Sandalwood or Chandan is obtained from the Santalum album tree and is a key ingredient used in beauty products throughout the world. We all have seen our grandmothers and mothers talk about the various ways Chandan can be used in face packs to treat skin problems.
Sandalwood oil and powder both are used in various Ayurvedic medicines and aromatherapy because of their beautiful fragrance and medicinal properties. It is also used in many religious faiths and traditions, like incense sticks or rosary beads.
Sandalwood for skin is a magic ingredient that can be used to treat acne, scars, tan, and various other skin problems and can be a good way how to clean your face naturally at home. You can buy sandalwood powder or oil in the market but adulteration is a very common problem so the best way is to buy a sandalwood stick from the market and rub it on marble.
You will get sandalwood paste upon rubbing which when left to dry in the sun will give sandalwood powder that you can use to treat various skin problems.
Beauty Secrets of Sandalwood
● Anti-ageing property: Sandalwood has anti-oxidizing properties which help in tightening the skin and prevent it from sagging by fighting the damage caused by free radicals. It increases microcirculation, thus reducing enlarged pores and distension.
● Used to treat acne and pimples: Sandalwood has antiseptic and antibacterial properties that help reduce bacterial growth in the skin. Dust and dirt accumulate in the pores of the skin which can lead to the growth of bacteria, sandalwood helps reduce the spread of infection in that area.
Its antimicrobial nature helps keep the skin clean and its drying effects help to dry out pimples, thus it is a great ingredient in face masks for those with sensitive and acne-prone skin.
● Skin-lightening properties: Sandalwood for skin is widely known for its natural skin-lightening properties and it is scientifically proven. It helps in the treatment of sunburn and the removal of suntan and dullness because of its cooling properties.
The coarse structure of sandalwood powder when mixed with turmeric and camphor can be a good way if you ask how to clean your face naturally at home. Make a paste and leave it on your skin for 20 minutes and then rinse it off with water. This will naturally exfoliate your skin and give your skin a natural glow.
● Acts as an astringent: It induces minor contractions in the skin which is why it acts as an astringent, therefore reducing the appearance of pores in the skin. It causes coagulation of skin protein, thus protecting the skin from breakouts and allergies, and it also nourishes the skin and improves the elasticity of skin cells.
Mix sandalwood powder with dried coriander leaves and rose water to make a paste. Apply this paste to your face and leave it for 15 minutes and then wash it off with water. This would have a cooling effect on your skin and give a bouncing effect to your skin.
● Has anti-inflammatory properties: Sandalwood has anti-inflammatory properties which help in the treatment of burns, scars, acne and eczema. Its cooling and soothing effect helps with the burning sensation and helps to even out the skin where acne has formed. It also has healing properties which help in reducing blemishes and skin infections.
Sandalwood can be used with any natural ingredients to get the desired effect and enhance your beauty. All of us deal with some other skin problems every day due to sun or pollution, and Chandan can be used to treat all of those problems. You can find a lot of recipes for face masks or body scrubs that use sandalwood powder or oil as an ingredient.
