The sandalwood tree is part of the Santalaceae family and is often called East Indian sandalwood. A type of evergreen hemiparasite in nature that requires root systems belonging to other trees to come together in order to grow. Sandalwood heartwood is used to obtain sandalwood essential oil. For over four thousand years, sandalwood oil has been used by people and industries to prepare cosmetics and fragrances due to its truly exotic aroma. Additionally, the oil has been widely used for spiritual, meditation, and personal care purposes. The extraction of the oil is done with the help of steam distillation of mature wood. In most cases, sandalwood trees between 40 and 80 years old are used. Generally, the older a tree is, the more oil it can produce. Also, older trees may produce better-smelling oil compared to younger trees.
Sandalwood oil benefits for skin
1.Antiseptic properties
Sandalwood oil can act as a reliable antiseptic, giving you the option of applying it both externally and internally. You can protect your internal sores and wounds from getting infected. It can also protect boils, sores, pimples, and other skin conditions from becoming infected.
2. Anti-inflammatory properties
Sandalwood essential oil can provide a kind of cooling and relieving effect when it comes to digestive, circulatory, nervous, excretory, and brain inflammation. In most cases, such inflammations occur as a result of side effects of antibiotics, wounds, poisoning, insect bites, fever, and infections.
3. Astringent properties
The essential oil can induce contraction of the gums, skin and muscles and can therefore be used for smoother skin and better muscle strength.
4.Deodorizing properties
The oil can also be used to eliminate body odor.
5. Disinfectant properties
Sandalwood essential oil is used in many sprays, evaporators, sanitizers, sticks, and fumigants due to its ability to keep small insects and microbes away by smell.
6.Emollient properties
The oil can additionally soothe inflammations, reduce irritation, heal infections, soothe the skin and promote a cool and refreshing effect.
How to use sandalwood oil for skin
1. Massage
Add 3 drops of sandalwood oil to a teaspoon of your favorite skin care oil and massage into the area. You can make your massage more sensual by including a drop of rose or jasmine.
2. Facial Rejuvenation
To reduce dry skin on the face, you can mix 8 drops of sandalwood oil, 4 drops of germanium oil, and an ounce of good skin care oil, and apply the mixture.
3. Glowing skin
Skin radiance can be enhanced by putting a drop or two of the oil into your moisturizer.
4. Relaxation bath
Take several drops of the oil and massage it on the back of the neck and temples to have a calming effect on your mind. You can also add a few drops of the oil to warm bath water.
5. Compression effect
To help your dry or red skin hydrate and cool, apply a warm sandalwood compress to it.
