Valerie Ann Worwood, in "The Complete Book of Essential Oils and Aromatherapy," writes that essential oils are extremely beneficial as facial oils. According to Julia Lawless, in "The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Essential Oils,"sandalwood (Santalum album) oil is primarily composed of alcohols. Shirley Price, in "Aromatherapy Workbook," writes that alcohols do not normally cause skin irritation and are good general tonics. Sandalwood essential oil is believed to be a skin tonic, moisturizing, antiseptic and decongestant in its actions. Consult a qualified health professional before using sandalwood oil for facial care.
Moisturizing Benefits
Shirley and Len Price, in "Aromatherapy for Health Professionals," list one of the benefits of sandalwood oil as moisturizing for dry skin. Dry skin occurs when the sebaceous glands do not produce enough oil to keep the skin soft. Worwood recommends blending sandalwood oil, together with hyssop, bois de rose and German chamomile oils, in a carrier oil base, and to use it as a daily moisturizer for dry skin.
Antiseptic Benefits
Lawless writes that sandalwood essential oil is beneficial to treat cracked skin and to calm skin rashes, particularly "barber's rash." Sandalwood oil is believed to possess antiseptic properties, in addition to anti-viral and antibacterial properties. These properties help to calm red, itchy skin that may appear on the face due to dry skin, bacteria, heat or other diseases.
Benefits as a Skin Tonic
Skin tonics are used as part of a daily skin care routine to reduce oily skin, to stimulate circulation and to calm open pores. Worwood recommends making a skin tonic of sandalwood oil and palmarosa oil, in a base of rosewater, for the treatment of dry skin. Make the blend 24 hours prior to use to allow the ingredients time to mix. In addition, remember to use a reduce quantity of essential oils for facial care. Worwood recommends just one drop of each essential oil to 3 oz of rosewater base.
Decongestant Benefits
Sandalwood essential oil is also believed to be a decongestant for the skin. Price and Price list sandalwood oil as a decongestant in the treatment of acne and other skin problems. Use sandalwood oil in a cleansing blend to help to rid the skin of unwanted toxins that may block pores and cause skin problems. Worwood recommends adding sandalwood essential oil to a cocoa butter cleanser base.
Skin Benefits
Sandalwood essential oil is believed to be beneficial for all skin types. Patricia Davis, in "Aromatherapy: An A-Z," writes that sandalwood oil is both useful to dry, dehydrated skin and oily skin. Sandalwood oil is moisturizing, astringent and antiseptic, due to its chemical make-up, and therefore is a good oil for all types of skin care.
References
- "The Complete Book of Essential Oils and Aromatherapy"; Valerie Ann Worwood; 1991
- "The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Essential Oils"; Julia Lawless; 1995
- "Aromatherapy Workbook"; Shirley Price; 2000
- "Aromatherapy for Health Professionals"; Shirley Price, Len Price; 2002
- "Aromatherapy: An A-Z"; Patricia Davis; 1999
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