Does Masturbation Cause Acne?

Simply put, masturbation does not cause acne, nor is there any connection between breakouts and sexual activity of any kind. This myth is just one of many misconceptions about masturbation that is unsupported by science. So where did it come from?

This article takes a closer look at the myth that masturbation causes acne. It discusses the relationship between hormones and acne, along with what actually causes acne and how it may be treated.

Does Masturbation Cause Pimples?

Hormones by themselves do not cause acne. Sebum, an oily substance that your skin produces to keep it moisturized, causes pimples when it, along with other debris, clog the pores.

To be clear, hormone changes triggered by masturbation will not increase sebum production, nor will it increase other factors that contribute to acne.

So, if you recently masturbated or had sex then woke up to a big breakout, rest assured that it is purely coincidental. Those blemishes would have appeared regardless, and refraining from masturbating or sex won't make your acne go away.

Where Did This Myth Come From?

Years ago, the older generation would use this idea to encourage young people to abstain from any sort of sexual activity. It was a scare tactic, but one that some people likely believed.

This tall tale probably came into being because acne first appears during puberty. This is also the same time of life when sexual feelings arise and people start to explore their sexuality. Although the two may emerge at coinciding times, one is not caused by the other. 

Does Masturbation Affect Hormone Levels?

Masturbation and sexual activity does trigger temporary changes in hormones. But those changes are not dramatic enough or prolonged enough to cause acne.

Orgasm causes both biological males and biological females to experience a surge of the hormone prolactin, but that surge is short-lived. In males, orgasm does not affect the balance of testosterone in the body.

Unfortunately, very little research has been done on orgasm-induced hormone changes in the female body. But there is no evidence that masturbation or orgasm causes the kind of hormone changes that can trigger acne in any gender.

In other words, you don't have to worry that masturbating or having sex will cause you to breakout. When it comes to acne, hormones are just one piece of the puzzle.

Causes of Acne

Acne is caused by multiple factors—hormones, abnormal shedding of skin cells, bacteria, and genetics. Acne develops from the hormonal changes that occur in the body during puberty. Most teens have at least the occasional breakout; even some adults suffer from acne.

Hormones aren't the only culprit, though. Those prone to acne also shed skin cells abnormally. Instead of the dead cells sloughing away, they become trapped within the pore, creating a blockage. Add in some acne-causing bacteria (called Propionibacterium acnes) and you have an inflamed acne pimple.

Acne Treatment

There are many treatment options available for treating acne:

Over-the-counter solutions: Some people find over-the-counter (OTC) products effective against their breakouts. If your acne is mild, you'll probably get improvement with these store-bought products. Get one with salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide, which are the most effective OTC acne ingredients.

See a dermatologist or healthcare provider: If over-the-counter products don't work well for you, or if your acne is more severe, your healthcare provider can offer you more powerful prescription medications. The sooner you see a healthcare provider, the sooner you will start seeing results and clearer skin.

Summary

Masturbating or engaging in sexual activity does not lead to acne. It's a myth! While these activities do trigger changes in various hormone levels, those changes are temporary and not linked to breakouts.

If you have acne that just won't go away, abstaining from masturbation won't help. However, seeing a dermatologist or healthcare provider will.