But it turns out getting "busy" has benefits beyond the bedroom (or wherever you choose to get it in). Dr. David Weeks, a British consultant clinical psychologist and former head of old age psychology at the Royal Edinburgh Hospital, made us blush with his research that claims regular s*x can make you look younger. In a new study, Dr. Weeks found that older men and women with an active s*x life appeared five to seven years younger than their actual age.
Curious as to whether Dr. Weeks has truly uncovered "the fountain of youth," we asked a few experts to explain exactly how having more s*x is good for our skin.
1. It releases anti-inflammatory molecules. Dr. Amy Wechsler, who takes a whole-body approach to dermatology, credits s*x for its skin-healing abilities. "We're constantly damaging and repairing our skin, and you want to tip the scale more towards repair," said Dr. Wechsler. She explained, "When you have s*x, you're bathing the skin in anti-inflammatory molecules such as oxytocin and beta endorphins. As we get older, we don't heal as often as we repair. But having s*x can turn the clock back on that."
2. It makes your skin physically glow. s*xual intercourse also boosts our immune system, prevents stagnation, allows us to feel more alive and sweat out toxins from our pores, according to Amy Levine, s*x coach and founder of Ignite Your Pleasure. "This translates to our skin's radiance and being more at ease with facial expression (as we use our facial muscles to express ourselves during a s*xual encounter). Ultimately, giving a post-s*x glow and possibly helping to ward off wrinkles," said Levine. Sweating is sure to impart a dewy glow, however Dr. Wechsler said that it is an increase in circulation that triggers the flush. Besides s*x, there is only one other activity that releases the anti-aging hormone oxytocin, and that is childbirth.
3. It prevents dry skin. Another beauty benefit of having regular s*x is that it increases estrogen levels, which stave off dryness and improve skin elasticity. But Dr. Wechsler still believes strongly in using a good daily moisturizer.
4. It clears an acne breakout. Individuals who have more s*x have even been proven to sleep better, and we all know how a good night's rest is connected to skincare. "Breakouts occur more when people are stressed or sleep deprived," said Dr. Wechsler.
"And I think when you boost those anti-inflammatory molecules by having s*x, it is certainly helps treat acne." As a s*x coach, Levine believes "the more, the better." But you don't need to "follow a prescription to figure out what's best for you," she said.
Sexologist Dr. Jill McDevitt echoes this belief, saying "I think people should be having as much s*x as they like, but not because it will make them looking young, specifically. When people make a decision to have s*x, they don't say, 'I really want to boost my immune system and increase my immunoglobulin A antibodies' or 'I want to increase the elasticity of the skin on my face, so let's have s*x.' People have s*x because it feels good, they enjoy it, they like feeling close to someone, they're bored and lonely."
Two to three times a week is the number of times Dr. Wechsler suggests having s*x to stay looking young, as doing it every day may not be realistic.
She also recommends self service because let's face it, not everyone is in a relationship or hooking up. This sexually stimulating act may not release as many endorphins in comparison to doing the "do," but it's helpful.
Will you ditch your anti-aging creams and serums for more s*x?
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