• Tomato seeds offer both antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects that can help clear up acne lesions and blemishes. The vitamin E, vitamin C and lycopene in tomato seeds have antioxidant properties that reduce inflammation involved in acne.
• Their antibacterial effects inhibit the growth of acne-causing bacteria like Propionibacterium acnes and Staphylococcus epidermidis on the skin. Applying tomato seed oil can suppress bacteria overgrowth and inflammation to speed up healing of breakouts.

• Wrinkles, fine lines, dark spots and dryness are common signs of aging skin. As an excellent source of antioxidants like lycopene and vitamin E, tomato seeds can protect the skin against UV damage from the sun, which causes premature aging.
• Tomato seeds also provide essential fatty acids that help maintain skin elasticity to reduce wrinkle formation. The vitamin C in tomato seeds supports collagen production, further preventing wrinkles and skin sagging.
• Consuming tomato seeds regularly or applying tomato seed oil gives your skin antioxidants to combat visible signs of aging.

• Dehydration leaves skin looking dull and feeling tight. With their high fatty acid content, tomato seeds are effective at moisturizing the skin and creating a protective barrier on the skin’s surface.
• Linoleic acid found in tomato seeds helps reinforce the skin’s lipid barrier, enabling better moisture retention. This can improve skin hydration and suppleness, leading to a more plump, youthful appearance.

• If you've spent a little too much time in the sun, tomato seeds can provide relief for mild sunburns. Lycopene from tomato seeds is scientifically shown to reduce UV-induced damage and photosensitivity.
• Tomato seeds are also rich in vitamin E - just one ounce provides over 90% of the recommended daily value. Topical vitamin E is an effective sunburn remedy thanks to its anti-inflammatory and skin-healing properties.
• Applying tomato seed oil after sun exposure can help calm inflammation, ease tightness and discomfort from sunburns. The vitamin E will accelerate healing of the damaged skin.

• Enlarged pores can make skin look oily and dull. With prolonged use, tomato seed oil can minimize the appearance of large pores.
• Tomato seeds contain zinc, which regulates sebum production to prevent pores from becoming clogged and stretched out. The antioxidant vitamin C in tomato seeds also helps tighten and shrink enlarged pores for a smoother complexion.

• Excess sebum production can leave skin looking greasy and prone to whiteheads and blackheads. Tomato seeds help control excess oil and sebum thanks to their astringent effect.
• Linoleic acid in tomato seeds is also effective at minimizing the look of acne scars. This essential fatty acid enhances skin renewal and healing to fade the discoloration of old acne lesions.

• Tomato seeds can be used to create DIY masks that brighten and even out skin tone. Lycopene, vitamin C and phytochemicals in tomato seeds inhibit melanin production to reduce pigmentation and age spots.
• Additionally, tomato seed oil contains chlorophyll that helps remove toxins for clearer, glowing skin. For brighter skin, apply a tomato seed face mask 1-2 times per week.

• The nutrients in tomato seeds promote faster cell turnover to smooth out rough patches and bumpy skin texture. Their antibacterial action clears up folliculitis and clogged pores that can cause small skin bumps on the face.
• Try using tomato seed oil as a overnight spot treatment on areas of congested or bumpy skin to wake up to smoother skin. Their antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activities will help decrease bumps and skin irregularities.

How to Use Tomato Seeds for Your Skin

1. Tomato Seed Face Mask: Make a skin-brightening and smoothing face mask by blending 4-5 dried tomato seeds with 1 tablespoon yogurt and 1 teaspoon honey. Apply the mixture to clean skin and allow it to sit for 10-15 minutes before rinsing off. Use this mask 1-2 times per week.
2. Tomato Seed Scrub: To exfoliate and renew skin, mix 2 tablespoons ground tomato seeds with 1 tablespoon honey and massage gently on wet skin. Rinse with warm water. Be careful not to scrub too harshly. Use this as a weekly exfoliating treatment.
3. Tomato Seed Oil Massage: For an easy moisturizing treatment, warm up a few drops of tomato seed oil in your palms and gently massage it into your face. Leave the oil on overnight. Tomato seed oil is readily absorbed without clogging pores.
4. Tomato Seed Spot Treatment/ Dab a little tomato seed oil directly onto acne spots or areas of clogged pores to reduce inflammation and inhibit bacteria. The vitamin E will accelerate healing.
5. Tomato Seed Bath Soak: Add 5-6 tablespoons of tomato seed oil or ground tomato seeds to warm bath water and soak to moisturize your whole body. Rinse skin after soaking to remove any tomato residue.
6. Tomato Seed Hand Exfoliant: Mix used coffee grounds with ground tomato seeds and massage into hands to exfoliate and brighten. Rinse and follow with tomato seed oil to moisturize. This can remove age spots and improve texture.

The Science Behind Tomato Seeds for Skin

1. Antioxidant Activity: Tomato seeds are packed with antioxidants, most potently lycopene. Research indicates tomato seed oil has higher antioxidant activity than vitamin E or green tea extract. Lycopene and other antioxidants neutralize harmful free radicals that damage skin cells.
2. Vitamin E Content: One ounce of dried tomato seeds contains about 26mg of vitamin E, providing over 90% of the daily recommended intake. Topical vitamin E protects skin cell membranes from oxidative damage and supports new cell growth. It has strong anti-inflammatory activity.
3. Essential Fatty Acids: Tomato seeds provide essential fatty acids linoleic, oleic and alpha-linoleic acids that nourish and reinforce the skin barrier. This enhances moisture retention, skin elasticity and quicker healing.
4. Antimicrobial Effects: Studies show tomato seeds have antibacterial effects against P. acnes, S. epidermidis and other microbes that can infect hair follicles and pores leading to acne. Tomato seeds may help prevent breakouts.
5. Wound Healing Properties: Tomato seed oil accelerates wound closure and re-epithelialization in burn and scalding injuries, per a 2014 study. Tomato seeds also stimulate new blood vessel and tissue formation during healing.

Potential Side Effects of Tomato Seeds

• When used topically or consumed in small amounts, tomato seeds are generally well-tolerated with minimal risk of side effects for most people. However, those with tomato allergies should avoid topical use as it may trigger a reaction.
• Some people may be sensitive to the astringent effect of tomato seeds when applied to the skin. Test any tomato seed treatments on a small patch of skin first to check for irritation. Discontinue use if any burning, stinging or redness occurs.
• When ingested in very large amounts, soluble oxalates in tomato seeds may contribute to kidney stone formation in predisposed individuals. Moderation is key.
• It's always a good idea to speak with your healthcare provider before beginning supplementation with tomato seeds to ensure safety based on your medical history.
• Overall, research suggests topical and oral use of tomato seeds and tomato seed oil are low risk, making them an approachable option for improving skin naturally.

Conclusion: Should You Use Tomato Seeds for Your Skin?