Does masturbation cause acne?

This is a persistent myth with no scientific basis. Masturbation and sex do not cause acne. The idea comes from old beliefs linking sexual activity to hormone surges, but there's no evidence that normal sexual activity changes the androgen levels that drive acne in any meaningful way.

Acne is driven by genetics, hormones (like normal puberty), oil, clogged pores and bacteria — not by masturbation.

What the research says

This myth has no scientific basis. There is no evidence that masturbation or sex changes the androgen levels that drive acne in any meaningful or lasting way.

Acne is driven by genetics, normal hormonal changes (such as puberty), excess oil, clogged pores and bacteria — none of which are affected by masturbation.

What you can do

• Ignore this myth and focus on proven factors: routine, hormones, diet.
• If acne is bothering you, a consistent non-comedogenic routine matters far more.
• See a dermatologist for persistent or severe acne.

Bottom line

Masturbation does not cause acne. Ignore the myth and focus on the factors that actually matter: a consistent routine, hormones and diet.

Vet your skincare too

Diet is only one piece. Many breakouts are driven by what you put on your skin. Paste your products into our comedogenic ingredient checker to rule out pore-clogging ingredients, and check for fungal-acne triggers if your bumps are small and itchy.

Sources & further reading

• No controlled studies establish this link; the evidence is anecdotal or theoretical and is described as such above.
• American Academy of Dermatology — acne resources

By Mitchell Zandwijken · Last updated July 2026. See our sources & methodology.