Joy Onuorah

Tomatoes are healthy, after all. They contain antioxidants and vitamin C, which may help strengthen your immune system. They’re also a dietary source of:

potassium

vitamin A

vitamin B

magnesium

But there’s little scientific evidence to support the claim that you can get these or other benefits from applying tomatoes to your skin.

Potential benefits of tomato on the skin

Some people claim that tomatoes can offer benefits for various skin concerns, such as uneven skin tone or signs of ageing. Here are a few possible benefits of incorporating tomatoes into your skincare routine.

Help protect against skin cancer

Sun exposure is a risk factor for nonmelanoma skin cancers, which include basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma.
Tomatoes contain lycopeneTrusted Source, a carotenoid found in different types of fruits.
According to research, lycopene also has a powerful anti-cancer effect.

Reduce risk of sunburns

Tomatoes aren’t a substitute for sunscreen, but the lycopene in the fruit may have a photo-protective effect. Eating tomatoes may offer some protection from UV light-induced erythema or sunburn.

Promote wound healing

One cup of tomatoes contains about 30 grams of vitamin C.
Vitamin C is commonly found in skincare products. It may promote the growth of new connective tissues, which may also help repair wounds and speed the healing process.

Soothe skin inflammation

Several compounds in tomatoes have an anti-inflammatory effect. These compounds include:

lycopene

beta carotene

lutein

vitamin E

vitamin C

When applied to the skin, these compounds may help ease pain associated with skin irritations or sunburn.

Stimulate collagen production

As previously mentioned, tomatoes are an excellent source of vitamin C. Besides boosting your immune system, vitamin C can help stimulate collagen production.
Applied topically, vitamin C may help improve skin elasticity. That can make your skin firmer.

Help remove dead skin cells

Exfoliation removes dead skin cells. It may help improve the health and appearance of your skin.
Some people claim the enzymes in tomatoes can offer exfoliation benefits when applied to the skin.
To create a tomato scrub, combine sugar and mashed up tomatoes.

May have anti-ageing properties

B vitamins are essential to skin health. There’s no shortage of these vitamins in tomatoes. Tomatoes have vitamins:

B-1

B-3

B-5

B-6

B-9

These vitamins have anti-ageing properties trusted Source that may help reduce age spots, fine lines, and wrinkles. B vitamins also contribute to cell repair. They may reduce hyperpigmentation and sun damage.
Eating tomatoes can help your body get more of these vitamins, which may benefit your skin.

Help fight cellular damage

Free radicals can damage the cells source in your skin. This may increase your risk for wrinkles and signs of ageing.
Tomatoes contain antioxidants, such as lycopene and vitamin C. Consuming tomatoes can help provide your body with these antioxidants. That may, in turn, help fight free radicals.