Raechele Cochran Gathers, MD It’s pretty common knowledge that eating tomatoes is good for your health. This super-fruit (though we typically think of it as a vegetable) is vitamin rich, and is a good source of folate, vitamin A, potassium and vitamin C. Tomatoes also contain an antioxidant called lycopene, which has been linked to health benefits such as a reduced risk of heart disease and some types of cancer. Because tomatoes are rich in antioxidants, tomato infused skincare might also benefit the health and look of your skin.
Potential Benefits of Tomato Infused Skincare
Some people claim that tomatoes have benefits for the skin such as clarifying, rejuvenating, evening the skin tone and reducing signs of aging. Here are some possible benefits of including tomato in your skincare routine.
Reduction in UV Damage
Tomato infused skincare is not a substitute for a good sunscreen. But the lycopene rich tomato might help your skin cells ward off damage from sunlight. One study found that after regular ingestion of tomato derived products rich in lycopene, study subjects had a decrease in sun induced redness and sensitivity.
Protection Against Free Radicals
Free radicals are formed by pollution, exposure to toxins and other stressors on your body. Free radicals can cause damage to your skin’s proteins and DNA, and lead to wrinkles, discoloration and other signs of aging and inflammation. Antioxidants work to neutralize free radicals and prevent your skin and body from their damaging effects. Lycopene and vitamin C (both found in tomatoes) are good antioxidants and could help fight damage to your skin cells.
Reduce Signs of Aging
Tomatoes are a source of vitamin C. Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant. It can help boost collagen production and also helps decrease dark spots by decreasing the production of melanin in your skin. However, there are no good studies that suggest that applying tomato directly to your skin will result in these benefits
Tomato Infused Skincare Products
Tomatoes are naturally acidic and applying tomato directly to the skin is not recommended, because it could cause allergy, itching, irritation and redness in sensitive people. If you want to try incorporating tomato infused products into your skincare routine, here are a few to try:
The Ordinary “B” Oil
Formulated for all skin types, the Ordinary ‘B’ Oil contains baobab and rosehip oils, in addition to tomato extract and claims to support healthy skin defense and enhance skin radiance.
Yes to Tomatoes Detoxifying Charcoal Peel Off Face Mask
The Yes to Tomatoes Detoxifying Charcoal Mask is vegan and includes a built-in spatula to help you apply the mask. It contains charcoal, tomato extract and tomato fruit juice, and claims to help detoxify the skin
Yes to Tomatoes Detoxifying Charcoal Facial Cleanser
The Yes to Tomatoes Detoxifying Charcoal Facial Cleanser is a cleanser for acne prone skin. In addition to tomato extract, it contains salicylic acid to help exfoliate, clear debris and excess oils and help reduce breakouts in acne prone skin.
