Does A Healthy Sex Life Improve Your Skin?

It’s no secret that a flourishing sex life can make you feel better, but can it make you actually look better? According to some scientists, yes! A study done at the Royal Edinburgh Hospital by Dr. David Weeks has discovered an association between sex and youthful skin. The study showed that respondents who reported having regular sex (at least twice a week) looked on average five to seven years younger than their not-so-frisky counterparts! It’s not rocket science: sex triggers tons of reactions in your body that affect your physiology. So how is sex actually making a difference in your skin?

It’s anti-inflammatory

When you have sex, your body is flooded with oxytocin, a powerful happy hormone. Oxytocin has amazing effects on many parts of the body and the skin is no exception. Oxytocin decreases inflammation and can help enhance the skin’s natural healing processes. That means a reduction in blemishes, redness, and inflammatory conditions like rosacea and eczema.

It makes you sweat

Getting frisky can make you break a sweat just like your favorite spin class. Mild to moderate sweating helps purge your pores of dirt and sebum plugs, preventing blackheads and pore congestion.

It increases circulation

Sex increases circulation throughout your body, bringing fresh blood flow to the surface of your skin. This blood rush can help increase skin radiance and give you a healthy-looking glow! Fresh flow of oxygenated blood can also help advance your skin’s natural regeneration abilities.

It boosts estrogen

Yet another benefit of a healthy sex life is that it increases your body’s estrogen levels. Estrogen improves skin elasticity, collagen production, hydration, and plumpness—four major factors in youthful-looking skin.

It balances your immune system

Sex helps your immune system! A balanced immune system is important for more than just your ability to fight off the flu. It can help ward off acne-causing bacteria and may even play a part in stabilizing conditions like eczema and psoriasis.

According to Dr. Weeks, a thriving sex life is second only to physical and mental activity as the most important factor for maintaining a youthful look. So grab your partner and turn up the romance! You might just be on your way to your best skin ever.