Indian Mysore  Sandalwood  oil, stick, powder is used to create healthier, brighter and younger look skin.

Pollution causes a chain reaction of dermatological events. Its noxious gases activate skin cell receptors to produce cytokines and chemokines, causing systemic inflammation and oxidative stress. This damages collagen, which in turn stimulates cortisone production, exacerbating inflammation. Indian Sandalwood oil’s anti-inflammatory and antioxidation properties can potentially help prevent skin damage in the first instance, and repair any damage that has already occurred in the second.

As skin ages it naturally produces cortisol, which increases inflammation of the skin tissue. Indian sandalwood oil is reported to block the activity of crucial inflammatory enzymes while stimulating the activity of a deactivating enzyme. A clinical trial of the in-vitro anti-inflammatory impacts of  indian sandalwood oil revealed startling results: over 75% of the paediatric patients with atopic dermatitis showed a 50% improvement in visual symptoms upon applying a formulation containing sandalwood oil.

Collagen is a major protein in the skin connective tissue, essential for maintaining the shape and texture of skin. Antioxidant proteins help to protect collagen from oxidation – a major cause of wrinkles and lack of skin firmness. Indian sandalwood oil is believed to ‘supercharge’ the production of proteins that stop the oxidation process and reverse associated damage.2

Dark spots and pigmentation or sunspots are another major sign of ageing skin caused by an over-production of melanin. Sandalwood oil reportedly inhibits the major enzymes producing melanin, reducing discolouration and brightening the skin.

Whilst Indian Sandalwood oil does not block UV or blue light emitted by digital screens, it does help repair the damage, inflammation and skin pigmentation caused post-exposure.

Mind

Indian sandalwood is renowned for its use in relaxation and meditation. So how does something so calming also promote alertness, focus and vigour?

A study observing the physiological and mental/emotional impact of sandalwood discovered that whilst the oil acts as a relaxant physically, it is a stimulant behaviourally. The greater the decrease in systolic blood pressure, the higher the subjective rating of alertness.4 The same study shows that fragrance molecules positively interact with glutamate receptors in the brain, which play an important role in learning and memory.

Sandalwood has a long history of use in meditation, yoga and worship for its ability to clear the mind. Sandalwood oil is also used in aromatherapy to promote a sense of calm, relieving anxiety and tension.

It is a proven relaxant, decreasing anxiety and calming the nervous system, and assisting with better quality sleep. Its benefits are realised upon inhalation of the sweet woody fragrance or when absorbed through the skin.

According to studies, the alpha-santalol in sandalwood oil relaxes and sedates the nervous system. It is reported to act in a similar way to anti-anxiety medication, interacting with receptors in the brain that regulate anxiety.4

Relaxation methods include using sandalwood oil in a diffuser, burning the oil, using sandalwood incense sticks or a massage oil.

Emotional eating generally occurs when people turn to food as a way of dealing with uncomfortable emotions. Studies show that inhaling sandalwood oil causes a reaction with brain receptors, eliciting feelings of calm and suppressing negative emotions, thereby reducing the desire to eat. As muscles in the body relax, digestion improves.

Aroma Sandalwood blends well with Basil, Benzoin, Black Pepper, Cypress, Frankincense, Geranium, Jasmine, Lavender, Lemon, Myrrh, Neroli, Palmarosa, Rose, Vetivert, Ylang Ylang.

As with all essential oils we do not recommend using Sandalwood during pregnancy.