Today is going to feel like a slightly different blog, because for once I’m actually slating something. Wuuut?!
Perhaps a slightly underground idea for a facial is using tomato paste. This is allegedly good for the skin, as tomatoes contain vitamins C and A, and lycopene. The latter is a phytochemical, meaning it is a chemical produced naturally by plants. It can be taken in capsules for potential anti-cancer benefits, and is sometimes used as an ingredient in skincare products due to its supposed anti-oxidant activity.
However, after some research, the benefits of lycopene from tomatoes seem to be very slight/ inconclusive. I did a little test to see what would happen on my own face.
Tomato facemask:
~ Tomato puree
~ Honey
~ Coconut oil (perhaps this was not a good thing to add- it may have caused a barrier between the liquid part of the puree and my face, creating even less benefit)
~ Turmeric
I found my skin has not benefited at all and feels perhaps less smooth than before. There are cases of people with allergies to tomatoes and after my experience I will avoid them in the future. Having said this, since my skin is delicate/ dry, the mask above may just be better suited for oily skins – after all, this is not a deep moisturizing hype. Alongside the paste there are also some positive reviews for using fresh tomatoes (which I have also done in the past and felt no benefit) so keep in mind that your skin type is an important factor as to what works for you!
BUT LOOK GUYS HEY DW because I can tell you a top tip or treat <;). With Halloween coming up, if you do make a pumpkin… eat dem seeds! Pumpkin seeds are an awesome zinc store. Zinc deficiency can result in dark eye bags, gross. Well unless you wanna look like the walking dead cos that’s totes Halloween. But otherwise…free zinc supplements - get on it!
And one to watch out for:
Other fruits such as gac have been found to have a much higher content of lycopene in comparison to tomatoes. Known as ‘Cochinchin Gourd’ in English, this fruit comes from Southeast Asia and is rare outside of this region. It is being used in skincare due to its potentially high levels of phytochemicals; however, due to its rarity and short harvest season it can only be used in small amounts.
Photo Credits
Edited by Luisa Parnell