Tomato juice has many benefits for your body. It contains plenty of nutrients and vitamins that boost your immune system, prevent certain types of cancers and lower the risk of metabolic diseases.
A 2004 study found that taking a glass of tomato juice everyday reduced the risk of heart attack and stroke. This cardiovascular health benefit is likely thanks to the antioxidant, lycopene, found in plenty in tomatoes.
Another supposed health benefit you have probably heard from your friends or seen around the internet is that drinking tomato juice will whiten your skin.
I’ve checked multiple authoritative sources and journals but I could not find any research to back up this claim.
Drinking tomato juice will most likely not whiten your skin.
But that doesn’t mean you cannot use tomato juice for skin whitening. You just need to take it differently.
Tomato juice and Skin care
Tomato juice is rich in vitamin C. Not as much as in oranges but more than most other vegetables except leafy greens like spinach and kale.
Vitamin C is a common ingredient in skin whitening products.
That’s probably where the idea that drinking tomato juice can whiten your skin came from.
However, if you want to whiten your skin, you have a better chance applying tomato juice on your skin rather than drinking it.
What’s the difference?
Most skin whitening products are topical, meaning you apply them directly on your skin. This is the most effective method.
Drinking tomato juice will supply your body with plenty of vitamin C. The problem is, your body can only take so much of it.
It flushes out excess vitamin C. So your skin doesn’t get much of it.
Applying tomato juice directly on your skin delivers more Vitamin C. You won’t get quick results like you would with a commercial skin whitener but over time, you’ll notice a difference.
Your skin tone will even out, dark spots will be less noticeable or even disappear and your skin will get brighter.
You can also use tomato juice topically to reduce the appearance of acne scars and sun spots.
How to use tomato juice to whiten your skin
Topical application is the best. But make sure you buy organic or pure tomato juice without any additives that can affect your skin.
Alternatively, make your own tomato juice at home that you are sure is clean and natural.
Mix 1 tablespoon of tomato juice with a few drops of fresh lemon juice. This will boost the vitamin C content and whiten your skin more effectively.
Use a cotton ball to apply the juice on your face. Leave it on for around 20 minutes then rinse with lukewarm water.
You can also add essential oils to the juice for extra hydration and cleansing.
If you don’t have tomato juice on hand, you can use raw tomato. Just crush a couple of tomatoes in a bowl and apply the juicy pulp on your face.
Let it rest for 20 minutes and then rinse off.
Don’t also forget to drink a glass of tomato juice now and then. It may not help you whiten your skin but it has plenty of other benefits for your skin and body.
