Red Sandalwood Benefits, its Uses & Side Effects

Red sandalwood is a very popular and traditional skin healer in the sphere of natural skincare. Recognized by its Indian name, Raktachandan, red sandalwood is a red-coloured wood believed to have been in use centuries ago to enhance skin well-being. It is different from the commonly known white sandalwood and is mostly found in the southern regions of India.

The natural ingredient is applied in the form of a fine powder and combined with liquids such as rose water, milk or honey to create pastes and mask-like ingredients. It is greatly appreciated by people by virtue of its cooling effect, natural sweet fragrance, and healing nature. 

Red sandalwood is fast gaining popularity with many returning to nature to nurture their skin and it is in this respect that red sandalwood is gaining popularity due to its capacity to care for skin issues such as acne, pigmentation, and dullness using agents and chemicals that are not harmful to skin.

Let’s explore the many red sandalwood benefits for skin, how to use it, and the precautions you should know.

10 Significant Benefits of Red Sandalwood for Skin

Some of the red sandalwood benefits are:

• Helps Brighten Dull Skin: Red sandalwood is popularly known to enhance the radiance of the skin. It assists in eliminating dullness by exfoliating the dead layers of skin and dirt from the skin. When applied on a daily basis, it gently leaves radiant skin. Red sandalwood will restore the vigour and sheen of the skin in case your skin appears fatigued dull.

• Reduces Acne and Pimples: The red sandalwood has attributes to help in the reduction of acne. It combats bacteria and opens up the pores. This is used to dry up the existing pimples and prevent the formation of new ones. In the case of breakouts, red sandalwood paste may gradually make your skin clear and give it a smooth texture, provided that you use it two or three times a week.

• Soothes Sunburns: The aftermath of excessive exposure to the sun may arise in the form of red, itchy or painful skin. Red sandalwood has a natural cooling effect, and it is helpful to soothe sunburn. It soothes the skin and minimizes the burning effects, hence one of the best natural skin products after exposure to the sun.

• Fades Dark Spots: Either acne, sun damage, or age may cause dark spots. These patches tend to leave the skin uneven. Red sandalwood makes these marks lighter gradually and in a gentle manner. Their usage on a regular basis eliminates their appearance and gives you a clear complexion in the long run.

• Prevents Skin Infections: Owing to the antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, red sandalwood prevents skin infection. It destroys bad germs and ensures the face is clean and fresh. Individuals with sensitive skin or more prone to rashes or any infections can include it as part of their routine.

• Controls Excess Oil: Oily-skinned people react well to red sandalwood. It aids in the absorption of excess oils on the face and makes the face not appear greasy. It also lessens the risk of finding clogged pores and breakouts due to oil build-up, hence enabling you to have a clear and matte appearance.

• Reduces Fine Lines: When we age, we start experiencing things such as fine lines and wrinkles on the skin. Red sandalwood assists in giving the skin its firmness and softness. Its natural chemicals aid in tightening the skin and preventing premature effects of ageing, which makes your skin firm and tender.

• Heals Minor Wounds: Small cuts, wounds and scratches could also be healed by red sandalwood. It is used as a mild antiseptic that accelerates skin healing. In case you have some minor injuries or insect bites, then a pinch of red sandalwood paste can tone the redness and help with healing.

• Reduces Skin Inflammation: The weather, allergies, or reactions make the skin red, itchy, and inflamed sometimes. Red sandalwood is soothing and soft. It aids in allaying irritation and the cooling of the skin. On sensitive skin, it can be applied safely to give skin soothing effects.

• Removes Dead Skin Cells: To maintain soft and glowing skin, it is good to exfoliate the skin. Red sandalwood is also a mild exfoliant, which gathers impurities, dead cells, and grime. It washes the skin naturally and causes fresh, healthy skin, making the skin smoother and radiant.

Uses Of Red Sandalwood For Skin

The red sandalwood uses for skin are rooted in both traditional practices and modern skincare needs. The product may be applied in a variety of forms according to your skin type and concern.

Mixing red sandalwood powder with rose water and using it as a face pack is one of the most common remedies people use to get glowing skin. Apply this mixture on your clean face, wait 15 minutes, and wash it out in the ward with a stream of warm water. This is useful in revitalizing the skin and texture.

