Want to Look Younger? Have More Sex!

Women have always tried crazy shit to preserve their youthful looks, from using snake venom to eating our own placenta. Thankfully, science says there may be a natural alternative to these drastic measures: Sex.

Dr. David Weeks, a British consultant clinical psychologist and former head of old age psychology at the Royal Edinburgh Hospital, has found that older men and women with an active sex life appeared five to seven years younger than their actual ages. What's the connection between sex and youth? The Huffington Post asked a few experts to explain the biology behind Weeks' research claims. Their findings:

1. It releases anti-inflammatory molecules. Sex releases anti-inflammatory molecules, such as oxytocin and beta endorphins. The circulation of these molecules promotes skin healing, according to dermatologist Dr. Amy Wechsler.

2. It makes your skin physically glow. But how? According to Amy Levine, sex coach and founder of Ignite Your Pleasure, sex simultaneously releases toxins through the pores while increasing circulation, resulting in a natural flush. It also relaxes the facial muscles and releases the anti-aging hormone oxytocin. These biological responses all serve to boost the skin's radiance.

3. It prevents dry skin. Another beauty benefit of having regular sex is that it heightens estrogen levels, which prevents dryness and boosts skin elasticity.

4. It clears an acne breakout. Fact: Good sex helps you sleep better. Better sleep means your body has time to reduce cortisol and inflammation levels, two factors pinpointed in breakouts. The anti-inflammatory molecules released during the act itself also abet skin health.

So, exactly how often do you have to have sex to reap these benefits? According to the HuffPo, Dr. Wechsler suggests doing it two to three times a week to stay looking young, more so if it's feasible. Sounds good to me.

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