Does Masturbation Cause Acne?

Masturbation and acne are often linked in myths, not medicine. Here is the brief, evidence-based truth: masturbation does not cause acne. Acne develops when pores clog and inflame due to excess oil, sticky dead skin, and bacterial factors — not because you touched yourself. Below you will find what actually drives breakouts and how hormones fit in without the hype.

Does masturbation cause acne? What the science says

• Overactive oil (sebum) + sticky dead skin can plug pores, forming whiteheads/blackheads; inflammation and bacteria then create pimples. Refs: AAD: What causes acne?, DermNet: What causes acne?
• Androgens (testosterone/DHT) stimulate sebum production, especially at puberty. That is why acne is common in teens and in some hormone-linked conditions. Refs: JDD review on androgens and skin
• Diet with high glycemic load and some dairy may worsen acne in some people; stress and certain cosmetics/occlusion can also flare it. Refs: AAD diet guidance, DermNet: Acne

Hormones, masturbation, and acne — what the research shows

• Sexual arousal and orgasm can cause small, temporary hormone shifts that quickly return to baseline. These short-lived changes are not the drivers of acne.
• Acne severity relates more to baseline androgen activity in sebaceous glands (and to insulin/IGF-1 signaling) than to brief spikes from sexual activity. Refs: Lai et al., Arch Dermatol Res review, Insulin resistance and acne review
• Adult female acne may reflect androgen excess in some cases (e.g., PCOS), which is evaluated and treated medically — unrelated to masturbation frequency. Refs: AE-PCOS Committee report

Practical acne control that actually works

• Gentle cleanse 1–2×/day; avoid harsh scrubbing.
• Use noncomedogenic products; avoid heavy oils.
• Proven actives: benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, adapalene; see a dermatologist for antibiotics, antiandrogens (women), or isotretinoin if needed. Refs: AAD treatment overview, DermNet: Acne treatment

A short case and realistic timelines

Consider a 12‑week evidence‑based routine for moderate acne:

• Weeks 1–2: Gentle cleanse, start nightly adapalene; add AM benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid. Expect mild irritation as skin adjusts.
• Weeks 3–6: Continue basics; reduce occlusive products; track diet/sleep/stress. Early reductions in new inflamed lesions are common.
• Weeks 7–12: Consistency compounds; reassess with a clinician if limited response—consider antibiotics (short course) or hormonal options where appropriate.

Acne typically improves over weeks, not days. Abstaining from masturbation is not a treatment; focus on proven skincare and medical guidance.

Related Blogs

• Does Masturbating Really Cause Acne or Pimples
• Discover the Benefits of Masturbation Without Porn in 2025
• Can You Get STDs from Masturbating?

Bottom line

Masturbation does not cause acne. Clear skin comes from consistent, evidence-based skincare and, when needed, medical treatment — not from avoiding normal sexual behavior.

Sources

• American Academy of Dermatology (AAD). What causes acne? and Acne treatment overviews.
• DermNet NZ. Acne causes and treatment pages.
• Lai JJ et al. Arch Dermatol Res. Hormones and acne overview.
• Insulin resistance and acne review (open‑access, 2022).