’s individual needs.
- Check out DIY Sandalwood face masks, and you are sure to find more than one suitable for your skin type.
- Cleanse your face thoroughly, and gently massage the sandalwood paste on your face. Skip this step if you have acne.
- Now take the rest of the sandalwood face mask and apply it on your face. Avoid sensitive areas such as around the eyes.
- Leave the mask on for 10 minutes. You will feel the face mask shrinking as it dries, tightening the facial muscles.
- Do not try to rub and rinse off the sandalwood face mask, this might leave scratches on your face.
- Place a damp towel on your face. When the mask starts loosening up, clean it gently with a damp towel.
- Now wash thoroughly and pat dry and apply a face moisturizer. You can add a few drops of sandalwood oil to your moisturizer.
How to Make Sandalwood Oil at Home?
Although pure organic sandalwood oil is costly and difficult to find you can make sandalwood oil at home. You need two ingredients to make sandalwood oil at home; a Carrier oil of your choice and sandal wood powder. I’m using a blend of coconut oil and Sweet Almond oil half and half as a carrier oil.
Sandalwood Oil Recipe Ingredients:
Sandal wood Powder ½ c
Coconut oil ½ c
Sweet Almond oil ½ c
Directions:
- Mix all ingredients in a clean air tight glass container. Give the sealed jar a good shake and leave the oil to infuse with sandalwood for two to four weeks in sunlight
- DO not forget to occasionally shake the jar.
- After a few weeks the oil is ready to use.
- You can strain the sandal wood oil, however I prefer not to strain all of it, longer the sandalwood powder stays with the oil better the results.
- I just strain a small amount of oil that I need for immediate use and leave the rest in jar with sandalwood powder.
Note: Homemade sandalwood power should be used with caution just as a store bought sandalwood essential oil, read about fun filled Kool Aid Lip Gloss recipes.
FAQ about Sandalwood:
What is a substitute for sandalwood essential oil?
There are quite a few essential oils with properties similar to sandalwood. The closest one is a species of sandalwood commonly known as the East African Sandalwood, also called the “Bastard Sandalwood.” These essential oils can be used as a substitute in skincare:
- Tea tree essential oil
- Cedarwood essential oil+ Benzoin (both in equal parts)
How to use sandalwood oil?
It depends on what you are using the sandalwood oil for. If it is for skincare, then use the sandalwood essential oil with a carrier oil or blend in a few drops of it to your daily moisturizer.
For hair care, you can add a fewer drops of sandal woo essential oil to coconut or olive oil. You can also add a few drops of sandalwood essential oil to your shampoo and conditioner.
If you intend to use it for sinus and congestion, then add a few drops of sandalwood essential oil to humidifier. You can also hold the sandalwood essential oil bottle under your nose and inhale from nostrils to clear sinus.
Why is sandalwood so expensive?
It is expensive because the tree has to mature for at least 40 years before its roots can be processed for sandalwood essential oil, as for the powder, it is always in demand due to its use in skincare products, aromatherapy and treatment of certain health issues.
Is it okay to use Sandalwood powder daily?
If you have oily skin then you can use sandalwood powder daily, however for dry skin it is recommended that you use it once a week.
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