"When it comes to beauty in the bedroom, most people’s first thought is of beauty sleep. And while a good night’s rest is vital in helping skin restore and recover, there’s another bedroom-related activity that just might give skin an extra oomph: orgasms. Orgasms have long been associated with mood-boosting benefits (for obvious reasons), but their impact has been said to go beyond just mental well-being—they might actually be able to benefit the look of skin as well.
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To find out if this theory is true, we tapped top dermatologists to weigh in on what really happens to your complexion after gettin’ it on in the bedroom. From figuring out what’s going on skin deep to nailing down if regular orgasms contribute to lasting improvements, we uncover exactly how sexual pleasure can affect your skin from the inside out. Ahead, keep reading to learn more about the biggest benefits from the bedroom.
What happens to the skin after an orgasm?
When climaxing, it’s fair that most people aren’t thinking about the ins and outs of what’s happening to their skin. However, a lot is going on. “During orgasm, the skin becomes flush with an increase in blood flow,” explains board-certified dermatologist Dr. Nicole Hayre. And, even though your skin can flush from other activities (not just climaxing), having an orgasm can take it one step further, thanks to oxytocin.
“More importantly, there is a release of hormones including oxytocin, ‘the love hormone,’” says Dr. Hayre. “Oxytocin binds to a receptor in the skin on fibroblasts (cells that produce collagen and other components of the skin) to turn off a pro-inflammatory destructive pathway (senescence-associated secretory phenotype or SASP).” Basically, this means that oxytocin binds to specific cells in the skin responsible for producing collagen, and when it binds to them, it stops the process linked to skin aging and tissue damage. We’ll take it.
Dr. Nicole Hayre, Board-certified dermatologist
Nicole Hayre, MD, is a board-certified Dermatologist who founded her office, the Cosmetic Dermatology Center, in 2003. Her passion for her field and her eye for detail have propelled her career and office to the forefront of Dermatology in Northern Virginia, earning it the title of “Best Dermatology Office” in Virginia Living for many years. She has also made several appearances on WUSA9 and has been featured in articles in Elle, Oprah Daily, Seventeen, InStyle, Dermatology Times and Medical Esthetics Magazine, to name a few.
What are the skin benefits of orgasms?
In layman’s terms, the orgasmic glow is real. “Sex promotes circulation, boosting blood flow to the skin, which can lead to a glowing complexion,” explains board-certified dermatologist Dr. Marisa Garshick. “It also reduces cortisol, a stress hormone, potentially lowering inflammation and improving skin clarity.” Due to this creative concoction, inflammation is reduced and skin healing is improved. Lower cortisol levels also mean less oil production and fewer breakouts. These hormonal shifts also contribute to an immediate increase in blood flow, which helps deliver oxygen and nutrients to the skin, leaving it flushed and dewy. Yes, please.
Plus, the relaxation that follows an orgasm can promote better sleep (or beauty sleep, as we call it), another key factor for healthy, glowing skin. Simply put, orgasms don’t just make you feel good—they can play a big role in your overall skin health and sleeping habits.
Dr. Marisa Garshick, MD, FAAD – Board-certified dermatologist at MDCS
Dr. Garshick is a leading board-certified dermatologist serving patients throughout Manhattan, New York and Englewood, NJ at MDCS Dermatology: Medical Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery, as well as an assistant clinical professor of dermatology at Cornell – New York Presbyterian Medical Center. Dr. Garshick provides a wide variety of cosmetic and medical procedures and services including treatments for acne, eczema, hyperhidrosis, moles, psoriasis, rosacea, signs of aging, skin cancer, skin tags, vitiligo, and wrinkles.
How long does it take to see a difference in skin post-orgasm?
The immediate effects of an orgasm on your skin can be seen within minutes since the increased blood flow and release of endorphins create what most call a ‘post-orgasm glow.’ This glow is the result of enhanced circulation, which makes skin look brighter and more refreshed. You may notice this glow lasts for a few hours after the orgasm, depending on your body. Not to mention, if you break a little sweat during sex, your skin might glow from that, too.
Are there long-term skin benefits associated with regular orgasms?
Aside from a post-orgasm glow, there are also long-term benefits to the skin. “The long-term benefit to regular orgasms is due to regularly decreasing the effects of SASP on the skin and protecting it from inflammatory damage and destruction,” says Dr. Hayre. (Remember, because oxytocin binds to specific cells in the skin responsible for producing collagen, it helps stop the process linked to skin aging. Simply put: the more collagen you have, the less aging you have.) “Probably the most powerful way to increase oxytocin is to have orgasms, but there are, in fact, other ways to increase oxytocin levels,” adds Dr. Hayre. “For instance, massage or stroking the skin will increase oxytocin. Hugs and many other forms of positive social interactions will do the same.”
What’s more, since orgasms can lower stress levels, this helps to curb inflammation. Not to mention, the boost in blood circulation from frequent sexual activity also supports collagen production. The outcome? Clearer, firmer, and healthier skin over time.
So, do orgasms really improve your skin?
Whether you do it alone or with a partner, incorporating regular orgasms into your routine can not only make you feel good but also positively impact your skin over time. From promoting a Rhode-blush-like glow through increased blood circulation to reducing stress-induced skin issues (goodbye, pesky acne), the benefits are both immediate and long-lasting. While orgasms alone aren’t a replacement for a solid skincare regimen (we always recommend a good routine), they can certainly make for a naturally pleasurable addition to your beauty routine.
Lauren Harano, Contributing Beauty & Lifestyle Writer
Lauren Harano is a Southern California native turned New Yorker with a passion for all things beauty, travel, and lifestyle. She has over seven years of experience in the journalism industry, and her work can be found in between the pages of Cosmopolitan and Seventeen as well as online at Glamour, InStyle, Teen Vogue, Esquire, POPSUGAR, and various food and travel sites.