The red sandalwood tree, or Pterocarpus santalinus, grows primarily in India, the Caribbean, and Indonesia. Powder derived from the tree's heartwood--known as Rakta Chandana--is used ayurvedically to smooth and beautify the skin, as well as to treat acne, skin ulcers and rashes. Twenty-four hours before using red sandalwood or products containing it, apply a small amount to the inside of your arm to make sure you are not allergic to any of the ingredients.
Red Sandalwood to Even Skin Tones
To even out a muddy, blotchy, reddened or dull complexion, and to help your skin glow, apply a paste of 5 tsp. of red sandalwood powder, 3 tsp. of almond oil, and 5 tbsp. of coconut milk, rinsing off after 15 minutes with cool water.
Red Sandalwood and Chamomile Tea Anti-Aging Treatment
Mix 4 tsp. of red sandalwood powder with 2 tsp. strong chamomile tea that has been steeped and cooled to make a treatment that may repair and protect skin that has been damaged from too much sun. As well as getting the benefits of chamomile--which has skin-soothing and anti-inflammatory properties--you are also fighting the formation of wrinkle-causing free radicals. According to the Ayurtox website, red sandalwood contains liquiritigenenin and isoliquiritigenin, both potent antioxidants and detoxifiers.
All-Purpose Red Sandalwood Facial Mask
Mix 2 tsp. green gram flour, 1/2 tsp. red sandalwood powder, 1/2 tsp. of neem powder, 1/2 tsp. honey, and enough fresh milk to get a pasty consistency, and apply the mixture to your face for a mask that will soothe, nourish, tighten and clean your skin. Rinse off with cool water after 30 minutes. If your skin is very dry, apply almond oil to your face first.
Sandalwood and Papaya Exfoliating Mask
Mash a ripe, peeled papaya into a pulp, mix in 1 tbsp. of red sandalwood powder, and apply to your face for a cleansing mask. Papaya pulp is a mild natural exfoliant and skin cleaner, and sandalwood has blemish-fighting properties. After 20 minutes, gently scrub the mask away with a washcloth moistened with cool water.
Red Sandalwood Acne Treatment
To treat acne, mix 2 tsp. of red sandalwood powder with 1 tsp. of water and 2 tsp. of honey. In addition to the antioxidant properties of red sandalwood, honey has antibacterial and antiseptic properties.
Soothing Red Sandalwood Massage
Add 1 tsp. of red sandalwood powder to massage oil for a refreshing and moisturizing oil rub that can soothe heat rashes and itchy skin.
Red Sandalwood and Aloe Vera Curl Relaxer
For a natural hair straightener, mix 2 oz. of aloe vera gel with 2 oz. of warmed olive oil and 5 drops sandalwood oil, then apply to hair and leave on for two hours. According to the Love to Know website, sandalwood has curl relaxing, de-frizzing, and moisturizing properties.
Red Sandalwood Hair Rinse
Sandalwood is also used to give shine and body to freshly-shampooed hair. Mix the juice of a ripe orange with a 1/4 cup of water, 1 tbsp. of honey and 5 drops of red sandalwood oil, then apply to damp hair. Rinse out and condition as normal.