Raw tomatoes are a ubiquitous summer food. They make us think of colorful salads and power-packed raw soups. Tomatoes are full of rich anti-oxidants like lycopene and lutein. Eating and drinking tomatoes can contribute to radiant skin and the overall health of our bodies.

But tomatoes can be just as beneficial for our skin from the outside in. Applied topically, tomatoes are both cooling and astringent. This means they help reduce skin irritation and the size of pores.

Tomatoes can draw out toxins, bacteria, and other impurities from the skin. Using tomatoes topically can help clear up acne. They also cause skin to get firmer, and can reduce the appearance of wrinkles.

Using Tomatoes on Your Skin

1. Skin Salad

The simplest way to use tomatoes to enhance your skins texture and appearance is to layer slices on your face like a salad! To get the most benefit from this treatment you will want to lie down and rest while the tomato does its job. This is even more pleasurable if you place a cucumber slice over each eye, which will reduce puffiness.

  • Slice one ripe tomato into thin slices.
  • Lie down with the tomato and cucumber slices within reach.
  • Lay the tomato slices evenly over your face, avoiding your mouth and eyes.
  • Place the cucumber slices over your eyes.
  • Rest for 15-20 minutes.
  • Carefully rub one of the tomato slices into your whole face and neck, avoiding your eyes and mouth.
  • Rinse your face thoroughly with warm water.
  • Follow with a high-quality natural moisturizer that is suitable for your skin type.

2. Sweet and Soft

Tomato and honey make a great combination for clear glowing skin. The tomato helps lift impurities while the honey both kills bacteria and increases the skins ability to retain moisture.

  • Squeeze a ripe tomato into a bowl until you have about two tablespoons worth of juice. If you have strong or normal skin and want exfoliation, you can leave the seeds in the bowl. If you have sensitive skin or are prone to breakouts, strain the juice to remove the seeds.
  • Stir in 1/2 teaspoon raw organic (or wild) honey.
  • Rub the honey gently but vigorously into your entire face and neck. Be extra careful around the eyes, and do not rub any seeds into the eyelids or under eye area.
  • Let the mixture sink in for 5 10 minutes.
  • Rinse well with warm water.
  • Follow with a high-quality natural moisturizer that is suitable for your skin type.

3. Sun Sensation

We love being in the sun, but frequent or prolonged exposure can do a number on sensitive facial skin. Eating tomatoes can make you less likely to develop sunburn. And after a day in the bright rays treat your skin to this rejuvenating mask to help your color develop into a flattering tan. Note that you only want to apply tomatoes to your skin immediately after sun exposure, before redness, swelling, or peeling develops.

  • Mash enough of equal parts aloe vera gel (preferably fresh from a leaf) and tomato to cover affected area.
  • Carefully apply the mixture. You want to let it goop on top, do not rub it into your skin.
  • Let sit until the mixture dries, or for as long as you can.
  • Rinse with cool water and gently pat dry.
  • Moisturize with a heavy-duty cream, lotion, or more aloe vera gel.

4. Salt of the Earth

Tomato, sea salt, and clay make a potent cleansing mask that draws out impurities and renews skin. This treatment is especially helpful for acne-prone skin.

  • Mix 1 teaspoon sea salt and 2 tablespoons natural clay (a filtered kind designed for facial use, like bentonite clay).
  • Squeeze in enough fresh tomato to form a paste. Strain the seeds out if your skin is sensitive.
  • Apply the mixture to your entire face and neck except lips and eyelids.
  • Let sit until dry, 20-25 minutes.
  • Rinse thoroughly with warm water. Clay can be persistent, so you may need to rinse several times and use a mild toner to be sure you get every bit.
  • Follow with a high-quality natural moisturizer that is suitable for your skin type.

5. Tomoats!

A tomato and oat mixture is great for exfoliating. Use thicker oats for more intense cleansing, and finely ground oats for more sensitive skin.

  • Mix 2 tablespoons oats that have been ground to your preferred level of thickness with enough fresh tomato to form a paste.
  • Gently but firmly rub the paste into your whole face and neck, avoiding the eyes and lips.
  • Let sit for 3-5 minutes.
  • Rinse thoroughly with warm water.
  • Follow with a high-quality natural moisturizer that is suitable for your skin type.

These are just a few of the ways that tomatoes can be used to care for your skin. The secrets to health and beauty are so often right at our fingertips. Let these tips inspire you to play with your food, and you can discover many ways to naturally enhance your beauty.

Learn How to Reduce Facial Skin Pores by Rubbing Tomato on the Face: