Nothing ruins the feeling after sex more than discovering a huge pimple on your face
It's true that sex can do a lot of good for your body and mind, but it's also true that sex-related factors can trigger the appearance of whiteheads, blackheads, or even cystic acne for those with fair skin. prone to acne.
We know that the last thing you want to think about when having sex is whether or not it will leave you with acne, but below you will find an explanation of what "sex acne" on your face is, the biggest causes of them after sex, and, of course, how you can prevent each of them.
What are "sex pimples" on the face?
"Sex pimples" on your face could be two different things: a post-sex rash or a skin condition you may have developed from intimate, close contact with someone who has some kind of skin outbreak or infection.
If your facial "pimples" appear as red cheeks, spots, or breakouts, you're likely simply experiencing a healthy, normal body reaction to sex due to increased blood flow. This flushing occurs after orgasm or sexual arousal and goes away within minutes to hours.
If it lasts longer, it could be something else, and that brings us to the possibility of an infection you may have picked up from skin-to-skin contact. Don't pretend to be doctors. See a professional as soon as you can to get the right treatment and care.
"There is no clear evidence that sexual activity can cause or worsen acne," says dermatologist Kseniya Golubets. However, acne is complex and we must remember that acne triggers can be complicated and multifactorial, says dermatologist Gloria Lin.
The opposite can also happen, but just as sex can cause acne, it can also help reduce acne breakouts. As mentioned earlier, we know that sex can be very good for our physical and mental health. In fact, "regular sexual activity can have long-term effects on hormone regulation and stress reduction, which can potentially reduce the risk of acne," says Dr. Lin.
However, what we do know is that acne can be caused by things related to the process of sexual activity, such as sweat, your partner's chin, pillowcases, and contraceptives. Let's consider in more detail:
sweat Why they can cause acne: Any physical activity can cause sweating. Sex, especially if it's more energetic, can turn into a real sweat session. The result? Sweat, along with sebum, dirt and bacteria, can clog your pores, leading to acne, explains Dr. Lin.
What you can do about it: Dr. Lin says that if possible, you should shower immediately after sweaty sex to prevent skin breakouts. If this is not feasible, an easier tip to follow is to avoid putting on clothes right away and allow your body to cool down a bit. This will prevent sweat from sticking to your skin, leading to more breakouts.
Other ideas? "Wiping your skin with wipes can also help in an emergency if showering isn't possible, as can removing makeup before sex," says Dr. Lin. Alternatively, Dr. Golubets recommends using something with salicylic acid or a gentle cleanser to ensure your pores are clear.
Beard and facial hair Why they can cause acne: If you're kissing your partner's beard during sex, it can lead to a type of breakout known as "acne mechanica." Basically, this is a form of acne that is created through friction, leading to excess oil production, which creates a moist and perfect environment for bacteria to grow.
What you can do about it: Cleaning the area that came into contact with the beard immediately after sex can help. Also, you and your partner can clean your face before sex.
What you can do about it: The solution here is pretty simple: “Change your bed sheets at least once a week or after heavy sweating,” says Dr. Lin. However, it may not always be possible to do this every week, but you should prioritize your pillowcases, as they harbor the most bacteria. Buying an extra set is a good idea, so you can easily change them every week.
Contraceptives Why they can cause acne: Hormonal acne is a whole different story. Several contraceptive options can do wonders for your skin; others, however, can have the opposite effect. To put it simply: Hormones cause an increase in sebum production, and since some contraceptives do just that (ie, release hormones), it's only natural that you may experience more acne if you've started using them or changed your method. use.
What you can do about it: The number one tip in this case is to consult a certified professional. Some types of hormonal acne can only be treated with intervention through a prescription medication or steroid injections, but trying to deal with it yourself can often worsen the problem, Anabel quotes.
conclusion
Simply put, sex alone won't magically cause acne breakouts. However, some aspects of sex can affect this. The main causes associated with acne? Sweat, beards, bed covers and contraceptives. Although it is recommended to consult a professional for the latter, other problems can be solved with proper hygiene and cleaning as quickly as possible after the act, to reduce as much as possible the possibility of contact with the bacteria that cause acne. /Telegraph/
