All the ways sex is good for your skin

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Foreplay is the new facemask, according to experts

We already knew that sex is great for a whole lot of things - your relationship, your mind, your pleasure - but who knew sex was good for your skin? Well, it is - according to experts at least. They told Huffington Post exactly why sex will give everyone the ultimate glow...

1. Nitric oxide and oxytocin

Alisa Vitti, functional nutrition and women’s hormone expert and founder of Flo Living, said that by understanding the difference between an orgasm and a climax (yes there is a difference) we can unlock the incredible benefits sex brings to our skin. She said: "For women, the sex that benefits us is clitoral stimulation and it turns out that achieving climax is not necessary to achieve all the health benefits. Most people confuse the words orgasm and climax. They are two distinct things. Climax is the big finish. Orgasm is everything else, and the longer you stretch out orgasm, the more nitric oxide and oxytocin you will produce, which triggers all the other benefits." Men can also benefit from nitric oxide - which is produced to create an erection. The release of nitric oxide and oxytocin can help balance hormones, flush out cortisol, boost collagen production and slow the ageing process, according to experts.

Vitti said: "When your immune system, your stress response system and your reproductive system are performing optimally, the skin has a chance to perform optimally, too. When they are stressed and underperforming, you will see it on your face."

2. Sleep

The sleep you get after sex can also lead to better skin. According to Jess O’Reilly, a sexologist and host of the Sex With Dr. Jess podcast, an oxytocin boost can calm you down and help you sleep better - leading to more energy, improved memory, heightened immunity, boosted health and therefore (you guessed it) better skin. The expert said sex can also increase levels of DHEA - a hormone that can promote shiny hair, glowing skin and bright eyes.

3. Less cortisol

Sex can lower cortisol - a stress hormone that can cause overactive sebum glands, which in turn can cause oily and more breakout-prone skin when raised. A lot of cortisol can also aggravate existing skin conditions, like psoriasis and dermatitis.

4. It's exercise

Vigorous sex could be especially good for your skin as it becomes a form of exercise - boosting blood circulation and bringing nutrients to the skin. Corey L. Hartman, board-certified dermatologist, told HuffPost: “This rush of oxygen and nutrients promotes the development of collagen to prevent skin sagging and regenerates new skin cells to keep the skin glowing and exfoliating properly.” Related links:

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Foreplay is the new facemask, according to experts