How to Make a Cucumber Tea and Lemon Face Mask for Sun Damaged Skin

It is common knowledge that we should all wear sunscreen religiously and avoid exposure to the sun whenever we can to avoid skin cancer. Sun damage is also the leading cause of skin aging and wrinkling. However, we often forget sunscreen or it wears off before we realize it leaving us with sun damaged, aching and not very good looking skin.

I developed the following skin soothing face mask to combat sun damage and wrinkles while helping sooth the pain of sun burn. This recipe is similar to one Cleopatra used to combat skin damage from the hot Egyptian sun and maintain her legendary good looks.

You will need the following containers and implements to prepare this recipe: one large mixing bowl capable of holding at least two cups of liquid; one large plastic stirring spoon; 1 soft washcloth; 3 tablespoons; vegetable peeler; 2 teaspoons

You will also need the following ingredients and implements to prepare this recipe: 2 peeled and sliced cucumbers; 1 teaspoon brewed tea; 1 tsp. cornstarch; 2 tablespoons lemon juice; 1 pint of whipped cream (not low fat); 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 tbsp. runny honey

Begin making this recipe by taking two ripe cucumbers and peeling and slicing them. Place the prepared cucumbers in the mixing bowl and mash them with a fork until they resembles a gritty paste. You can also use a blender or mixer and blend the cucumber for 1 minute.

Next heat the honey in its container under hot water until it is runny and then add 1 tbsp. of it to the cucumber.

Brew some hot tea and add 1 tablespoon of it to the cucumber and honey. Stir the blend for about a minute until the mixture is uniform.

Next, add all remaining ingredients to the blend taking care to stir the face mask well after each addition.

After you have added all of the ingredients stir the face mask until it is smooth and uniform then put it in the refrigerator and allow it to cool for twenty minutes before using.

To use this mask first clean your face with a cleanser of your choice.

After cleansing your face apply a thick layer of the mask to your face. Its best to apply this mask when you have about an hour to let it work. It also works better if you lie down and avoid movement, just resting while the mask does its job.

Use a soft, warm and wet washcloth to remove the mask using small circular motions. Splash cold water on your face to remove the rest of the mask and close your pores.

Preparing the recipe with the stated proportions will yield about 1 1/2 cups, enough for two masks. You can store the prepared face mask in a sealed container in the refrigerator for two days.

Cucumber is excellent for skin and also works well at relieving the pain of sun burn. The tannic acid contained in the tea added to the blend will help tighten, tone and clean skin. The lemon juice is mildly astringent for gentle cleansing; it also contains alpha hydroxyl acid which is good for wrinkle reduction.

Please note that many natural ingredients can cause allergic reactions in people that use them. Avoid any ingredients that you know you are allergic to and discontinue using any formulations that cause skin irritation, hives or other signs of an allergic reaction.