Many people are confused about whether masturbation causes acne. Excessive sebum production is one of the main causes of this skin problem. So let's know whether masturbation causes acne.
Many people are confused about whether masturbation causes acne.
Masturbation has many benefits. In addition to providing pleasure, it can help reduce stress and improve sleep quality. It is considered a natural action, during which hormones like endorphins and dopamine are released. Masturbation, also known as masturbation, can have many positive effects on your health. But it is also associated with a common skin problem. Many people are confused about whether masturbation causes acne. Excessive sebum production is one of the main causes of this skin problem. So let's know whether masturbation causes acne.
First, know what masturbation is
Masturbation is an activity in which a person stimulates themselves by touching their intimate parts for sexual arousal or pleasure. According to a 2015 study published in the Journal of Sex Education and Therapy, married women who masturbated experienced more sexual pleasure and higher self-esteem. They also had better sexual desire and were more satisfied with their sex lives.
Another study published in Frontiers in 2019 showed that participants who masturbated experienced improvements in their sleep quality. It can improve your mood. According to research published in the International Journal of Sexual Health in April 2024, masturbation and the resulting orgasms can have a positive effect on your mood.
Dispel the myths related to masturbation. Image: Shutterstock
Does masturbation have any benefits for the skin (skin benefits of masturbation)?
Masturbation and orgasms release feel-good hormones like oxytocin and endorphins, which can reduce stress levels. Beauty therapist and cosmetologist Dr. Karuna Malhotra says, “Being less stressed reduces cortisol levels, which can indirectly benefit the skin by reducing inflammation.” Improved blood circulation during arousal and orgasms can also deliver more oxygen and nutrients to the skin, giving the skin a natural glow.
The expert says, "Masturbation is not a skin care treatment, but the stress-relieving aspect can contribute to overall skin health." Also, after an orgasm, sleep quality improves, while it helps in skin repair and promotes cell regeneration, leading to healthy skin.
Masturbation and acne: What is the connection between the two?
Masturbation has many potential benefits, but some people believe it can affect the skin negatively. So, is there a link between masturbation and acne? Despite the popular myth, according to research published in the Postgraduate Medical Journal in 2006, masturbation does not affect acne.
There is no direct scientific evidence that shows a link between masturbation and acne, which is often caused by hormonal changes.
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1.Hormones
Experts say, “Some people think masturbation and acne are linked due to temporary hormonal changes.” This minimal hormonal change is not enough to trigger acne in people. According to research published in the journal Clinics in Dermatology in 2017, sex hormones such as testosterone and progesterone can affect the skin, and cause excess oil production.
According to research published in the Journal of Basic and Clinical Andrology in 2021, masturbation affects the secretion of hormones such as endorphins, prolactin, dopamine and oxytocin. But these hormones have nothing to do with acne or oily skin.
Stress increases the risk of acne. Image: AdobeStock
2.Stress
Even though masturbation and acne are not directly linked, the myths associated with it can cause unnecessary stress, which can indirectly increase acne. The hormones released in the body during stress can cause acne.
Why does acne occur?
There is no link between masturbation and acne. But many other factors cause this common skin condition. Acne is caused by clogged hair follicles, oil and dead skin cells, leading to pimples, whiteheads and blackheads.
3. Excessive sebum production
Even though masturbation and acne are not linked, the skin contains sebaceous glands, which produce an oily substance called sebum to keep the skin hydrated. “Excess production of sebum, which is often triggered by hormonal changes, clogs pores and creates an environment where acne-causing bacteria can thrive,” says Dr Malhotra.
4. Hormonal changes
Hormones, especially androgens like testosterone, increase due to sex, periods, pregnancy, or conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome. “These hormonal spikes can stimulate the sebaceous glands, leading to more oil production and clogged skin pores,” says the expert.
5. Bacteria
The bacteria Propionibacterium acnes (now called Cutibacterium acnes) naturally live on the skin. “When the skin pores get clogged, these bacteria multiply, causing inflammation in the skin and leading to redness, swelling and cysts on various parts of the body,” says the expert.
Some medications, and some antidepressants, can cause constipation as a side effect. Image: AdobeStock
6. Medicines
Some medications, such as corticosteroids, or contraceptive pills with a specific hormonal composition, can help reduce inflammation in the body and prevent pregnancy. “But these medications can trigger acne, or make it worse.”
Now know how to treat acne
1. Topical Treatment
2. Oral medication
Participating in activities like yoga, meditation and regular exercise helps reduce cortisol levels. Image: AdobeStock
3.Lifestyle changes
No, you don’t need to give up masturbation, as there is no link between it and acne. But you do need to eat foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, zinc and antioxidants to promote skin health. “Participating in activities like yoga, meditation and regular exercise helps reduce cortisol levels, which can help reduce acne,” says Dr Malhotra.
There is no connection between masturbation and acne, so don't believe this myth. Hormones play a role in acne, but the hormones released during masturbation have no connection with this skin condition. If you have persistent acne, you need to consult a doctor.
Image: Adobe Stock