Should your skin be dry, add in red sandalwood and fuse it with milk or honey as it moisturizes yet continues to cleanse. With oily or acne skin, combine it with lemon juice or aloe vera gel to get a more penetrating effect on clean skin. It can also be mixed into multani mitti (Fuller Earth) and be used as a face pack on oily types of skin.

Red sandalwood could be used as a mild exfoliator and could be mixed with yoghurt or curd, other than face masks. The use of this mixture once or twice a week clears up impurities and brings soft and clean skin.

Side Effects Of Red Sandalwood For Skin

Although red sandalwood is typically harmless, others will find it uncomfortable. Red sandalwood powder has side effects on the face. The side effects of red sandalwood powder on the face are mostly rare and mild, but they are important to keep in mind.

Some users with sensitive or allergy-prone skin may notice redness, itching, dryness, or small rashes. This is easily experienced when the paste is too powerful or retained longer. There is also a risk of experiencing an allergic reaction in case you are sensitive to natural plant-based items.

To prevent this, get a test patch on the small part of your arm first, before applying to your face. Moreover, do not use the paste on injured or diseased skin or other inflamed areas. It is usually safe to use it once or twice a week, but more frequently will cause it to be dry or irritated.

While red sandalwood has several skin advantages, it must be used properly to avoid any negative consequences or side effects. Here are some measures to consider:

• Patch Test First
• Use in Moderation
• Avoid Open Wounds
• Check for Authenticity

If you have pre-existing skin issues or doubts about using red sandalwood, discuss them with a dermatologist before applying it to your skin.

Bioactive Compounds Of Red Sandalwood

Red sandalwood has many significant compounds that make it have healing and skin-improving abilities. These include:

• Santalin: A red pigment that gives the wood its rich colour and has antioxidant effects.
• Tannins: Help reduce inflammation and tighten the skin.
• Flavonoids: Natural plant chemicals that fight free radicals and help protect the skin from damage.

There is a synergistic effect between these bioactive compounds that lowers oxidative stress, prevents the ageing of skin, and maintains clear and healthy skin. They perform the role of restoring natural balance in the skin and contribute largely to why red sandalwood is such an effective skin care product.

How to Use Red Sandalwood for Glowing Skin?

Using red sandalwood for face care is simple and easy. Some of the methods of its use at home are as follows:

• Red Sandalwood and Rose Water Pack: Mix 1 tablespoon of red sandalwood powder with enough rose water to make a smooth paste. Apply to your face and leave for 15 minutes. Rinse off with cool water. This is great for all skin types and helps to improve skin brightness.

• Red Sandalwood and Milk Pack: For dry skin, add the milk to the powder. It cleanses and at the same time moisturizes your skin.

• Red Sandalwood and Aloe Vera: In case you have acne or pimples, combine it with fresh aloe gel. This is soothing to the skin and is antibacterial.

• Red Sandalwood and Curd Scrub: In order to scrub the skin, use red sandalwood and plain curd. Apply face massage in circular motions and then wash after 10 minutes.

However, you apply it, wash your face first, and spread the paste in a nice, even coating. Best results are achieved upon use once or twice a week. Do not put it too near the eyes or mouth.

Conclusion

Red sandalwood is a natural and strong ingredient with numerous benefits to the skin. It has been the trusted generation after generation and still remains popular in skin care practices today. Using red sandalwood, many skin issues can be resolved without using any chemical products, such as treating acne and removing tan, brightening the skin and lightening dark spots.

When properly and carefully applied, it can be used by any skin type. Individuals desiring to change to herbal or home-based skincare could incorporate the use of red sandalwood in their regimen with ease. It not only enhances the face but also maintains the proper health of the skin in general.

Nevertheless, being anything like any other natural remedy, it needs to be used carefully. It is a good idea to carry out a patch test just in case you have sensitive skin. One or two times per week should be sufficient to observe some visible changes with the passage of time.

In today’s world, where people are looking for safe and chemical-free solutions, the use of red sandalwood offers a natural and effective way to achieve glowing, clear, and healthy skin. When used regularly, in the appropriate way, red sandalwood may serve as an easy but effective addition to your skin routine.