Very few pubescent had escaped growing up years without getting poke-marked by acne. Considered to be one of the most dreaded skin maladies by teens and those in their early twenties, acne can actually extend its horrific infestation up to adulthood causing equally horrifying breakouts, scarring, and hyper-pigmentation. Fortunately, there are natural and safe items that can eliminate acne and its poke-marked residue –
sandalwood and turmeric. Are sandalwood and turmeric paste good for acne? Read on to find out.
Unraveling Sandalwood’s Benefit to Skin
Sandalwood powder and oil are considered age-old remedies for skin ailments in Ayurveda, the oldest system of medicine across the globe. Aside from acne, it also treats other skin conditions like burns, rashes, cuts, psoriasis, eczema, and many more. It contains antimicrobial properties hence, earning huge points as a potent herbal antiseptic in fending off bacteria. It also helps to regulate the production of sebum, oily secretion on the skin’s sebaceous glands, which often block pores of the skin leading to pimples, blackheads, and much worst, acne breakouts. Sandalwood also contains antiviral, bactericidal and anti-cancer properties.
It is no wonder that sandalwood has been a staple ingredient in many skincare products. From lotions to soaps, body wash, aftershave, cologne, day and night creams, and many more, sandalwood in both powder and oil form have always been lauded for their potent skincare benefits particularly in preventing and eliminating acne as well as its equally horrendous scars and post-acne hyper-pigmentation.
So, whether in powder or oil form, sandalwood is known to carry potent antimicrobial, antiviral, bactericidal and anti-cancer properties for effective skincare. While sandalwood alone may effectively fight acne, dermatological experts strongly recommend adding turmeric powder to the equation for added potency.
Turmeric’s Own Skincare Prowess
Turmeric has always been a popular condiment in many households. They give that extra color, texture, and zing to your curry recipe. But aside from its delectable pizzazz, this ginger-related herbaceous root is also a potent anti-acne treatment as either a standalone element or when mixed with sandalwood.
According to various test-tube tests and actual acne treatments, turmeric powder contains antibacterial and anti-fungal properties bent on killing microorganisms which cause breakouts on the skin. It contains curcumin which is rich in anti-inflammatory properties. This compound helps to reduce, if not eliminate, swelling, redness, and pain as well as prevent pus or abscess from developing. Aside from that, turmeric is also known to exhibit potent anti-oxidants, antiseptic, analgesic, anti-tumor, anti-allergic, and astringent properties. It removes free radicals and prevents deposition of infectious bacteria, like the P. acnes bacteria, on the skin to eliminate acne breakouts as well as its recurrence.
Today, further studies reveal that Turmeric’s curcumin helps inhibit mTor-pathway signaling. Take note that mTor (mammalian target of rapamycin) helps regulate sebum production, skin inflammation, and cell growth—all aspects of acne— thus, making turmeric a key that unlocks the full potential of acne’s master regulator.
Creating Your Own Anti-Acne Essential
Are sandalwood and turmeric paste good for acne? Well, at the rate the abovementioned facts are going, it cannot be denied that combining two powerful elements also mean twice the potency. If you are battling acne, acne scars or hyper-pigmentation, or dreading the idea of a breakout, it only goes to show that you are looking for a tested sandalwood-turmeric paste for acne.
Here are two of the time-tested and considered the safest recipes trusted by many:
1. Turmeric + sandalwood + rosewater
Simply mix ½ teaspoon of turmeric powder to ½ teaspoon of sandalwood powder bind by 1 tablespoon rosewater to create a paste-like mask. Apply to the arm first to check for allergies. If none, apply to the face, neck, nape, chest and back or areas where acne is evident. Leave it on for 20 to 30 minutes. Rinse thoroughly using lukewarm water. Whisk cold water after thorough rinsing to bind moisture in.
Or you may also try this age-defying anti-acne regimen.
2. Sandalwood + Turmeric + Milk
Mix ½ tablespoon turmeric powder with 2 tablespoons of sandalwood powder. Add enough milk (almond milk or skim milk) to make a paste. Apply paste to the affected areas and leave for 30 minutes to be absorbed. Once the paste is dried up and started to flake, rinse with lukewarm water then, with cold water. Pat dry.
So, is sandalwood and turmeric paste good for acne? Yes, it is! The key, however, is to use authentic sandalwood and turmeric powder and oil products. It cannot be helped that due to the popularity of these two many unscrupulous individuals take advantage of the market’s vulnerability. So, if you want your sandalwood and turmeric anti-acne paste to be effective, choose your base products well by buying from trusted entities in the market.