Top 5 Benefits Madagascar’s natural sunscreen Masonjoany

For the women of Madagascar, masonjoany or Malagasy sandalwood has been a part of their tradition for a long time now. The western coast of the island is home to these endemic shrubs called masonjoany or Enterospermum madagascariensis. Sakalava and Vezo women decorate their faces with masonjoany paste as a part of their rituals and customs. However, the masonjoany mask serves more than any simple ritualistic purpose. Malagasy women use masonjoany as a natural sunscreen to safeguard themselves from the tropical sun.

Importance of Sunscreens.

It is not unknown today how much damage solar UV exposure can do to human skin. Known as the ‘burning rays’, the skin burn potency of UV rays is higher than you can imagine. Prolonged or chronic exposure to UV radiation can cause several skin disorders like photoaging and photocarcinogenesis. Due to the effects of photoaging, your skin might look wrinkly, dry and leathery. The ageing spots on the skin are the direct result of chronic UV exposure.

On the other hand, photocarcinogenesis is more severe as it refers to the development of skin cancer. The photoprotection of organic sunscreen like masonjoany helps Malagasy women avoid all those health hazards. They use this homemade sunscreen daily to protect them from the harsh sun of the region. 

The History of Masonjoany or Malagasy sandalwood.

Masonjoany has been used on the west side of Madagascar Island for centuries. However, the older generation has passed on its usage to the next generation so when Indian traders visited the island, masonjoany got its start.

During the 9th century, the island of Nosy be was often visited by the Arabs. As a result, the Arab traders gave the island “Assada” or “Sada”. These frequent visits led to establishing a trading post in Mahilaka, an early town in north-western Madagascar. Gradually, they had a counter in the port city of today’s Marodoka. Since then, Indian traders have visited the port city for trading purposes. They introduced sandalwood to the Malagasy people, who began to use it as potent sun protection in their skincare routine.

Benefits of Masonjoany or Malagasy Sandalwood:

1. Protects against UV radiation:

Solar UV rays can penetrate the outer layer of human skin and give birth to so many skin disorders. Skin tanning is a sign of the skin’s reaction to those harmful rays. Masonjoany has natural SPF that blocks harmful UV radiation and protects your skin. In addition, the photoprotective properties of masonjoany can be used to eliminate the effects of UV radiation on exposed skin.

2. Reduces wrinkles and age spots:

The visible effects of sunburn on your skin are wrinkles and age spots. Photoaging results from UV overexposure and can make your skin look dry, dull, leathery and full of wrinkles. Masonjoany, with its natural properties, protects skin from sunburn and reduces all the signs of sun damage from the skin. It can give you wrinkle-free, spot-free and younger looking skin naturally.

3. Treats inflammation and wounds:

Inflammation and wounds on the skin due to environmental stress are widespread these days, especially in harsh tropical regions. The anti-inflammatory properties in Malagasy sandalwood can have healing effects on skin inflammation and wounds. In addition, it can soothe your skin and eliminate irritation like rashes and insect bites by taking care of the inflammation.

4. Detoxifies your skin:

Detoxification of your skin is highly required regularly as your skin can accumulate toxins very quickly. Masonjoany deep cleanses your face and removes toxins from it. As a result, it reduces the chances of getting acne and other skin disorders like psoriasis and eczema. 

5. Evens skin tone:

Chronic exposure to UV pollution can give your skin tan leading to uneven skin tone and dark spots. The healing properties in Malagasy sandalwood block UV rays and regulate melanin pigmentation. So, it can take away all the skin tan and marks from your skin. In addition, it works as an anti-ageing and gives you tight skin with a lighter tone.

How to make a natural sunscreen for the face with Malagasy sandalwood?

The women of Madagascar make natural sunscreen from masonjoany very quickly and conveniently. All they use are a piece of heartwood, a stone and a little water. They rub the piece of wood against the rock with some splashes of water. Through this process, they obtain a paste that they apply to their face. Malagasy women paint flowers and other designs with this paste on their faces. They take off this mask only in the evening to get smoother and spotless skin. Check out our ultimate guide on uses and Importance of sandalwood.

Masonjoany is also sold in powder form. You can easily make a paste out of the powder by adding some lukewarm water to it. You can apply it to your face before going to bed and let it sit overnight. In the morning, wash it off with water, and you will see the visible effects. You can also find a natural sunblock with masonjoany powder in it for adequate UV protection.

If you already do not know about such natural sunscreen products, Purplle has some of the best natural sunscreen products for you. Feeling lazy to run a search? Here are some of our recommendations:

Best Natural Sunscreen Product Available @Purplle

1. Biotique Bio Sandalwood Sunscreen:

Customer Rating: 4.2 / 5

Net Volume: 120ml

This SPF50+ sunscreen uses natural ingredients like sandalwood, saffron, wheat germ, honey and Arjun bark to make potent protection against UV rays. The broad-spectrum sunscreen shields from both UVA and UVB radiation, giving it even more value as natural sun protection.

Explore: Biotique Face Sunscreen

2. Jovees sun cover Natural Protection Sandalwood SPF 30 

Customer Rating: 4.4 / 5

Net Volume: 100g

Jovees Sandalwood Natural Sun Cover is high strength non greasy formulation that helps guard skin against the damaging effects of UVA and UVB rays. It is absorbed remarkably well and will not get wiped off with perspiration. It shall also help in improving skin's overall well being

Explore: Jovees Face Sunscreen

3. Ayuga 2% Chandanam Sunscreen SPF 50/PA+++ with Sandalwood

Customer Rating: N/A

Net Volume: 50g

2% Chandanam Skin Brightening Sunscreen shields your skin from harmful UVA and UVB rays, keeping sun damage at bay. It is extremely moisturizing and penetrates deep into the skin to improve hydration levels, making skin soft, supple and plump.

Explore: Ayuga Face Sunscreen

Conclusion:

Masonjoany is an integral part of the lives of Salakava women for both its ritualistic values and cosmetic values. It protects them from the region’s scorching solar exposure. Malagasy women also add natural colors to their masonjoany and paint flowers with it on their faces. So, masonjoany is not only a natural sunscreen to them. It also gives them an aesthetic look. People of western Madagascar also invite tourists to paint their faces. Over time, masonjoany has transcended the status of a mere cosmetic product, and become a part of their art, culture and tradition. Do check out the sunscreen lotions for all skin types.

Read More 
- Sunscreen Lotions For All Skin Type