You will go blind! Your palms will be hairy! You are going to be plagued with pimples! There are so many misconceptions about masturbation that it’s hard to believe any of them are true. But what if there was a connection between masturbation and acne?

Well, there is something like that, but not really.

Both start at puberty and sometimes even start at the same time. However, usually masturbation is met with more joy and happiness than acne. Let’s learn a bit more about their connection and whether one leads to the other (and then what to do about it, especially when it shows up below the belt).

What is acne?

Acne is a skin condition that causes the formation of whiteheads, blackheads, and pimples. Pores live under the skin and are connected to glands that produce sebum, an oily substance. Of course, dead skin, sebum, and other debris can block glands, attract bacteria, and therefore lead to inflammation. This is the acne a man sees on the surface of his skin, and yes, that includes his penis.

Does masturbation cause acne?

Let’s start by saying that acne is usually caused by hormonal changes. Hormonal changes begin at puberty. These changes stimulate the production of oil in the body, which can lead to acne. Masturbation also begins at puberty, but it doesn’t affect hormone levels enough to cause acne. In fact, the only effect it has on hormones is minimal and generally temporary based on short-term studies. Since both masturbation and acne start around the same time in a man’s life, it’s easy to see where the misconception comes from. So no, one of the side effects of masturbation is not acne. That said, if a man is sloppy in his hygiene after masturbating and doesn’t clean himself well, any leftover discharge or funk can cause him to get pimples or acne on or near his penis.

What causes acne?

Believe it or not, acne is like the common cold: Research isn’t 100 percent sure what causes it. However, there are many probable causes, such as hormonal changes, medications, diet, use of makeup and skin care products, genetics, and lazy hygiene.

If it’s not acne, does masturbation have side effects?

Sure! Everything has a side effect. The side effects of masturbation are mostly positive, although there are some negative ones. These are just a few of the “good” ones: improved performance, improved body confidence, improved mood, better sleep, reduced risk of prostate cancer, maintenance of healthy erectile tissue, and much more.

How can a man get rid of acne… down there?

Most of the men know how to clear the acne on their body. Well, except for the area directly surrounding Mr. Happy. The reproductive area is a very delicate area for many reasons. The skin is thinner and more delicate, making it much more sensitive to products. The area is also kept on lockdown and in the dark, making it an ideal beachfront property for bacteria. It’s also an area that you might see a shaver or clipper from time to time, so ingrown hairs and penile pimples can be a real problem.

The best thing a man can do to clean the area is to do just that, keep the area clean. Here are a few steps to take every day to keep your tally-wacker zit free:

– Wash daily with lukewarm water and a mild cleanser. Be gentle but thorough, and rinse well.

– Wear cotton underwear that is breathable and loose fitting.

– Wash immediately after exercising, having sex or on very sweaty days.

– Air the penis daily. Try sleeping naked or just letting it all hang out for a while each day (in a private place of course).

– Use an oil specially formulated for penis health (health professionals recommend Man 1 Man Oil that has been clinically proven to be gentle and safe for the skin) diary. Created with vitamin A, a natural antibacterial, vitamins B and C for healthy skin renewal, and collagen for elasticity, this oil will keep skin clear and supple for masturbation or partner play.