The aroma of sandalwood is universally appreciated because it calls to mind gentle breezes, peaceful settings, and a sense of serenity. It has global popularity as an aromatherapy and meditation therapy.
Numerous religions, such as Hinduism, Islam, Zoroastrianism, and several East Asian traditions, place a high value on wood and oil. It has several spiritual and ceremonial applications, including making rosary beads, burning incense, and decorating and purifying paste.
Many fragrances and room sprays feature sandalwood essential oil. It has a traditional aroma and comes from a highly prized tree. However, sandalwood oil may have uses beyond its pleasant aroma. Besides its aesthetic value, sandalwood oil benefits may also include positive effects on health and skin. Sandalwood has been used for generations in Indian skin care products because of its pleasant, woodsy scent.
In modern and alternative medicine, sandalwood and its essential oil are highly valued. It has a long history of usage in folk medicine for various illnesses. Despite the lack of evidence supporting its traditional applications, sandalwood has been studied for its potential to cure multiple medical problems. Here are some benefits of sandalwood oil and how to apply it:
Reduces The Effects Of Aging
Sandalwood essential oil, thanks to its high antioxidant and toning content, can be used to minimize blemishes and make one’s skin look younger and smoother. It helps mitigate the environmental effects of stress and free radicals and slows the aging process. As an extra benefit, it helps prevent oxidative stress and heals skin tissue damage
Instructions: The anti-aging properties of sandalwood oil can be enjoyed by incorporating a few drops of this oil into your nightly moisturizer. A paste made of sandalwood oil, turmeric, and honey can be applied and left on for 15 minutes before being washed off. For best results, take this remedy three times weekly.
Effective For Acne And Blemishes
Sandalwood essential oil can be used to treat acne and other skin problems because of its anti-inflammatory and skin-clearing effects. Using this oil regularly can even reduce the likelihood of future acne flare-ups.
Instructions: Combine ground turmeric and crushed camphor with a few drops of pure sandalwood oil. After 6-12 hours, wash the paste off with water, and the zit should be gone. You should see significant improvement if you give this treatment for two to four weeks.
Lightens Discoloration And Scars
Scars, discoloration, and blemishes are typical results of acne and pimples. When applied to the skin, sandalwood oil calms irritation and has a quicker effect on fading scars and other blemishes than conventional remedies.
Instructions: Sandalwood oil should be diluted with carrier oil before application. Combine rosewater, sandalwood powder, and essential oil to make a paste. The treatment should be applied to the affected areas, left on for 20 minutes, and washed off with water. Always use it until you get the results you want.
Reduces Pigmentation And Sun Exposure
Skin discoloration and uneven tanning are common summertime concerns. You can end both issues with the help of sandalwood oil. Tan, dead skin cells, pigmentation, or redness are all eliminated thanks to their exfoliating and astringent characteristics.
Instructions:
- Use a paste made of cucumber, yogurt, and a few drops of sandalwood essential oil with lemon juice.
- Just spread the paste, leave it on for 25 minutes, and then wash it off.
- To see benefits, use this paste at least twice a week.
Deal With Eczema And Dermatitis
Eczema and dermatitis are inflammatory skin conditions that can lead to itching, redness, and sometimes bleeding. The oil’s anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties are beneficial for treating both diseases. Psoriasis, molluscum contagiosum, and warts are some other skin conditions it can treat.
Instructions: Typically, a carrier oil like rosehip or almond oil is used to dilute the potency of essential oil like sandalwood. To speed up recovery, use this twice daily on the affected region.
Reduces Stress And Enhances The Quality Of Sleep
Factors including stress and inactivity can impact the quality of your sleep. Several studies have supported the use of sandalwood in the treatment of anxiety and stress. Great for treating sleep disorders like insomnia and sleep apnea due to its sedative properties, decreased wakefulness, and increased non-REM sleep time.
Instructions: You can improve your sleep quality by adding two or three drops of sandalwood oil to a warm shower before bed or by sprinkling it on your pillow. You can also induce sleep by rubbing a few droplets of essential sandalwood oil into the back of your neck.
Note: It’s important to utilize only pure sandalwood oil from reputable manufacturers if you want to reap the full advantages of the many sandalwoods essential oil used for skin.
Summary And Key Takeaways
There are various sandalwood oil benefits we can get; here is a summary about it as well as some advice:
- Sandalwood oil has been used for generations to treat various skin and hair problems.
- Using sandalwood essential oil with your bedtime moisturizer may prevent wrinkles and keep your skin supple.
- Sandalwood has been shown to reduce stress and anxiety, making it easier to fall asleep.
- When massaged into the body with carrier oil, sandalwood oil has been shown to reduce pain and increase blood flow.
- Essential oils are not subject to supervision from the FDA. This means that essential oil products’ quality, potency, and purity can vary depending on the manufacturer. Only buy essential oils from trusted companies.
- Sandalwood is commonly overharvested. Thus, it’s imperative to do research before purchasing something.
- Sandalwood, when appropriately used, may be an excellent addition to your skincare routine for an even, bright complexion, but only if you know how to use it.
Conclusion
There is sufficient evidence to support the use of sandalwood oil for therapeutic purposes. However, if you decide to purchase sandalwood oil, check to see that it is entirely devoid of toxins, parabens, or sulfates. If you plan on using sandalwood essential oil often, it’s best to perform a patch test first in case it irritates your skin.