It’s no secret that many over the counter products today contain chemicals that are less than ideal for our skin and hair. Sandalwood oil gives you the power to make some of your own at home treatments that not only save you money but also keep you free from man made fragrances and chemicals. Here are some suggestions for using sandalwood oil at home for cosmetic issues.
Skin Benefits Of Sandalwood Essential Oil
Under Eye Puffiness
Sandalwood oil can increase blood circulation. By stimulating blood flow, inflammation can be reduced, especially around the eyes This inflammation can make you appear overtired and in extreme cases, older than you are. Mix the oil with either almond oil or coconut oil and apply around the eyes, taking extra care to not get the solution into your eyes. Apply nightly for best results.
Reduce Wrinkles
Wrinkles can be a hard thing to face in the mirror but they don’t have to be permanent. Make yourself a wrinkle cream that costs pennies on the dollar compared to department store products and is just as effective, if not more. Mix a few drops of sandalwood oil with jojoba oil for a nightly cream that can begin to lessen the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles by increasing blood circulation and promoting healthy new cell development.
Scars and Age Spots
Scars can be a permanent reminder of accidents and acne. These are caused by improper cell clumps that form during the fast healing process when an abrasion to the skin occurs. Clumps of collagen form underneath the scar, which creates an inconsistency with the rest of the skin. Age spots occur when the skin produces too much melanin, which can happen with age or from excessive sun exposure. Both can be improved by sandalwood. You can either make a paste with sandalwood powder and almond milk, rosewater or regular water or mix the oil with a carrier oil with the strongest concentration that your skin can handle. You should see improvement in as little as a week with regular application.
Acne
Sandalwood has incredible antibacterial properties and has been used for years as a natural acne treatment. It is effective in fighting bacteria and prevents the breakout of pimples and acne. Mix the oil with a bit of distilled water and use as a toner nightly. The oil is also effective in controlling excess oil and sebum production, balancing out the skin’s natural makeup. You can also make an acne controlling face mask by mixing one spoonful of organic honey with three drops of sandalwood. Apply to the face and let it sit for about twenty minutes. Rinse with warm water and pat dry.
Moisturizer
Skin-safe essential oils like sandalwood are easily absorbed by the skin, providing nourishment and moisture to even the driest areas. Mix the oil with coconut oil. You can mix the solution with an electric mixer, adding a little coconut or shea butter, to make a fluffier version. The solution works best if applied after showering and will soak deep into the skin. It can help with tough skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis and dermatitis.
Hair Benefits of Sandalwood Essential Oil
Dandruff
If you suffer from dandruff due to poor diet, stress or a change in climate, try mixing a few drops of sandalwood oil with a tablespoon of olive oil and a tablespoon of water. Apply to the entire scalp, massaging it into each dry spot. Let it sit for about twenty minutes and then rinse clean. The sandalwood will help to remove dry patches while the olive oil will moisturize the skin underneath, preventing the development of new dry spots. Dandruff can also be caused by infections, which the sandalwood will be able to eliminate.
Oily Hair
Sandalwood oil can help remove build-up from hair that can be leaving it coarse and prone to damage. If your hair tends to be more oily and greasy, add a couple drops of sandalwood oil to your shampoo. You can also massage several drops that have been diluted with water into the scalp if you are not shampooing your hair that day. Sandalwood is able to help the body find the correct balance of oil and sebum with regular use. You don’t have to worry about the oil stripping healthy oils from your hair or scalp though. This treatment will also help to heal dull and tired hair so that it is shiny and healthy.
Prevent Hair Loss
Sandalwood oil can help hair to grow in faster, thicker and stronger. The oil helps to unclog hair follicles that may be blocked from an excess of sebum or over the counter hair products. Note that it should be mixed with some sort of carrier oil otherwise it may be too strong for the scalp to handle. When applied correctly, the scalp should feel refreshed and invigorated. It may also help prevent hair from falling out. Sandalwood oil is a common ingredient in over the counter products that are marketed at preventing hair loss except that its benefits are often overshadowed by the negative side effects of other ingredients. When used alone, sandalwood oil can really help improve hair. You can mix the oil with other hair growth oils in a bottle with distilled water to create a hair growth spray or make a hair mask with sandalwood and coconut oil.
Hair Conditioner
So many store bought conditioners contain harmful chemicals and solutions that can actually weaken hair and leave it dry and brittle. In a bottle, combine sandalwood powder, distilled water and a few drops of sandalwood essential oil. Rub the mixture throughout hair and allow it to sit for fifteen minutes. Rinse well and you should experience instant revitalized hair that has a great scent. You can also mix a few drops of the oil with enough coconut oil to cover your scalp and hair. Apply evenly and cover with a shower cap. Allow it to sit for at least an hour before rinsing with cool water.
