Tomatoes are widely used in cooking, but their vitamin C and antioxidant content has also made them a popular ingredient in home skincare remedies. They are commonly used to help refresh the skin, improve its appearance and reduce the visibility of blemishes.
For a simple face mask, mash one tomato and mix it with a small amount of yoghurt. Apply the mixture to the face and leave it on for around 20 minutes before rinsing with water. The combination may help refresh skin that has been exposed to the sun and leave it feeling smoother.
Tomato and lemon juice are also sometimes used as a home remedy for sun-tanned skin. Tomato slices or pulp can be mixed with a small amount of lemon juice and applied to the affected areas.
After leaving it on for a short period, gently massage the skin with a little water before washing it off. However, lemon juice can irritate sensitive skin, so this remedy should be avoided by people with sensitive skin.
For blackheads, tomato juice can be combined with multani mitti to make a paste. Apply the mixture to the face and leave it for about 15 minutes. Gently massage the skin with a little water before rinsing with lukewarm water.
Tomato and sugar are another commonly used combination for exfoliation. A teaspoon of sugar can be sprinkled over a tomato slice, which can then be gently rubbed over the skin. This may help remove dead skin cells and leave the skin feeling cleaner.
Tomato and lemon juice are also sometimes recommended as a home remedy for the appearance of fine lines. Two teaspoons of tomato juice can be mixed with an equal amount of lemon juice and applied to the face with cotton wool. The mixture should be washed off after around 15 minutes.
Dermatologists generally recommend caution when trying homemade skincare remedies. A small patch test should be carried out before applying any mixture to the face, particularly for people with sensitive or easily irritated skin. If irritation, burning or redness occurs, the product should be washed off immediately.
