Tomatoes have a secret ingredient that your skin will love, and it’s called Lycopene. Lycopene is a powerful antioxidant. It can help smooth and transform the skin and enhance that youthful glow we're always looking for. Let's dive into this antioxidant and discover why we should add it to our routine.

What are the origins of tomato lycopene?

Scientific name: Solanum lycopersicum L.

Plant family: Tomatoes belong to the Solanaceae family of flowering plants, along with pepper, potato, and eggplant. This family is also known as the nightshade family. There are more than 3,000 species of nightshade, including many that are economically important.

Native region: Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) originated in South America and was brought to Europe by the Spaniards in the sixteenth century following their colonization of Mexico.

For what purposes is tomato lycopene used? (not only cosmetics)

Health: Lycopene sources are widely used in medicine, cosmetics, and other areas. The wide use of lycopene is due to its various beneficial health effects. Many studies have focused on the protective effects of lycopene against diseases such as cardiovascular and neurological diseases, prostate and skin cancer, and diabetes. It is well known that free oxygen radicals play important roles in these diseases. Lycopene is a powerful antioxidant. It helps fight free radicals.

Beauty: Because it is such a powerful antioxidant, its use can protect the skin. As the largest organ in the body, the skin is responsible for being the first line of defense against disease as it covers most of our external body from pathogens such as bacteria. This makes measures to protect the skin essential.

Lycopene helps protect against oxidative damage and helps maintain the appearance of healthy skin. It has been found that micronutrients such as lycopene can provide other benefits including improved skin hydration, skin texture, skin elasticity and skin surface structure. Not surprisingly, this natural compound is found in many topical cosmetic products to optimize skin care.

What are the benefits of tomatoes in cosmetics?

Lycopene is an active antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and can help promote healthier skin.

Tomato lycopene protects against the sun

Lycopene belongs to the "carotenoids" group: natural substances that protect against the sun. Tomato extract also acts as a natural sunscreen. Research shows products containing tomato extract can reduce UV damage. 

That doesn't mean you shouldn't wear sunscreen.

Tomato lycopene and oily skin

Tomatoes don't affect the natural oils produced by the skin, perfectly balancing its moisture. Even dry and sensitive skin can enjoy the benefits of tomatoes. The skin becomes soft and naturally radiant.

If you have oily or acne-prone skin, tomatoes are one of the best ingredients for skin care. One of tomato's greatest skin benefits is that it controls oil without interfering with natural oil production.

Tomato lycopene reduces skin redness

Lycopene from tomatoes dramatically reduces skin erythema or redness.

By stimulating the growth of new skin cells, it also soothes irritated skin.

Research shows that topical application of Tomato Extract plays an important role in stabilizing the DNA structure within the skin's nucleus and helps maintain the skin's repairing pathway.

In which helwé products is tomato lycopene present?

Masque Radieux: The Radiant Mask contains three of the most skin lightening active ingredients: vitamin C, resveratrol and tomato lycopene.

This strong antioxidant effect is optimized by vitamin E and olive extract, which makes the Radiant Mask a perfect cure for preventing skin aging, reducing wrinkles and fine lines and making the complexion bright again.

Booster d'Énergie: This Energy Booster serum is a shot of hydration, energy and antioxidants. It re-energizes the epidermis thanks to its Mediterranean antioxidants.

It reduces skin hyperpigmentation and is ideal for preventing and repairing skin damage caused by pollution and sunray (liver spots, wrinkles, skin slackening).

It also eliminates visible signs of daily fatigue, particularly loss of radiance, fine lines and rough skin. It gives you an enjoyable feeling of freshness and vitality all day long.

Sérum Éclat: The Radiance Serum contains a liposoluble vitamin C that is more efficient, penetrates better and is better tolerated by the skin than hydrosoluble vitamin C. Even though this serum is very concentrated (10% of vitamin C liposoluble), its pH was balanced to suit all skin types.

This serum’s brightening and antioxidant effect is optimized by vitamin E, tomato lycopene and sea buckthorn and carrot extracts, which allows people to have a brighter and younger complexion without suffering any irritation.

Booster Jeunesse Corps: The Body Youth Booster is a powerful treatment that will help fight the advanced signs of aging. With its combination of Retinol, Bakuchiol and antioxidants such as vitamins C and E, Sea Buckthorn extract and tomato lycopene, it will reduce UV damage, fine lines and wrinkles as well as spots, and it will tighten the skin.

Masque Pulpeux: This plumping mask is very effective for all dehydrated skin lacking in rebound. It redensifies and smoothes the skin. In fact, the combination of hyaluronic acid, aloe vera, and plant collagen, gives this intensive moisturizing effect and improves the elasticity of the skin. This effect is enhanced by an elastin booster, and beech bud extract which increase the elasticity of the skin and help smooth fine lines and wrinkles.