Does Masturbation Cause Acne?
Let’s get the answer out of the way now. No, masturbation does not cause acne. There has been no scientific evidence that has proven that it does. This is another myth about the “dangerous effects” of masturbation that has been pushed in the past. But why has this spread? Let’s take a look at some of the factors that might cause people to blame wanking for their breakouts.
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Causes of Acne
Acne is a skin condition that happens when the hair follicles become blocked with either oils or dead skin. While most people might think of pimples when they hear the word, acne actually comes in many different types, including blackheads, nodules, and many other “fun forms.”
Some common triggers of acne can be:
- Heavy Sweating
- Hormonal changes (which is why teenagers going through puberty fall victim to acne)
- Stress (makes existing acne worse)
- Skin care products like heavy lotions and creams
Again, out of the normally common triggers, masturbation is not found. However, there is a common link between masturbation and a cause of acne: hormonal changes.
If you are old enough, try to think back to those “fun” times of puberty. Voice changes, hair starts to grow under your arms, acne starting to pop up at the worst of times, and for some, the discovery of masturbation. It is understandable to think that masturbation causes acne because those who go through puberty masturbate, which affects some hormones, and they get hit with acne, which is caused by different hormonal changes. It’s just an example of correlation not equaling causation.
There is a lack of scientific evidence to confirm the link, but it sort of makes sense that this would become a myth. In addition to that, testosterone plays a part in both acne and masturbation. However, in the case of acne, testosterone causes an increase in sebum production. This oily substance lubricates the skin. Too much clogs the skin's pores, creating acne. Masturbation and hormones have a different kind of relationship, as we will explore next.
Masturbation and Hormones
Ok, now we know that there is a hormone relationship between both acne and masturbation, especially testosterone. But does masturbation affect hormones and is it enough to cause more acne? For the latter, again no. Masturbation does not have any connection to the production of sebum.
Masturbation is linked to a totally different set of hormones. For starters, it helps lower the stress-inducing hormone cortisol, leading to a more restful and deeper sleep. On top of this, once you hit that orgasm, you get a flood of pleasure chemicals such as:
- Oxytocin
- Endorphins
- Prolactin
- Serotonin
Testosterone is linked to your libido, and actually does rise during the build-up to an orgasm, but then falls down to normal levels after you finish. Outside of that, it doesn’t seem to affect testosterone levels in any long-term way that would connect to acne.
Lack Of Scientific Evidence
It wouldn’t be the first time that masturbation fell victim to a myth that it caused harm. There have been claims of all sorts of so-called “side effects” of masturbation throughout the years that are way crazier than that it causes acne. It’s a wide range too, going from causing blindness to hairy palms. Like the causing acne myth, there is no science to back them up.
Why has this seemingly harmless action of self-pleasure been demonized with these made-up myths about it? Well, not to get too deep into it, there have been groups in the past that have viewed and preached that masturbation is “corrupting” and these myths were an attempt to get people to stop performing the action. Make of that what you will.
Summary
If you have an important event coming up, like a wedding or family photo, and are worried that masturbating might cause you to break out, there’s no need to fret. Those couple of minutes (or more!) of pleasure will not affect your appearance. That said, if you are unsure whether or not masturbation is something you “should” do, why not check out some of the benefits it has to offer?
