Natural Beauty with Tomatoes

Studies have shown that tomato consumption has been associated with decreased risk of various cancers including breast cancer, and a warrior against heart disease and neurodegenerative diseases. Tomatoes contain lycopene which is known as one of the most powerful natural antioxidants, and which has been shown to improve the skin's ability to protect against the harmful effects of UV rays. The natural acids in tomatoes helps balance the skin and get rid of excess oil. Their vitamin content also proves beneficial skin in helping to repair and brighten dull damaged skin. For these reasons, tomatoes are a terrific ingredient to use in our kitchen-makeovers.

For acne skin, rub a tomato over the affected areas of the skin and let the juices set for at least 30 minutes before rinsing with cool water. The juice of the tomato has an astringent-like property that helps fight bacteria. This should be done at least 3 times a week.

If you have combination skin with acne, try a tomato, mint, and honey mask. You will need 1 tomato, ¼ cup of fresh mint, and 1 tablespoon of honey. Mash the tomato into a  pulp. Chop the mint leaves and add to the tomato pulp. Lastly, fold the honey into the pulp and mint mixture and apply to the skin, leave on for 15 – 20 minutes and rinse with cool water. The juice from the tomato pulp will help to fight the bacteria and the honey will help to seal in moisture. This mask should also be applied at least 3 times a week in order for you to see the benefits.

If you have large pores, try a tomato and lime mask to diminish the appearance of your pores. You will need 1/2 tomato, and 1 small lime. Mash the tomato into a pulp. Squeeze the lime juice into the pulp and apply to the skin, leave on for 15 - 20 minutes, and rinse with warm water. This mask is also useful to get rid of, and prevent, blackheads.

If you have oily skin, try a tomato and avocado mask. You will need 1 tomato and 1 small avocado. Mash the two together creating a thick paste. Apply the paste onto your skin, leave on for 20 - 30 minutes, and rinse with cool water.

For irritated or sun-burned skin, try a tomato and yogurt mask. You will need ½ tomato and 1/4 cup of plain yogurt. Dice the tomato and blend with the yogurt. Place in the refrigerator for 2 – 3  minutes. Once cooled, pat the mixture onto your face, gently massaging as you go along and be sure to avoid the eyes. Leave on for 10-15 minutes and rinse with warm water. This will cool your skin and leave it looking bright and feeling soft.

For a soothing and overall skin brightening experience, draw yourself a tomato and buttermilk bath. You will need 4 cups of buttermilk and 3 tomatoes. Strain the juice of the three tomatoes and mix with the buttermilk. Add the mixture to your bathwater and relax as the buttermilk soothes your skin and the tomato juice repairs and brightens your skin. Be sure to rinse with warm water and apply your favorite overall body lotion afterwards.

Remember, Pretty Girls’ Pantry always loves to hear your feedback about your experience with our pantry makeovers, or answer any questions, so E-mail us at prettygirlspantry@gmail.com and let us know. In the meantime, don’t forget to check back with us next week for another installment of natural beauty fixes straight from your pantry.