WHAT IS SANDALWOOD? 

Sandalwood comes from a class of woods from the genus Santalum, it is native to Southern India and Southeast Asia. Sandalwood is dubbed as the most expensive wood in the world because of its capability to retain its fragrance for decades. This yellow, fine-grained, aromatic wood is highly regarded because of its aroma and cosmetic benefits.

WHAT IS SANDALWOOD OIL? 

Historically, Sandalwood oil is used for religious and cultural beliefs and practices but now, it is gaining popularity because of its soothing and enriching benefits. Sandalwood oil is perfect to energise and moisturise skin. Sandalwood oil is incorporated in various products such as perfumes, cosmetics and air fresheners but its potential doesn’t end there, as it is also great for aromatherapy and body massages.

WHAT IS THE FRAGRANCE OF SANDALWOOD OIL? 

Sandalwood oil is a valuable essential oil because of its ability to retain its fragrance for decades. It is characterised to have a sweet, decadent, balsamic, and woody scent.

HOW IS SANDALWOOD OIL EXTRACTED? 

Sandalwood oil can be extracted in two ways: one is the conventional method, where the plant undergoes a distillation process second is the cold process, both ways have beneficial uses.

Hydro distillation: The powered wood is soaked in water, then water is then brought to a boil until the essential oil separates and rise to the surface. This method takes long hours and consumes a huge volume of water.

Steam distillation: In steam distillation, the wood powder is passed through extreme temperature until it produces steam and oil that will be funneled and stored into a condenser. Once cooled, sandalwood hydrosol and sandalwood essential oils are obtained.

WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT VARIETIES OF SANDALWOOD? 

It is important to know the different kinds of Sandalwood, as they are used for different purposes. Now, we will discuss the different kinds of Sandalwood.

White, True, or Indian Sandalwood: This is the most common Sandalwood, Santalum album, the tree is native to India and yields premium-quality Sandalwood oil. White Sandalwood is also propagated in Australia. (This is the one we sell) 

Australian Sandalwood: Santalum spicatum, is a vital part of the culture of the aboriginal people in Australia. Oil extracted from the Australian Sandalwood is commonly used in aromatherapy products.

Hawaiian Sandalwood:Also known as “ilahi”, this tree is native to Hawaii. Unfortunately, this kind of Sandalwood is already listed as endangered by the Hawaii State legislature because of over-harvesting and exploitation.

Fiji Sandalwood: Native to Fiji, Tonga, and Niue, extracts from this tree is used for perfumes, cosmetics, incense, and other religious practices. Locals call it “yasi.”

SANDALWOOD OIL AS MASSAGE TREATMENT

• For skin hydration: Sandalwood oil has great hydration properties, especially for people with dry skin. Sandalwood oil has powerful hydrating effects on your epidermis fostering ultimate nourishment. It deeply penetrates the skin to deliver intense moisture.
• For skin rejuvenation: Sandalwood oil has mild astringent properties that can naturally gently tone and tighten the skin minimising the appearance of wrinkles.
• For skin soothing: Sandalwood oil boasts to have incomparable ability to recharge your skin giving you a smoother and more even skin tone.

BENEFITS OF SANDALWOOD OIL TO YOUR SKIN

Anti-ageing properties: Rich in anti-oxidants, Sandalwood oil helps the skin fight free radicals from the external environment preventing the premature formation of wrinkles.

Lighten scars and soften the skin: Upon regular application, Sandalwood oil can do wonders in making your unwanted marks lighten or even disappear! Apply an ample amount on the affected area and see the magic happen. In addition, while Sandalwood oil is at work renewing affected skin, it also acts as a catalyst to soften your skin. Leaving it gentle to touch.

Anti-tanning properties: How tan is too tan? Other people have no problem getting the best results for their natural tan during the summer season. Unfortunately for others, that is not the case, some get tanned at a faster rate. Sandalwood oil is great to prevent skin’s fast reaction to the sun thus, giving you a balanced bronzed complexion.

Prevents premature aging and oxidative stress: Sandalwood oil contains natural enzymes that do wonders in protecting the skin to experience premature ageing.

Saves your skin from prickly heat: It is common knowledge that Australia has extreme heat patterns thus, causing various reactions on the skin. Sandalwood oil is a great way to gently improve the skin from prickly heat due to the scorching weather. Coming from natural resources, this essential oil is safe to use (in conjunction with a carrier oil) for all age groups, including babies.

Prevents pimples and acne: Sandalwood oil is potent in the prevention of acne and pimples. It has the active compound alpha-santalol that helps clean the pores and lessen skin breakouts as well as improve skin complexion.

Glowing and moisturised Skin: Sandalwood oil constitutes a natural skin whitening agent that makes skin complexion glow and radiates. It is also great in locking in moisture and hydrating the skin.

Dark circles around the eyes: Not everybody is blessed with camera-ready beauty, some need to deal with spots and dark under-eye circles amidst, the relentless effort to get enough hours of sleep. Don’t fret! Sandalwood oil is here to the rescue, packed with astringent properties, regular application of Sandalwood oil reduces unwanted and dark circles.

