CAN Frequent Orgasms Help Your Skin?

Orgasms are great for our health in many ways — or so they say. And while we’ve all heard this juicy little rumor, science is actually on our side with this one. Orgasms help us release built up tension, they help us to deeply relax — and now, they may even help us have smooth, clear complexions.

Vitamin C serum, hyaluronic acid, retinol, face oil, SPF, and orgasms. Yep, those are all the ingredients for that ideal glow! But just what is it about the big O that leads to clear, youthful skin?

First, let’s state the obvious: Orgasms stimulate blood flow. Blood gets rushing, and our circulation is boosted. Our blood is an oxygen- and nutrient-rich source, and optimal blood flow means optimal healing. When we have great circulation (even, ahem, down there), it manifests throughout the rest of the body. This can even mean better circulation all the way up to the face, where we see a healthy flush and more even skin.

Enhanced blood flow also means more water reaches the surface of the skin, improving the look and feel — and literal hydration levels. Blood is not just rich in nutrients and water, but also oxygen. When we orgasm, we experience blood-vessel dilation, flooding our body with oxygen. If you’ve ever experienced an oxygen facial, you know that redness and inflammation are reduced, scars and scabs immediately begin to heal, and an unmistakable glow follows you for a few days. Orgasms just do an inside job of it.

This study shows that orgasms also increase our estrogen levels, which has a major impact on our skin health and how we respond to aging. Estrogen is a hormone that helps maintain collagen levels, which rapidly decreases after menopause. Thus, higher estrogen levels can directly impact our collagen, helping to boost skin’s elasticity, thickness, and moisture retention.

We know that endorphins are good, and that we can get endorphins from working out as well as from affection from our loved ones — and even from some types of superfoods (hello, ultra dark chocolate!). But oxytocin also deserves a front-row seat. Often referred to as the “love hormone,” oxytocin is most often released during cuddling, kissing, hugging, and sex, but can also be released during an orgasm, with or without a partner. Oxytocin helps decrease stress by reducing high cortisol levels, which gives the body a floaty feeling of relaxation. Fewer stress hormones means clearer skin, but it also means better sleep — and we all know beauty rest is not a myth.

When we get restful sleep, we have reduced levels of inflammation throughout the body, including the skin, but even in the stomach and digestion system. Proper digestion means better assimilation of nutrients, which will show up in our complexion! Since inflammation typically manifests in redness and puffiness, we definitely want to do all we can to knock that back. Consider self- (or partnered) pleasure to be a part of the bigger picture.

Another amazing release during and after an orgasm is that of human growth hormones. As we age, we don’t produce as much growth hormone, and that is another reason we experience a decrease in collagen. These hormones promote a youthful appearance by improving skin elasticity.

If these extracted facts don’t convince you to add a little extra pleasure to your, um, skincare routine, then we don’t know what will. We’re declaring 2021 the year of self-love, and we can’t think of a better way to love ourselves than to, well, love ourselves. Cheers to more O’s!