Cheap but surprisingly good: A DIY Sugar Tomato Scrub

A quick way to revive dull skin is by exfoliation; a process which involves removing dead skin cells either through chemical or physical agents. Physical exfoliation uses naturally rough substances like salt, sugar and even stone (like the pumice in most bathrooms) while chemical exfoliation uses AHAs and BHAs to penetrate a little deeper into pores and skin layers.

I personally prefer physical exfoliants due to its affordability and accessibility. In fact, you can make your very own scrub with items already in your kitchen! This DIY is fast, easy, and only requires two ingredients - a tomato (the native kamatis is perfect) and a teaspoon of sugar! 

Even with just two ingredients, the scrub is effective because of its intrinsic properties. Sugar is a humectant, meaning it draws moisture from the air to your skin, and is a source of glycolic acid, an AHA which helps in chemical exfoliation! Finely-milled sugar is best to use for this DIY because larger grain sugar can be too abrasive and cause microtears. If you’re wary about this, opt for caster sugar, which is available at groceries and baking supplies stores.

Tomatoes are rich in lycopene, which is an antioxidant. It is well-known for its skin brightening properties so it actually appears often in whitening skincare! I've seen it used in facial washes, toners, and sheet masks so I was definitely curious to try using it in its raw form! 

Ready to start scrubbing? Simply slice the tomato’s top or bottom end, being careful not to cut into the seeds. Dip the slice into some sugar and gently apply it in circular motions all over your clean face, avoiding the eye area. I like using the top of the tomato with the stalk and leaves still attached because it acts like a small handle!

Unlike other sugar scrubs that require you to moisten your skin before use, you can use this on a completely dry face because the tomato will release its juices as you press on it. Leave the combination of tomato juices and sugar on for 10-15 minutes before washing off with lukewarm water. Follow with toner and the rest of your skincare routine. 

My skin looked clear, bright and fresh skin after using the scrub. It felt super soft to touch! I must say, the result was the same as the store-bought sugar scrub I had been using. This is messier but considering the difference in price, I think I'll be switching to this DIY version instead.

Have you ever used tomato in your skincare? Will you be trying out this DIY?