Nitanshi Goel’s raw tomato-sugar scrub fails to impress skin expert

Decoding the ingredients, skin expert Dr Navjot Arora said that tomatoes contain vitamin C, lycopene, and mild natural acids that can temporarily brighten the skin by reducing tan and give it a fresh look, and sugar acts as an exfoliant, helping to remove dead skin cells and promoting smoother texture. “And for a temporary period, they can make the skin look refreshed and glowing.“

“However, this combination has no proven long-term benefits for improving skin tone or texture. At best, it offers a short-lived glow, and at worst, it can irritate the skin if used too often or too harshly,” he told indianexpress.com.

 

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Can cause irritation

Other than the short-lived glow, sugar granules, according to Dr Arora, are pretty rough and can cause small tears on the delicate facial skin. “Tomato pulp is acidic and may lead to stinging, redness, or allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Using such scrubs regularly can weaken the skin barrier, making it more prone to dryness and breakouts. Those with sensitive or acne-prone skin should avoid this method altogether.”

Try these alternatives instead

It’s best to use gentle exfoliants that are specially formulated for the face, suggested Dr Arora, adding: “Products containing mild chemical exfoliants such as lactic acid or glycolic acid work effectively without causing physical damage. Enzyme-based exfoliants, such as those made from papaya or pumpkin, are also excellent options for natural and safe exfoliation. Always moisturise after exfoliating and do a patch test before applying any new product to avoid irritation.”