Tomatoes, rich in vitamins and minerals, are earning their place in the cosmetic industry due to their antioxidant and revitalizing properties. Tomatoes help refine enlarged pores and provide soothing relief for troubled complexions.
Tomatoes are naturally high in the antioxidant lycopene, which belongs to a class of compounds called carotenes. The carotenes are plant pigments that provide the natural orange-red range in nature--carrots, pumpkin, tomatoes, etc. Lycopene is the best free radical scavenger among carotenes.
Tomatoes are also rich in vitamin C, however, more research is needed to see how vitamin C-rich foods help when directly to your skin. Some believe that the enzymes in tomatoes can offer exfoliation benefits when applied to the skin. The acidic and astringent properties of tomatoes may be helpful for oily or acne-prone skin.
