Tomatoes aren’t just a tasty addition to your favorite salad or sandwich — they can actually have plenty of benefits for your complexion, especially if you have oily, acne-prone skin. Tomatoes are rich in vitamins A and C, as well as other antioxidants, so they can help firm the skin, reduce the look of enlarged pores, and exfoliate for brighter, more glowing skin. If you pair them with the right ingredients, you can create a toner, scrub, and mask that can help you achieve healthier skin without having to eat any salad.
METHOD 1 – Preparing Tomato Cucumber Toner
Puree the tomato and cucumber. Place 1 small, finely chopped organic cucumber and 1 large, finely chopped organic tomato into the pitcher of a blender. Start the blender on low, but turn it up to high and process them for 30 seconds or until they’re completely pureed.[1]
- If you don’t have a blender, you can use a mortar and pestle or a fork to break the cucumber and tomato down until they have a liquidy, pureed consistency.
Pour the mixture into a jar and refrigerate. Once the tomato and cucumber are pureed, transfer the mixture to a jar or other covered container. Store the toner in the refrigerator to help keep it fresh.
- The toner will last for 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator.
Apply the toner to your face with a cotton pad. To use the toner, dip a cotton pad in the tomato and cucumber mixture. Gently run the cotton over your face and neck to spread the toner across your skin.
- Make sure that your skin is clean before you apply the toner.
- Applying the toner when it’s cold from the refrigerator can be refreshing, particularly in warm weather. However, you can allow it to sit out at room temperature for 15 to 20 minutes to warm up slightly if you prefer.
Allow the toner to sit on your face for several minutes. In order for the antioxidants in the tomato to really penetrate your skin, it’s important to let the toner soak in. Keep the toner on your face for approximately 5 minutes to get the full benefits from the tomato.
- If you notice any stinging or discomfort with the toner on your skin, wash it off immediately.
Rinse off the toner with water. After the toner has soaked in for several minutes, wash it off with warm water. Rinse thoroughly to ensure that no residue is left behind. Follow up with your usual serum, acne treatment, and/or moisturizer.
- For the best results, use the tomato cucumber toner daily.
METHOD 2 – Using a Tomato Scrub
Sprinkle the sugar over half of the tomato. Take half of a tomato, and carefully pour ½ teaspoon (2 g) of fine granulated sugar over the cut side of the fruit. Spread the sugar evenly so as much sticks to the tomato as possible.
- If you don’t have granulated sugar, you can substitute brown sugar.
Rub the tomato over your face. Once the sugar is on the tomato, massage it over your face. Work in circular motions to gently exfoliate your skin, keeping the pressure light.
- Be careful not to scrub too hard with the tomato and sugar or you may irritate your skin.
- Rub the tomato and sugar over each section of the face no more than twice.
Rinse the residue from your face with water. After you’ve scrubbed your entire face with the tomato and sugar, use warm water to carefully wash the residue from your skin. Follow up with your usual serum, acne treatment, and/or moisturizer.
- You can use the tomato sugar scrub once or twice a week.
METHOD 3 – Making a Tomato Cucumber Face Mask
Combine all of the ingredients. Add ¼ seedless, organic tomato that’s been peeled and chopped, 3 teaspoons (15 g) of plain yogurt, 1 teaspoon (5 g) of peeled and grated cucumber, 1 teaspoon (5 g) of aloe vera gel, and 3 teaspoons (6 g) of finely ground oatmeal to a small bowl. Use a spoon to carefully mix the ingredients until they’re all fully incorporated.
- You can substitute aloe vera juice for the gel, but reduce the amount to ½ teaspoon (2.5 g).
Spread the mixture over your face and let it sit for several minutes. Once the mask is mixed, use clean fingers to carefully spread it over your entire face. Allow it to sit on your skin for approximately 10 minutes so the ingredients have time to penetrate the skin.
- Avoid the eye area when you’re applying the mask to your face.
Wash the mask off with water. When the 10 minutes are up, rinse the mask off with lukewarm water. Pat your face dry with a clean towel, and follow up with your usual toner and moisturizer.
- You can use the mask 1 to 2 times a week.
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