The sandalwood tree is part of the Santalaceae family and is often called East Indian sandalwood. A type of evergreen hemiparasitic in nature that requires root systems belonging to other trees to join together in order to grow. The heartwood of sandalwood is used to obtain essential oil of sandalwood. For more than four thousand years, sandalwood oil has been used by individuals and industries to prepare cosmetics and fragrances due to its truly exotic scent. Additionally, the oil has been used extensively for spiritual, meditative, and personal care purposes. The extraction of the oil is carried out with the help of a 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 have available. Also, older trees can produce better scented 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. It can protect your internal sores and wounds from getting infected. It can also protect boils, sori, pimples, and other skin conditions from getting infections.
2. Anti-inflammatory properties
Sandalwood essential oil can provide a kind of cooling and soothing effect when it comes to digestive, circulatory, nervous, excretory and brain inflammation. In most cases, these inflammations occur as a result of the side effects of antibiotics, wounds, poisonings, insect bites, fevers, and infections.
3. Astringent properties
The essential oil can induce contraction of the gums, skin and muscles, so it can be used for firmer skin and better muscle strength.
4. Deodorant properties
The oil can also be used to eliminate body odor.
5. Disinfectant properties
Sandalwood essential oil is used in many sprays, evaporators, disinfectants, sticks, and fumigants due to its ability to keep small insects and microbes away by its smell.
6. Emollient properties
The oil can also soothe inflammation, 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 your 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. Radiant skin
The radiance of the skin can be improved by putting a drop or two of the oil in your moisturizer.
4. Relaxation in the bathroom
Take several drops of the oil and massage the back of your neck and temple with them to have a calming effect on your mind. You can also add a few drops of 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.