Tomato For Skin: Benefits And How To Use

Tomato is a versatile ingredient when it comes to natural and organic skin care. Its lipophilic or oil soluble compounds like lycopene and Vitamin E protect and repair skin from photo damage, and its hydrophilic or water soluble compounds like flavonoids and Vitamin C protect skin against oxidative stress and prevent dullness.

Here are some more benefits of eating and applying tomato for skin care –

SKIN BENEFITS OF EATING TOMATO

• It repairs sun damage
  Carotenoids such as lycopene and lutein found in tomatoes are not just responsible for its red color, but they also protect our skin against UV damage, and repair photo-damaged skin.

• It is anti-inflammatory
  Polyphenols, anthocyanins and ascorbic acid found in tomatoes have been clinically proven to reduce inflammation in the body through a diet rich in tomatoes.

• It brightens skin tone
  According to a study, oral consumption of carotenoids such as lutein and zeaxanthin found in tomatoes brightens skin tone and significantly reduces the appearance of hyperpigmentation and spots.
  
  Lycopene and anthocyanins in tomatoes promote an even complexion, and naturally-exfoliating enzymes in tomato reduce the appearance of sun tan.

• It reduces acne
  Phenolics such as tannins found in tomatoes provide anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial benefits to the skin and in turn reduce bacterial acne.

• It prevents dehydration
  Research indicates that potassium in tomatoes keeps skin hydrated, and reduces the chances of atopic dermatitis caused by dry skin.

• It has anti-ageing properties
  Flavonoids in tomato such as resveratrol and catechins prevent cellular degeneration of skin and protect the body against environmental stressors and early ageing.

• It is rich in antioxidants
  The vitamins, carotenoids, phenolic compounds and phenolic acid present in tomatoes neutralize free radicals and protect our skin from oxidative stress.

• It is rich in Vitamin C
  Tomato is a highly bioavailable source of Vitamin C. L-ascorbic acid and dehydroascorbic acid are the main dietary forms of Vitamin C found in tomatoes. They moisturize our skin, promote wound-healing in open sores, prevent skin fatigue and enhance skin tone.

• It is rich in Vitamin A
  Tomato is rich in provitamin A carotenoids like beta-carotene and beta-cryptoxanthin which support the immune function and antioxidant defense in our body while also promoting skin and bone health.

• It is rich in Vitamin E
  Tocopherol or Vitamin E is the most abundant vitamin in tomatoes. Its synergy with ascorbic acid is found to provide greater protection against inflammation and increased antioxidant activity in the skin.

HOW TO USE TOMATO FOR SKIN CARE?

DIY tomato and cucumber facial toner

Tomato juice is a natural astringent. This means that it contracts skin cells and promotes youthful skin. It also improves the appearance of pores.

• Take a small tomato and half a small cucumber. Wash and pulse them together to get the pulp. Strain the pulp in a clean bowl to get the juices.
• Cleanse your face and neck using your preferred cleanser from our wide range of organic face washes and soap bars. Pat your skin dry with a soft towel.
• Dip a cotton round in the juice blend and squeeze out the excess.
• Swipe your face and neck with the cotton round to tone your skin.

DIY tomato face pack for skin brightening 

• Take 1 teaspoon French Green Clay in a bowl. You may also use our Kakadu Plum, Matcha and Blood Orange Vitamin C Rich Face Mask for added face brightening benefits.
• Add enough tomato pulp to make a spreadable paste.
• Apply a thin layer of this paste on your face and neck. Leave it for 10 minutes.
• Rinse off gently with lukewarm water and pat your skin dry with a soft towel.

THINGS TO REMEMBER WHILE USING TOMATO REMEDIES

DO’S –

• Patch test every new ingredient and product on your inner arm before applying it to your face.
• Discontinue using ingredients or products that cause sensitivity, rash, itching or redness on your skin.
• Moisturize your skin after using tomato for toning and masking to complete the regime.
• While using remedies or products containing ingredients that are brightening or clarifying in nature, prevent sun exposure as much as possible for gaining maximum benefits from these ingredients. Use our Camellia and Red Raspberry Certified Natural Sunscreen to protect your skin from the sun.
• Be consistent with your chosen remedy and routine. Natural ingredients often work slowly, but steadily.

DON’TS –

• Do not use ingredients that you are allergic to.
• Natural ingredients are gentle. But it is important not to overdo masking to keep the skin barrier intact. Stick to masking once or twice a week.
• Do not use stale tomato. Natural ingredients give maximum results when they are used fresh.
• Do not make the tomato juice or mask in bulk and store it in the refrigerator. Products containing moisture can be a breeding ground for bacteria.
• Do not apply too much pressure on your skin while toning and masking, especially if you have active acne or bumps on your face. Be gentle.

JUICY CHEMISTRY PRODUCTS MADE WITH TOMATO EXTRACT

Potato, Tomato and Lemongrass Organic Soap
Juicy Chemistry’s Potato, Tomato & Lemongrass Organic Soap is formulated with saponified Olive and Coconut Oils and Shea and Mango seed butters that nourish and repair skin barrier.

It has Potato and Tomato extracts to reduce the appearance of tan, and Lemongrass, Bergamot and Tulsi Essential Oils to soothe inflammation and improve skin tone and texture.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

• Can the Potato, Tomato and Lemongrass Organic Soap be used on the face?
  Yes. Our natural soaps are handmade with organic plant oils that cleanse gently and leave the skin moisturized. They are gentle on your face as well as your body.

• How long does it take to show results?
  Our skin experiences months of wear and tear before it starts showing signs for concern. Hence, time taken by any natural remedy to show visible results depends on how deep the concern goes into your skin.

When it comes to using natural ingredients for face brightening, scar healing or reducing sun damage, consistency and patience are key.

REFERENCES

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6482986/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3972926/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5063591/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22464763/