how to apply red sandalwood on face - #25560

Applying red sandalwood on your face can indeed be beneficial, especially for issues like breakouts and dullness. You’re not alone in finding the process a bit overwhelming, so let’s break it down to simple steps. First, red sandalwood, or 'Rakta Chandan' in Ayurveda, is known for its cooling, soothing, and anti-inflammatory properties. It's especially beneficial for pacifying excess Pitta dosha which can lead to skin irritation. To create a basic red sandalwood mask, start by mixing one teaspoon of red sandalwood powder with either water, rose water, or milk. Adjust the liquid until you get a paste-like consistency, neither too thick nor too runny. If your skin is dry, using milk can be more nourishing. For oily skin, rose water is refreshing. For additional benefits, incorporating a few drops of natural oils like coconut or almond can provide extra hydration, but use sparingly. A teaspoon of honey can also be mixed in for its moisturizing and antibacterial properties. Adding lemon juice, as you did, can be helpful but be cautious, its acidity might irritate especially sensitive skin. Apply the paste gently on your face, avoiding the sensitive eye area. Let it sit for about 15 to 20 minutes before rinsing off with lukewarm water. Pat your skin dry with a soft towel, and follow up with a moisturizer appropriate for your skin type. It’s best to use the mask 2-3 times a week. Daily use may be too much, possibly irritating or drying out your skin. Observe how your skin responds, that way you can adjust frequency if needed. About application timing, evening time can be ideal because your skin repairs overnight, but daytime is also fine if it suits your routine. If after a few weeks your skin feels irritated or unusually dry, it might be reacting to the combination used or frequency of application, in that case, stop use and consider further consultation. Always perform a patch test before full application to ensure you don’t have any adverse reactions.