Masturbation is impressive for many reasons—it's pleasurable, feels great, and releases various mood-enhancing hormones. But did you know that orgasms have significant benefits for the body, including the skin?
You might have heard about the post-orgasm glow, where the skin on your face might look flushed and healthy after a masturbation session.
How Many People Masturbate?
Masturbation is normal and very common. Across the world, a survey found that 78% of adults masturbate regularly. People of all ages masturbate, whether or not they're in a relationship or having sex. It's part of having a healthy sex life and a fulfilling relationship with your body. That being said, not everybody enjoys masturbation, and there's no pressure to do it if you don't want to.
What Effects Does Masturbation Have on the Body?
Masturbation triggers the release of hormones in your brain. These hormones include:
1.Dopamine. This is the body's natural "happiness" hormone that triggers the reward system in your brain.
2.Endorphins. This hormone relieves pain, de-stresses, and boosts overall mood.
3.Oxytocin. Known as the "love hormone," oxytocin increases feelings of closeness and bonding.
4.Testosterone. This hormone, present in all genders and sexes, is released during sex to increase arousal and physical stamina.
5.Prolactin. This hormone, most well-known for its role in lactation, can strengthen your immune system and influence your mood.
This rush of hormones can have several different effects on the body. It can boost your mood, increase your focus, help you sleep, and alleviate stress and anxiety. Practicing self-love can also help boost your self-esteem.
What Are the Benefits of Masturbation?
Not only is masturbation a regular sexual activity, but it can also have benefits for your physical, mental, and emotional health.
Sexual stimulation — including masturbation — can have the following effects:
●Relieving stress
●Relaxing the body
●Improving sleep
●Boosting mood
●Relieving pain, including period cramps
Masturbation can also help you better understand your own body, including your wants and needs. Couples can also masturbate together to explore specific fantasies or desires.
Is Masturbation Good For Your Skin?
While there's no hard scientific evidence of masturbation benefitting the skin, some dermatologists point towards evidence showing how other effects of masturbation, like hormone changes, might lead to improvement in the skin.
Increase Blood Flow
The post-orgasm glow comes from an increase in the blood flow in your body, which increases your oxygen levels. This is why your skin, especially on your face, might look rosy and flushed after an orgasm.
Lower Stress
When you're experiencing stress, it tends to show on your skin. Stress can lead to inflammation, manifest as breakouts, rosacea, and psoriasis. Studies show that an increase in oxytocin — one of the hormones released during masturbation — can lower stress, tension, and anxiety.
Boost Estrogen Levels
Having an orgasm increases the levels of estrogen in your body. This hormone can prevent the natural decrease in collagen over time, effectively slowing the aging process and maintaining more youthful skin. It can also keep the skin hydrated, improve elasticity and make it more resistant to wrinkles.
Masturbation for Sexual Wellness
The bottom line here? Masturbation can give your skin a serious boost — giving you a short-term glow and making your skin more youthful and resilient over time.
But beyond the visible benefits, masturbation is linked to so many more benefits for your mind and body. It's just as much a part of sexual wellness as it is self-care.
