When it comes to sex, everyone is different. Some people like things soft and slow, while others prefer it a little rougher and wilder. But one thing that almost everyone can agree on is that lubricants make everything better.
- What are sexual lubricants?
- Benefits of using lube
- How to use lubricants
- Different types of sexual lubricants
- What sexual lubes are good for allergies and sensitive skin?
- Warming vs cooling sexual lubricants
- Not all sexual lubricants are compatible with condoms
- The difference between vaginal moisturisers and lubricants
- Find the best lube for you
If you have never used sexual lubricants before, this article will help clear some misconceptions and offer tips on what to buy. Whether you suffer from vaginal dryness or just want to make sex more exciting, this is everything you have to know about sexual lubricants.
What are sexual lubricants?
Sexual lubricants are gels that are used to reduce friction during sexual activity. They can be made from various materials, including water, silicone, and oil, among others.
Many lubricants also contain additives such as fragrances, flavours, and colouring agents. Lubricants can be used with any type of sex toy or body part, and they can be applied to the inside or outside of condoms.
Benefits of using lube
Many people think that sexual lube is only for people with dry vaginas or for people having anal sex. But in reality, lube can make all kinds of sex better. Below are all the reasons why lubricants are a must-have for enjoyable sex.
Makes sex more enjoyable
Lubricants are often thought of as necessary for people who experience vaginal dryness. However, lubricants can actually enhance the sexual experience for both men and women, even if they do not have any issues.
A study by Indiana University on 2,453 women revealed that 65.5% of participants found sex to be more enjoyable and comfortable when using lube. In addition, Indiana University cited lube to be beneficial in avoiding vaginal tearing, which can increase the risk for different STIs like HIV.
Ensures pain-free sex
Secondly, if you or your partner have a history of pain during sex or vaginal dryness, lubes will make it less painful, significantly changing your intimate life. Lubricants can help reduce friction during sex, making the experience more pleasurable.
They can also be used to add new sensations, such as warmth or cooling. Last but not least, water and natural-based lubes are safe to use, and that is a great benefit to other vaginal dryness solutions like medication.
Great for anal sex
Lubricants can be used to make anal sex more comfortable and less painful. In fact, the anal canal does not self-lubricate, and lube is essential to make penetration easier and more enjoyable.
Apart from that, using lube for anal sex makes it easier to keep your condom intact and decreases the chances of breaking it.
Prevents the risk of infection
When using condoms, lubricants make it less likely for those to fall off and break, which is great for avoiding STIs. In addition, lubricants decrease the chance of STIs entering the body, which is a massive advantage.
To sum up, many people find that lubricants make sex more enjoyable overall. As a result, lubricants are a must-have for anyone who wants to improve their sex life.
How to use lubricants
Using lube is straightforward, and you can apply as much as you want and wherever you want, may it be on the anus, vagina, or penis. That being said, lubricants should not be applied directly to the genitals.
Instead, squeeze a small amount into your hand, warm it by rubbing your fingers, and then caress your lover or yourself with your lubricated fingers.
Note that not all lubes are good to use with condoms. When using latex condoms, you should use a non-oil-based product, such as a natural or water-based lubricant.
With anal sex, you should use more lube as the anus doesn’t lubricate itself, unlike the vagina and penis. We recommend using either a water-based or silicone-based lubricant, although the latter will last longer.
What you should not use as a lube
While they logically sound like good options, you should avoid lotions, petroleum jelly, butter, and spit as lubes. In fact, these can increase the risk of irritation and infection.
How to choose a good lube
When choosing a lubricant, it is essential to consider the type of material it is made from, as some materials may interact with condoms or sex toys. But there are also other elements to consider and we’ll cover them below.
Different types of sexual lubricants
At its most basic, a sexual lubricant is any substance that can be used to reduce friction during sex and make any intimate moment more enjoyable. Each has its advantages and disadvantages, so it’s important to choose one that’s right for you and your partner.
Those are the different types of sexual lubricants you can find on the market:
Natural lubricants
If you are sensitive to certain products, you could choose natural lubricants to protect your intimate parts, such as your vaginal or anal lining. When looking for a lube, keep in mind those toxins and chemicals you avoid in food, cosmetics, and hair products. In fact, your body may not know how to process it and, therefore, may give you an unpleasant sensation like a burning feeling.
