Team Tomato: Skin benefits

Tomatoes containing the nutrient lycopene can give us that natural inner glow we are searching for. Lycopene is a red nutrient in the carotenoid family that gives tomatoes their signature hue, and it quenches free radicals and induces the body's ability to cope with oxidative stress and inflammation.

Skin active vitamins such as vitamin A and E are also naturally present in the tomato. Lycopene works best for skin when it can team up with all of these tomato phytonut­rients that have been found to synergize and enhance benefits of lycopene.

These phytonut­rients can also help protect the collagen network by balancing core processes like oxidative stress and inflammation, thus reducing the degradation of the collagen. Whether we choose to supplement with collagen or not, using natural phytonut­rients can help us protect the collagen network and allow it to thrive in our skin for a youthful look. 

Carotenoids such as lycopene are oil soluble, and research shows that when tomatoes for example are cooked in oil (preferably a healthy oil like olive oil) the lycopene absorption is optimal. If you prefer your tomatoes raw, like in a salad, you can add olive oil or avocado for best results.

It is also important to know that ingestible carotenoids and those present in our topical products can work together to enhance the overall benefit and increase the antioxidants level in the skin. It was shown that carotenoids from ingestible products contribute even more to the accumulation of carotenoids in the skin compared to the topical, so prioritize a healthy diet to go with your carotenoid mask.