PSA: The "Love Hormone" Could Play A Role In Skin Aging — Here's How

Imagine a close friend develops a new crush: Apart from the nonstop name-dropping of their newfound lover (even if it doesn't make sense in the conversation), you might notice they appear glowing from within—but is it just the coy smile that makes them look so bright and youthful?

When it comes to feel-good hormones, oxytocin is at the top of the list (right up there with dopamine). Widely referred to as the "love hormone," oxytocin gets released during all sorts of activities—from sex to cuddling to massages or sitting in a warm bath1. 

But oxytocin doesn't just circulate through your brain like you may picture in your head. See, oxytocin, along with its carrier protein "neurophysin I" are found in the epidermis. To make a long and scientific story short: Oxytocin is present in your skin.

She also gave each participant a skin aging score (SAS), which would determine if that person looked older, younger, or exactly their biological age, all based on typical skin-aging factors (think wrinkles, dark spots, etc.). 

The results: Those with higher oxytocin levels had a lower SAS—regardless of sun exposure. How could this be? "The oxytocin receptor, which is found on human fibroblasts, has been shown, when activated by oxytocin, to inhibit senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP)," the report reads.

That SASP activation triggers the release of proinflammatory cytokines, which then contribute to skin aging. "Therefore, its inhibition by oxytocin would constitute a protective mechanism," Hayre concludes.

Of course, this doesn't mean a daily orgasm or bubble bath can sub in for your SPF when it comes to skin aging or general skin health—but if you need some motivation to put time and effort into loving yourself or another person, consider youthful skin another solid reason.