How to Treat Acne Using Tomatoes

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A complete guide to fresh, natural skincare

Co-authored by Paul Friedman, MD

Last Updated: December 12, 2023 Approved

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Treating Blemishes

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Supplementing the Tomatoes

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Understanding Your Skin

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Video

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Expert Q&A

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Tips

Struggling with acne can be frustrating. If you don't have clear skin, it can make you feel less confident. Don't worry - you're not the only one with problem areas on your skin. Fortunately, there are several steps you can take to help clear up your acne. Using tomatoes is one inexpensive home remedy that you can use.

Things You Should Know

Cut a tomato in half, then rub the exposed inside of the tomato onto any problem areas on your face. Massage it in for a few seconds, then rinse it off with warm water.
Make a tomato mask by mashing a whole tomato in a bowl, then add a couple spoonfuls of plain yogurt. Rub the mask into your skin and let it sit for 15 minutes.
Supplement the tomato treatments with beauty products that use tomatoes as ingredients. Also use natural topicals like lemons, egg whites, and pure honey.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Using Tomatoes to Treat Blemishes

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1
Gather your supplies. The most important thing is to make sure that you have tomatoes handy. You need to use fresh tomatoes, not canned. Fresh tomatoes will not have added preservatives or seasonings, so they will be most effective for your skin.^{[1]
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- Use full size tomatoes, not cherry or grape. These will be easier to handle and will give you more material to work with.
- Choose tomatoes that have a vibrant color and are firm. Make sure they smell sweet. If you wouldn't eat that tomato, don't use it on your skin.
2
Know the effects. Why should you use a tomato? Because they are filled with vitamins and antioxidants that are great for your skin! One of the main benefits is that tomatoes are packed with lycopene, which is a powerful antioxidant. Lycopene increases your skin's protection factor, increases collagen production, and helps your skin cells regenerate.^{[2]
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- Tomatoes can reduce redness caused by acne and can also help to try out problem areas, reducing blemishes.
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3
Use the whole tomato. The simplest way to get skin benefits from a tomato is to just apply it directly to your face. Cut the tomato in half, and rub the cut side onto your problem area(s). After the juice is on your face, use your fingertips to gently massage the liquid into your skin for a few seconds. Then rinse your face with warm water.^{[3]
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- Make sure to do this over the sink, as it may be a bit messy. Have some towels nearby in case you drip.
- Repeat once daily, and you should see results within one week.
4
Make a mask. If your acne is worse than a mild case, you will want to try this method. Mash a whole tomato--you can use regular kitchen utensils to do this in a bowl. Use the pulp (inside part) of the tomato as a facial mask. Spread it on your face and leave it there for one hour. Rinse your face and then apply a gentle moisturizer.
- Do this 3-4 times a week. You will begin to see your acne lighten within a matter of weeks.
- You can also create a mask using a combination of tomato and avocado. Mash a tomato and an avocado together to combine, and then apply to your skin. Leave in place for 15 minutes, then rinse thoroughly. This will help reduce oil in your skin.
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Create a paste. Tomatoes can be combined with other common household ingredients to give you additional benefits. For example, you can combine tomato juice with honey to make a thick paste. Simply squeeze a tomato to get fresh juice and then combine with a small amount of honey.^{[4]
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- Apply this combination to your skin and leave in place for 15 minutes. When you rinse it off, you will see that your skin has an extra glow.
- Another method is to combine a tomato with yogurt. Crush half a tomato and mix the pulp with two tablespoons of plain yogurt. Apply to your skin for 20 minutes, then rinse. This will help with inflammation.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Supplementing the Tomatoes

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1
Try new products. In addition to using fresh tomatoes, you can also buy skin care products that utilize them as a featured ingredient. The next time you are at a drugstore, take some time to browse the health section. Look for skin care products that feature ingredients such as tomatoes. These can help tone and clear your skin.
- If your acne is severe, ask your dermatologist if they have any product recommendations for your skin type.^{[5]
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  Expert Source
  
  Paul Friedman, MD
  Board Certified Dermatologist
  
  Expert Interview. 8 April 2020.}
2
Use home remedies. In addition to buying products, there are several at home methods you can use to treat your skin. For example, you can use lemon juice as an astringent. Simply squeeze a small amount onto a cotton ball and wipe it across your blemish. The acid will help try the blemish out.
- Egg whites are another common kitchen staple that you can use to treat your skin. Simply apply egg whites to your problem areas, then wipe off after 10 minutes. This ingredient will help tighten and tone your skin.
- Honey is another healing pantry item. Apply a light layer of honey to your face for 5 minutes. Rinse off to discover skin that glows.
3
Get in a routine. The most important thing you can do to care for your skin is to spend time caring for it each day. Your skin needs regular care, and if you suffer from acne, it is especially important. Make sure to wash your face with a gentle moisturizer twice a day, and then apply moisturizer.
- Consult your dermatologist. She will have specific recommendations for your skin type and can advice you on the steps to take each day to improve your skin's health.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Understanding the Importance of Healthy Skin

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1
Learn to prevent damage. Your skin is your body's largest organ. It only makes sense to try to protect it from harmful elements. For example, you should wear sunscreen every day. Make it part of your daily routine.^{[6]
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- If you smoke, quit. Avoiding the harmful effects of cigarettes is a great way to prevent damage to your skin.
- Eat a healthy diet. Make to get plenty of vitamin-packed fruits and veggies, and drink lots of water.^{[7]
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  Expert Source
  
  Paul Friedman, MD
  Board Certified Dermatologist
  
  Expert Interview. 8 April 2020.}
2
Know the health benefits. Your skin is your body's first line of defense against infections. Breaks in your skin can allow harmful bacteria to get into your skin. Taking care of the skin can have an important impact on your overall health.
- Make sure to keep your skin hydrated and clean.
Improving the health of your skin is also great for your mental health. Research shows that clear skin leads to greater confidence. When you feel better about yourself, you will naturally be more happy and relaxed. An increase in confidence can help you avoid symptoms of depression and anxiety.

Expert Q&A

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How can I do my makeup without making my acne worse?

Tymia Yvette
Makeup & Lash Artist
Tymia Yvette is a Makeup and Lash Artist and the founder of Tymia Yvette Beauty LLC, a makeup artistry and lash extension company focused on customized beauty services based in Baltimore, Maryland. Trained by MAC Cosmetics, Tymia's work has been featured in the Bravo A-List Awards 2008, the BET Honors Award Show in 2011, 2012, and 2013, the Mercedes-Benz New York Fashion Week 2011, 2012, and 2013, and the White House Correspondent's Dinner in 2014. She has also provided makeup and lash services for the Betsy Royal Casting Agency and the Baltimore Raven's cheerleading squad from 2010 to 2012. Her clients include Terrence Howard, Torrey Smith, Lester Holt, Adrienne Lofton, and Natasha Hastings. She has been awarded WeddingWire's Couple's Choice Award in 2017, 2018, and 2019.

Tymia Yvette

Makeup & Lash Artist

Expert Answer

Always wash your hands before you touch your face, cleanse your skin before adding primer or makeup, and always clean your brushes and tools thoroughly when you're done. Also, make sure that you're not using expired makeup! Old product can cause debris to buildup in your skin.

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Tips

You can also use additional acne treatments.

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If you have sensitive skin, this may not be for you.

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