Most of us have nostalgic memories of our grandmothers’ skincare wisdom - applying sandalwood paste for even skin tone, to soothe the skin during summer and more.

Sandalwood, with its distinctive woody aroma and revered healing properties, has transcended generations, finding its place in home remedies and luxurious Ayurvedic formulas. Whether in powder, paste, or oil form, sandalwood skin benefits range from soothing & calming irritated skin to skin brightening to reducing fine lines and wrinkles caused due to sun damage. It also helps with hyperpigmentation and is an excellent remedy for healing acne/post-acne scars.

In this blog, we will explore the origins of sandalwood and the importance of the benefits of sandalwood powder for skin in Ayurveda, deep dive into sandalwood skin benefits and provide tips on how the benefits of sandalwood powder for skin can be added to your skincare routine.

 

Origins and History of Sandalwood

Sandalwood, also known as Chandan in Sanskrit, is an Ayurvedic herb derived from the heartwood of one of the most valuable trees on the planet - the Santalum tree. It holds a significant place in history, particularly in ancient Indian and Chinese civilizations. Sandalwood skin benefits date back thousands of years and is one of India’s most ancient treasures. In Ayurveda, the traditional Indian system of medicine, sandalwood is considered a sacred ingredient with numerous healing properties, promoting balance and harmony within the body and mind.

Importance of Sandalwood Skin Benefits in Ayurveda

In Ayurveda, Pitta and Vata are two of the three doshas, which are biological energies believed to govern various processes in the body. Pitta is associated with qualities such as heat, intensity, metabolism, and transformation. It governs digestion, metabolism, and hormonal balance. When Pitta becomes aggravated, it can manifest in the skin as inflammation, sensitivity, acne, rashes, and sunburn. Vata is characterized by qualities such as dryness, coldness, movement, and creativity. It governs all movement in the body, including circulation, breathing, and nerve impulses. When Vata is imbalanced it can lead to dry skin and wrinkles.

Sandalwood is renowned for its antioxidant, anti-ageing, and anti-microbial properties. These benefits of sandalwood powder for skin make it a potent remedy for addressing Pitta and Vata skin imbalances, providing soothing, cooling and nourishing effects to the skin. By adding sandalwood skin benefits to your skincare routine you can harmonize Pitta and Vata doshas, effectively addressing specific skin issues like acne, rashes, sunburn, and dryness.

Sandalwood Skin Benefits

Sandalwood has been used for centuries in skincare due to its numerous benefits. Here are some of the key benefits of sandalwood powder for skin:

1. Anti-inflammatory: Sandalwood has natural anti-inflammatory properties that can help soothe irritated skin, reduce redness, and calm inflammation. This makes it particularly beneficial for people with sensitive or acne-prone skin.

2. Anti-microbial: Sandalwood is an effective anti-microbial against many bacteria and fungi. The essential oils found in sandalwood, α-santalol and β-santalol, disrupt the cell membranes of bacteria and fungi, interfering with their reproduction and killing them. This anti-microbial property also aids as an effective remedy for healing acne.

3. Natural Astringent: Sandalwood skin benefits include its ability to act as a mild astringent, helping to tighten and tone the skin. This can reduce the appearance of pores and give the skin a smoother, more refined texture.

4. Moisturizing properties: Sandalwood is hydrating and helps to lock moisture into the skin, making it a great ingredient for dry skin. It can help to alleviate dryness and leave the skin feeling soft and supple.

5. Anti-ageing: Sandalwood is rich in antioxidants and helps combat free radical damage, which is one of the primary causes of premature ageing. It aids in reducing the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and age spots, promoting a more youthful and radiant complexion.

6. Anti-pigmentation: The benefits of sandalwood powder for skin include its anti-pigmentation properties. It inhibits the activity of tyrosinase, an enzyme crucial for producing melanin - the pigment responsible for dark spots and uneven skin tone. By slowing down this enzyme's activity, sandalwood helps reduce the synthesis of melanin, contributing to a more even skin tone.

7. Anti-tanning: One of the most important sandalwood skin benefits is that it has natural skin-lightening properties that help fade existing tans and hyperpigmentation caused by sun exposure for an even skin tone.

Common Sandalwood Myths

Myth: Sandalwood dries the skin

Fact: This myth might have originated because of the traditional use of Sandalwood in humid climates to combat oily skin. However, this is not the same as drying out the skin. Dry skin occurs when the skin lacks moisture and natural oils necessary to keep it hydrated and supple. A common cause of excess sebum production is an imbalance caused by very dry skin. Sandalwood contains antioxidants that help maintain the buoyancy and structure of the skin cells. It reduces dryness and replenishes the moisture in the skin, thus increasing elasticity.

Myth: Sandalwood leaves a strong fragrance

Fact: While sandalwood does have a distinct and pleasant smell, the intensity of the fragrance depends on factors such as the quality of the sandalwood, its concentration in the product, and every individual’s sensitivity to smells. Some people might find the scent of sandalwood strong while others might find it subtle and soothing.

How to Add Sandalwood Skin Benefits to Your Skincare Routine

Natural ingredients like sandalwood are most effective when incorporated in their purest form. If you are looking to add the benefits of sandalwood powder for skin into your skincare routine, here are some DIY face packs that will help you get started: 

Sandalwood and Turmeric Face Pack

- Combine 1 tablespoon of sandalwood powder with 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric powder and enough yoghurt to make a smooth paste.

- Apply the paste to clean skin and leave it on for 15-20 minutes.

- Rinse off with lukewarm water and pat dry.

- This face pack will help reduce inflammation, even out skin tone, and provide a healthy glow.

Sandalwood and Aloe Vera Gel Moisturiser

- Mix 1 tablespoon of sandalwood powder with 2 tablespoons of pure aloe vera gel.

- Stir until well combined and smooth.

- Apply a small amount of the mixture to your face and massage gently until absorbed.

- Use it as a lightweight moisturiser to hydrate the skin and soothe irritation.

Sandalwood and Cucumber Refreshing Mask:

- Mix 1 tablespoon sandalwood powder with 2 tablespoons fresh cucumber juice (and 1 teaspoon honey if desired) to form a smooth paste.

- Apply evenly to a clean face, avoiding the eyes and lips.

- Leave on for 15-20 minutes, then rinse off with cool water.

Sandalwood skin benefits make it an indispensable ingredient in skincare formulations. Its ability to soothe, heal and rejuvenate the skin, combined with its delightful aroma and cultural significance solidifies sandalwood’s status as the elixir of timeless beauty!

Over time, our forests, the indigenous home of sandalwood, ran out of this precious resource due to deforestation, smuggling and diseases. Without access to its heartwood, this wonder ingredient was completely forgotten. Sandiva was born out of a mission to bring back sandalwood skin benefits in a minimalist yet effective manner to the daily skincare routines of the modern-day woman on the go. Ethically sourced from the Government’s Forest Department, Sandiva uses 100% pure sandalwood in all their products giving your skin the nourishment it needs.

Sandalwood powder or sandalwood oil? Which form of sandalwood is better for your skin? Read here!