Why Having More Orgasms Might Be the Best Skincare Hack Out There

It’s no secret that much of the beauty industry is focused on making us look younger. Or at least preserving that youthful look as much as possible. However, one key element has resurfaced among experts: the orgasm.

Back in the 1990s, Dr. David Weeks found that “women who have three orgasms a week look, on average, ten years younger than those who have only two.”

As Dazed reports, Weeks continued his research for years as a consultant neuropsychologist at the Royal Edinburgh Hospital. His ten-year investigation found that “couples in their 40s and 50s who have 50 percent more sex than the average for their age group look five to seven years younger than their counterparts.”

In addition, Weeks found that genetic factors are only 25% responsible for a youthful appearance, “whereas behavior accounted for 75 percent.” One of the main factors was sex in a long-term relationship.

The magic of the post-O glow

In his book “RealAge – Are You as Young as You Can Be?”, Dr. Michael Roizen defines “real age” as “an estimation of your age in biologic terms, not chronologic years.” While his research focused on a community in Caerphilly, Wales, Roizen did find that “having sex at least twice a week can make your real age 1.6 years younger than if you had sex only once a week.”

But it’s not only about having sex. It’s about having pleasant sex and experiencing an orgasm.

In her book “Pussy: A Reclamation,” Regena Thomashauer explains she is “a firm believer in the power of orgasm to fuel a woman’s radiance.” And she’s not far off. Just look at products like Nars’ Orgasm Blush or Selena Gomez’s Soft Pinch Luminous Powder Blush. These products follow a longstanding beauty trend of emulating that post-O glow.

“When you have an orgasm, your heart rate as well as your blood pressure will go up. This, in turn, will increase circulation, which will help provide oxygen and nutrients to the skin. It will also flush out toxins faster too,” intimate health specialist Dr Shirin Lakhani of Elite Aesthetics explained to Dazed. The estrogen release can also impact collagen levels. Dr. Lakhani explained estrogen plays a role in preventing the breakdown of collagen, “which helps reduce the appearance of wrinkles.”

Furthermore, the “feeling of calm after an orgasm” lowers the level of oxytocin in the blood,” continued Lakhani. These levels are linked to high levels of stress. “And we know when we are stressed, it can take its toll on our skin.”

More than youth, orgasms are the source of many health benefits

Planned Parenthood found that 39% of 2,632 U.S. women reported masturbating to relax. And no wonder. Studies have found that low levels of oxytocin in the bloodstream “are correlated with high levels of stress, tension, and anxiety disorders.”

 And when you’re stressed out, your skin might take the hardest hit.

According to Healthline, stress can trigger inflammation in conditions like rosacea and psoriasis. Furthermore, it can also trigger those annoying breakouts we all hate so much.

Then, having a healthy sexuality and frequent orgasms can help your skin, your immune system, and more.

Don’t fear flying solo

Whether you’re in a relationship, situationship, dating, or single and thriving, having an orgasm is not dependent on your relationship status.

Yes, we know straight women have way fewer orgasms than men, lesbian, or bisexual women, but this should not deter you from achieving that glorious post-O glow.

As sex expert Anna Richards told Dazed, the stigma for women when it comes to sex and female pleasure is well and alive. “Look at sex education. It doesn’t focus on female pleasure, and social media censors vocabulary and discussions around the topic,” she said, highlighting sex-ed focuses mostly on penetrative sex.

“There is this Freudian influence for women to only orgasm through penetrative sex, seeing this as the end game, which only contributes to widespread dissatisfaction and many women faking orgasm.”

“Take some time to masturbate and learn how your body responds and what arousal techniques you enjoy. Experiment with toys too, as they bring a very different experience,” says Richards. “Also, be prepared to accept help. There’s no shame in a little lube.”