10 Surprising Sex Benefits for Skin

December 29, 2023

Wondering how intimacy might do wonders for your skin? While skincare routines and products dominate the quest for radiant skin, the intimate act of sex can offer surprising benefits for your complexion. Beyond the pleasure it brings, engaging in regular sexual activity can significantly impact the health and appearance of your skin.

As science delves deeper into the connections between the body and various aspects of your life, it is becoming increasingly evident that sexual activity carries a myriad of benefits beyond its immediate effects. From enhancing blood circulation to boosting collagen production, the physiological responses triggered during sex play a pivotal role in rejuvenating your skin.

Research reveals that low levels of oxytocin, often associated with heightened stress, tension, and anxiety disorders, can significantly impact our skin’s condition. As stress levels soar, our skin, being the largest organ, bears the brunt of this strain. [1]

Oxytocin, known as the “love hormone,” extends its influence beyond emotional bonds; it plays a role in skin aging and the prevention of wrinkles. Its scarcity in the bloodstream can contribute to accelerated aging, leading to visible signs like fine lines and wrinkles. [1]

The release of these hormones and neurotransmitters during intimacy can wield a profound influence on skin health, thus alleviating conditions like acne and eczema while promoting a youthful glow.

According to the Charaka Samhita, the crucial elements of a healthy life include a balanced diet, adequate sleep, and a fulfilling sex life as essential pillars. Ayurveda, often referred to as “Ashtanga Ayurveda,” encompasses eight parts, and among these is “Ajikarana” or “Vrishya Chikitsa.” This segment of Ayurveda delves into the science of aphrodisiacs, focusing on improving virility, and sexual health, and enhancing the potential health of future generations or progeny. [8]

Delving into these surprising sex benefits for skin not only reveals a new dimension to your understanding of self-care but also highlights the interconnectedness of your physical, emotional, and intimate health.

Common skin issues faced by men and women

Both men and women commonly grapple with various skin issues, including acne, dryness, aging concerns like wrinkles, and conditions like eczema or rosacea. Surprisingly, regular sexual activity can offer unexpected benefits in managing these skin concerns.

Acne: Sexual activity can help reduce stress levels by triggering the release of endorphins and oxytocin, which, in turn, may lower cortisol (the stress hormone) levels. Lower stress often correlates with reduced acne breakouts. [2]
Eczema and Rosacea: While direct studies are limited, the stress-reducing effects of sex may benefit these conditions. Lower stress levels can mitigate flare-ups and reduce inflammation associated with eczema and rosacea. [4]
Dry Skin: Engaging in intimate activities can increase blood flow, enhancing skin hydration and nourishment. Improved circulation aids in delivering essential nutrients to the skin cells, preventing dryness.
Aging Concerns: Sex can boost collagen production due to increased blood circulation, helping in maintaining skin elasticity and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. [3]

10 sex benefits for skin

1. Enhanced Blood Circulation:

Like any physical activity, sex boosts blood circulation, delivering more oxygen to the skin and organs. This surge in circulation is credited with brightening the complexion and imparting that coveted healthy glow to the skin.

Sexual activity acts as physical exercise, stimulating nitric acid production, improving blood flow, and delivering more oxygen and nutrients to the skin, resulting in a post-sex glow. Nitric oxide aids in skin defense, UV protection, and wound healing.

2. Stress Reduction:

Stress wreaks havoc on the skin, contributing to wrinkles and skin aging. Engaging in regular sexual activity helps combat stress by releasing hormones like estrogen and triggering the human growth hormone, promoting collagen production and enhancing skin elasticity. [5]

3. Improved Nutrient Absorption:

Sex has been linked to an enhanced ability to absorb and metabolize nutrients effectively, leading to healthier hair and stronger nails due to increased intake of essential vitamins and minerals.

4. Plumper-looking Lips:

The increased blood flow during sex can also benefit your lips, making them appear fuller due to the heightened circulation caused by the elevated heart rate during intimacy.

5. Promotion of Skin Vitality:

Sexual activity, including masturbation, leads to higher estrogen levels, vital for the oil gland, hair follicle, and skin function. Elevated estrogen supports hydration, regulates oil production, and aids in wound healing, promoting skin vitality.

Increased estrogen and oxytocin levels from sex contribute to healthier skin aging. Estrogen enhances collagen production and skin thickness while oxytocin reduces stress hormones, preserving elastin and collagen, reducing wrinkles, and making individuals appear younger. [6]

6. Acne Prevention:

Acne prevention is one of the most prominent benefits of sex for the skin. Sex’s stress-reducing effects can lower cortisol levels and inhibit the production of oil glands and inflammation, reducing the likelihood of stress-induced acne breakouts.

7. Relief from Menopause Symptoms:

Sex and orgasms can boost estrogen production, potentially alleviating menopausal symptoms that result from decreased estrogen levels, such as skin sagging, wrinkles, pigmentation, and enlarged pores.

8. Dewy and Hydrated Skin:

Sexual activity triggers an endorphin rush, reducing inflammation and promoting hydrated, dewy skin. Exploring one’s body and engaging in conscious self-intimate time, including masturbation, can boost sexual esteem and skin health.

9. Skin Hydration:

Regular sexual activity helps regulate blood and oxygen supply to the skin, combating dryness often associated with hormonal changes in women, especially during menopause.

10. Improved Sleep and Mood:

Sex triggers the release of oxytocin, inducing relaxation and lowering cortisol levels, promoting better sleep quality. Studies correlate frequent sex with improved mood, reduced stress, and enhanced self-confidence, positively impacting skin health and appearance. [7]

FAQs

1. Why does the skin appear more radiant after sex?

Experts explain that sex boosts blood flow to the skin, resulting in a brighter complexion. This surge in blood circulation delivers an oxygen boost to the skin, yielding an immediate glow that surpasses even the effects of a highlighter.

2. Can sex help with pimples?

By balancing hormone levels like estrogen and testosterone, regular sexual activity might reduce the severity of acne. Moreover, the stress-reducing effects of sex lower cortisol levels, thus diminishing the likelihood of acne breakouts.

3. How does sex impact hair health?

Yes, heightened sexual arousal increases blood flow, stimulating hair follicles, and promoting potential hair growth.

4. Can sex contribute to sleepiness?

Following an orgasm, the body releases hormones such as oxytocin and prolactin, known for inducing pleasant and relaxing sensations. Apart from this, sex decreases cortisol levels linked to stress. Research suggests that these hormonal shifts post-sex can lead to drowsiness, aiding in falling asleep more easily.

5. Can sex enhance skin tone?

Engaging in sexual activity triggers blood vessel dilation, leading to increased oxygen flow throughout the body. This surge in oxygen boosts collagen production in the skin, contributing to an improved appearance, firmness, and overall skin health.

Conclusion

Thus you can see there are immense sex benefits for the skin. Beyond the thrill, regular sexual activity offers a natural pathway to vibrant skin. From increased blood flow imparting an enviable glow to stress reduction’s impact on acne, sex delivers unexpected perks. Hormonal surges during intimacy foster collagen, aiding skin’s firmness and youthfulness. Improved nutrient absorption contributes to healthier hair and nails, while enhanced sleep quality and reduced stress levels provide an undeniable radiant sheen. Ultimately, these surprising revelations showcase sex as a holistic, enjoyable approach to nourishing and revitalizing the skin.

Disclaimer:

This article is written from a health and wellness perspective and is not medical advice. Kindly seek the help of a certified medical practitioner before initiating any treatment.