The increase in the hormone estrogen through orgasm, as well as the physical activity involved in sex, can promote healthy skin, hair, and overall healthy aging. We chatted with holistic dermatologist Keira Barr, M.D., to explain some of the beauty benefits of sex: Overall, she says estrogen promotes skin health, hair health, and vitality. “It also plays a role in supporting normal skin barrier function, maintaining skin hydration, keeping oil gland production at bay, improving wound healing, and modulating inflammation2,” she adds. Additionally, orgasms release oxytocin3, which lowers stress levels. Less cortisol leads to less breakdown of collagen and elastin4, leading to fewer wrinkles, Barr adds. One study on over 3,500 men and women even found those who had sex three times a week appeared seven to 12 years younger than their actual age. “What helps create that after-sex glow is that nearly every cell in the skin can make nitric oxide, which is key for maintaining blood flow,” Barr says. “But it also helps bolster the skin’s barrier function, boosts its microbial defenses, promotes wound healing, and buffers the harmful effects of environmental exposures like UV radiation.” With naturally flushed cheeks and a little tinge of dewy sweat, who needs makeup? When people are stressed, Barr says the “hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis releases corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH).” When CRH is produced, it increases the production and growth of oil glands, as well as inflammation7. “Oil gland secretion and inflammation are two of the primary contributors to acne formation,” Barr says. In other words, managing stress may lower the chance of developing stress-induced breakouts. “Without estrogen’s influence to help produce hyaluronic acid and collagen, the skin loses its firmness and begins to sag; fine lines, wrinkles, and jowls appear; and pores and pigmentation become more prominent,” Barr says. “In fact, studies show that women’s skin loses about 30% of its collagen during the first five years of menopause8 and about 2% of their collagen every year after for the next 20 years,” she adds. This thinning of the skin not only happens externally but also in the vagina, which can lead to pain during sex. Having sex more frequently can promote estrogen production and elasticity in the vagina, so tightness and pain may be reduced, according to gynecologist Lynley Durrett, M.D. In fact, research has shown that having sex regularly may even delay menopause. If you’re not used to doing this, clinical sexologist Cyndi Darnell, recommends spending conscious, intimate time with your body. “It could be as simple as creating space in your week to lie in bed and run your hands over yourself, either for pleasure or simply for exploration,” she once told mbg. This can support your sexual self-esteem and overall confidence. Editor’s Note (June 24, 2022): This article was originally published on May 10, 2021 A previous version of this article indicated that a study included over 3,000 participants. We have since clarified this to indicate the study included over 3,500 participants.
