Beauty hack: The complete guide to using tomatoes outside the kitchen

Tomatoes are one of the most effective remedies for a clear and clean skin. These balls of goodness are slightly acidic and they contain high concentrates of potassium, lycopene and vitamin C. Tomatoes help in controlling ageing, sunburn and generally healing the skin.

Below are some wonderful tomato-based recipes that could be used to treat skin:

1. Reduces oiliness

Tomatoes are not only excellent in reducing oil on the skin, but they also help to keep the skin cleaner and tighter. Rub raw tomatoes all over the skin and leave it on for 5 minutes before you wash off. You can also add cucumber to the mix.

2. Shrinks pores

Tomatoes help reduce open pores. Cut a tomato in half and rub all over the skin, letting the juice saturate into the pores. Leave it on for 15 minutes and wash off.

3. Skin lightener

Not only do tomatoes act as an astringent but also help wake up the dullest of skins. Mix the pulp of one tomato with 2 tsp. of fuller’s earth and add 1 tsp. fresh mint paste and honey. Apply to clean skin and do not wash it off until it is dry.

4. Fight acne

Among other benefits of tomato for skin include its ability to fight acne. Apply a mashed tomato all over your face. Wash it off after an hour and apply a good moisturiser. With regular use, you will notice a reduction in your acne.

5. Remove blackheads

Rubbing tomato slices into blackhead affected areas can help cure your skin of this annoying problem.