Does masturbation cause acne?

Masturbation does a lot of great things for the body, but even though women masturbate just as much as men, it’s not often a topic open for conversation. But, not talking about this pleasurable act can result in a lot of misinformation; some even believe that masturbation can cause acne.

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Masturbation does not cause acne, so what does?

Acne is caused when pores or hair follicles become clogged with excess sebum and dead skin cells. These clogged pores then become the perfect environment for P.acnes bacteria to reproduce, causing inflammation to occur and red pimples to pop up on the skin.

Acne can either be inflammatory or non-inflammatory and comes in all shapes and forms including blackheads, whiteheads, papules, pustules, nodules and cysts.Acne can also be fungal. However, this is not an actual type of acne and is an infection caused by an overgrowth of Malassezia on the skin.

One thing that is not part of the acne development process is masturbation. Sex acts, in general, don’t cause acne.

Hormones, however, can affect acne. Androgen hormones such as testosterone and progesterone can often cause an increase in sebum production and inflammation, resulting in breakouts leading up to menstruation. These same androgens also spike after an orgasm, but not nearly enough to cause any effect on the skin, as these hormone level drop back down after just a few minutes.

The urge to masturbate and explore oneself often begins around the same time as puberty and acne. Therefore it can be assumed that the concerns about masturbation causing acne stems from fears about the body changing during puberty.

How to reduce acne

If you do suffer from acne, there are several things you can do to prevent and reduce it. Such as:

Washing your face regularly
Try acne targeting skincare ingredients such as salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide
Don’t over-exfoliate
Reduce stress
Keep your makeup brushes and sponges clean
Cut back on foods with a high glycemic index
Cut back on dairy
Exercise regularly
Wear SPF

If all these methods fail to treat and prevent acne, then it’s best to see a dermatologist or doctor. Health professionals such as these will determine if any underlying conditions are causing your acne and can prescribe treatments such as retinoids and antibiotics.

Does masturbation have any effect on the skin?

Masturbation and orgasms do affect the skin, but not enough that you should ditch your skincare routine. Orgasms, masturbation and sex increase blood flow, produce oxytocin and reduce the stress hormone cortisol. Typically, cortisol causes an overproduction of sebum, leading to acne. By decreasing this hormone through orgasms, your skin could gain a glowing complexion.

What other benefits does masturbation have?

Many rumours have been made up around masturbation and sex, possibly because these things are seen as taboo topics or even to prevent premarital sex. However, masturbation and sex can have some fantastic benefits for the body.

Research and anecdotal evidence suggests that masturbation can: