How to Make Natural Sunscreen Using Green Tea

Green tea isn't just for drinking - it can also be used to make sunscreen.

Summer means fun in the sun, whether at the local park, beach, or backyard. Facial skin is thinner and more prone to exposure, making it crucial that this area is covered with sunscreen every day. Green tea is a safe, effective and inexpensive ingredient available to make a homemade sunscreen ideal for the face. Green tea will also help prevent the skin on the face drying out, which will help prevent acne outbreaks.

Things You'll Need

• 2 cups water
• Small saucepan
• Colander
• Cotton balls
• Air-tight container

Instructions

1. Pour 2 cups of water into a small saucepan.

2. Bring the water to a simmer over medium heat.

3. Add 1/2 cup green tea leaves to the water. Allow the leaves to simmer for 5 to 10 minutes.

4. Remove the saucepan from the heat and pour the water through a colander. Keep the liquids and discard the used green tea leaves.

5. Allow the liquid to cool completely.

6. Wet a cotton ball with the liquid and rub it over your face and neck. Wash your face and allow it to dry before applying the green tea. Store any unused liquid in an air-tight container.

7. Repeat rubbing your face with the green tea sunscreen every morning.

Tips & Warnings

• Use the green tea sunscreen before any moisturizer or makeup is applied.

References

• Skin Care iHub: Natural Sunscreen Recipes; June 2010
• Fat Free Kitchen: Natural Sunscreen
• The Skin Cancer Foundation: The SCFs Guide to Sunscreens