Loving yourself, yes, that way, is a part of self-care. And, it may be just as important to your skin as nutrition.
It’s been almost 2 years in pandemic isolation, and it’s no surprise that people are opening up to the idea that sexual pleasure is an act of self-care. As a result, personal care products companies have reported a significant increase in sales globally. According to a study by TENGA, more consumers are opening up their views around sex toys, with a more positive association of masturbation being a form of self-care during quarantine (and thereafter).
There has been a shift in the last decade towards a more inclusive beauty industry that promotes self-love. This shift has now paved the opportunity for female self-pleasuring to shed its taboo status, finally!
‘Taking care of your body in a sexual way should be the same as taking care of your body in terms of nutrients, skincare, and exercise.’
All over the world, celebrities are spreading the word—self-pleasure is an accessible and empowering form of wellness. But, few mention one of the best-overlooked benefits—it’s also the secret to healthy skin.
When people talk about how sex improves the skin, they are referring to the benefits of orgasms. Whether from masturbation or sex, the effect is the same - 'the glow'. But self-pleasure also has long term skincare benefits that go beyond ‘the glow'. Research has shown that extra self-loving may increase oestrogen levels, important to preventing collagen degradation and ageing. As we age, oestrogen levels decrease, causing collagen production to slow down, consequently, there is significant loss of elasticity and firmness in your skin.
The good news! Studies have shown that for most women, more frequent masturbation can in fact delay the onset of menopause, in other words, delay the onset of ageing!
Now, of course, we know that a healthy sex life reduces stress and improves sleep, so it makes sense that regular self-loving practice would also show on our skin. On a biochemical level, orgasms lead to a release of oxytocin, which lowers cortisol levels, improving sleep and helping the skin and other cells in your body to repair themselves. This can be helpful for individuals suffering from inflammatory skin conditions like acne, rosacea and dermatitis.
More and more brands are starting to make their voices heard, combining the two rituals of: skin + sex. And it’s about time! To accelerate the breaking of the stigma that has perpetuated for decades.
So, what’s your new Sunday ritual going to be?