Maintains skin oil balance: The great thing about the function of Sandalwood oil in balancing the skin’s oil production is that it does not disrupt or destabilise the natural process of oil production on the skin.

Minimise large pores: The constituents that make up Sandalwood oil have several natural skincare uses. They help tighten the skin’s pores and minimise the contraction of skin breakouts.

SANDALWOOD OIL BENEFITS FOR YOUR HAIR 

Aside from fair complexion and smooth skin, Sandalwood oil also works magic on your hair and scalp problems. It covers concerns from itchy scalp, dandruff, damaged hair, dry hair to hair growth. Sandalwood essential oil does its job to moisturise, replenish and restore your scalp, hair and roots. An effective way to incorporate Sandalwood oil into your daily hair care routine is to put a few drops to the shampoo and conditioner of your choice, daily.

WAYS TO USE SANDALWOOD OIL

Direct skin massage: It is recommended to dilute sandalwood oil with other essential oils especially for people with hypersensitive skin. A blend of Jojoba oil and sandalwood essential oil can prevent adverse skin reactions. It is also best to do a patch test before using Sandalwood oil.

• Tips on conducting a proper patch test-Find a patch of skin to test on, make sure that it is thoroughly cleansed before applying Sandalwood oil. Put a small amount to test your skin’s reaction to the product. Observe for 24 hours, if itching, redness or discomfort is felt, it is recommended not to use it. If severe reactions occur consult your doctor.

Massage oil: Sandalwood essential oil fosters a full and heavenly massage experience that soothes and moisturises the skin. You can mix a few drops of Sandalwood essential oil with the massage oil of your preference.

Steam inhalations: Sandalwood oil steam inhalation is performed for two purposes: first is for respiratory reasons and the second is for facial treatment. 

• Procedure on how to do a proper steam inhalation - Add a few drops of Sandalwood essential oil into steaming water. Transfer the steaming water into a bowl or any container (do not use plastic as heat reacts to plastic). Place your head over the stream, to get maximum benefits on this procedure. Make sure the steam does not escape. Use a towel to cover your face and head, to keep the steam inside. Inhale the steam.

OILS THAT BLEND WELL WITH SANDALWOOD OIL

As a standalone essential oil, Sandalwood smells sweet, woody, and balsamic. Did you know that Sandalwood essential oil blends well with other essential oils and carrier oils in the market? It blends well when diffused with other essential oils.

What is amazing with Sandalwood essential oil is that it matches well with different varieties of oils. The following categories are the different kinds of oil you can blend with Sandalwood essential oil.

• Floral: lavender, jasmine, geranium, hyacinth.
• Oriental: patchouli, vanilla, mandarin.
• Woodsy: cedar, frankincense.
• Spicy: ginger, neroli, nutmeg.
• Citrus: grapefruit, lemon, orange.

Now, let us look into it more. The following are just some of the best blends you can get from Sandalwood essential oil.

Rose oil: A blend of Rose and Sandalwood essential oil can create an ancient mixture of ittar or what others call attar. It is a mixture used in the past by ancient civilizations to incorporate in their perfume and medicine. The Sandalwood essential oil and Rose oil blend have a floral character with a tinge of oak distinction. It feels soft and supple as well. This mixture is used for skincare concerns and to ignite romance.

 

Frankincense oil: Both have strong essences but when mixed they create a mellow aroma. Sandalwood essential oil and Frankincense essential oil counterbalances each other’s intensity and creates a harmonious, rich and timeless aroma you will never forget. This mixture is best used during massage sessions.

Myrrh oil: If you are a fan of the Sandalwood essential oil aroma you will surely enjoy how Myrrh highlights the exotic scent of Sandalwood. The mixture of Sandalwood essential oil and Myrrh exudes an exotic and oaky fragrance you will surely enjoy. This combination has various skincare and other benefits.

Ylang Ylang oil: Sandalwood essential oil and Ylang-Ylang might be an unlikely pair, but when mixed they form a great synergy of aroma. Rich, floral, elegant, and exquisite are the definitions of this concoction, a smell you’ll keep looking for. Sandalwood oil and Ylang Ylang essential oil are like a long-awaited vacation, a miracle potion in a bottle. This essential mix accentuates your skin’s natural beauty, boosting moisture and plumpness on the skin as well as revitalising and energising benefits.

In addition, Sandalwood essential oil also blends well with other ambient scents like forest rain, neroli citron, and orange sage.

TAKE AWAY 

Sandalwood essential oil truly embodies its characteristic as much loved and versatile. Not only is it highly regarded in various cultures and religions but it is also very adaptable when mixed with other oils and extracts. We can also smell the powerful fragrance of Sandalwood in various ambient fragrances that are olfactorily pleasing and relaxing. Indeed, Sandalwood oil has proven its value during ancient times and now in the 21^st Century, it has showcased its capabilities and uses.

Sandalwood essential oil is a mixture of sweet and tough. Having a soft floral scent but at the same time balsamic and woody, this essential oil is something we should have. So, what are you waiting for? Don’t wait long to get your bottle of heaven on earth.