There are a variety of natural sexual lubricants that can be used to enhance pleasure and reduce friction during sex. The most popular ones are aloe vera, sweet almond oil, virgin coconut oil, and even avocado oil.
In conclusion, while they’re generally safe, water-based lubricants are often preferred.
Water-based lubricants
Water-based lubricants are the most popular choice because they’re easy to find and gentle on sensitive skin. They’re glycerine-free, so your skin won’t get irritated, and they can also be used with condoms.
However, water-based lubricants tend to dry out quickly, so you may need to frequently reapply. These also taste bitter, which isn’t the best for oral sex.
Oil-based lubricants
Oil-based sexual lubricants are divided into two categories – natural, with ingredients such as avocado oil, and synthetic, including Vaseline. However, they can also have several other benefits. For instance, making sex more comfortable and less likely to irritate. They can also be used to offset dryness caused by certain medications or menopause.
In addition, oil-based lubricants can be used for massage or other forms of body play. However, it is important to note that oil-based lubricants are not compatible with latex condoms. If you plan to use a condom, we recommend water or silicone-based lubricant.
On top of that, they can lead to vaginal infections if not washed out properly after sex.
Silicone-based lubricants
Silicone-based lubricants are a good choice if you’re looking for something that lasts longer. They’re also safe to use with latex condoms and in the shower for a more exclusive experience.
However, these can be hard to wash, and we don’t recommend using them on sex toys as they’ll get sticky over time.
What sexual lubes are good for allergies and sensitive skin?
The best sexual lubricants for allergies and sensitive skin are water-based ones since they will not irritate the skin. As mentioned above, you’ll need to use more of it since it dries quickly, but it’s absolutely safe to use.
We recommend Lube Life Water Based Personal Lubricant. It’s safe, great for all kinds of allergies, it’s not sticky, you can wash it off very easily, and it’s condom and sex toy compatible. Also, with over 138,000 positive reviews on Amazon, you know you can’t go wrong.
The FAV Luxury Personal Lubricant is another fantastic option for women with allergies or sensitive skin. It feels natural and smooth for both couple sex and masturbation. It’s made in the USA and is safe for sex as well as with sex toys and condoms.
Can you use coconut oil as a sexual lubricant?
Yes, coconut oil is a popular natural lubricant, and there are many reasons why it may be a good choice for you. It’s moisturising, long-lasting, and safe to use with condoms.
According to a report by Glamour, coconut oil is a great alternative to lubricants for women with vaginal dryness or other health conditions.
With this in mind, it’s worth noting that not all coconut oils are safe to use as lube. It should be additive and preservative-free; otherwise, you might experience vaginal irritation, which isn’t ideal.
Warming vs cooling sexual lubricants
Both warming and cooling sexual lubricants have their pros and cons, and it ultimately comes down to personal preference. Warming lubricants can enhance sensation and arousal, but they can also cause skin irritation and dry quickly.
Cooling lubricants can be helpful if you feel hot during sex. As a general rule of thumb, warming lubes are more enjoyable than cooling ones, but it depends on personal preference.
It’s important to note that they may also cause an unpleasant burning sensation. Ultimately, experimenting with both types of sexual lubricant to see what works best for you and your partner is a good idea.
Not all sexual lubricants are compatible with condoms
If you use condoms, it’s important to note that you cannot use all types of lubes. In fact, only water and silicone-based lubes are safe to use with condoms. Other kinds, like oil-based ones, lotions, and Vaseline, are not safe since they can damage the condom and even break it.
That being said, if you happen to use non-latex plastic condoms, oil-based lubes are generally safe to use.
The difference between vaginal moisturisers and lubricants
Lubricants are for one-time use but vaginal moisturisers are meant to be used every day. In addition, lubricants are used explicitly for intimate moments with your partner or alone while moisturisers are designed for different conditions such as vaginal irritation or dyspareunia. In plain English, moisturisers are mostly used if you have any health issues, while lubricants are most common for sex purposes only. We want to highlight that some products can be both lubricants and moisturisers, but they need to be labelled as such, and you should pay attention to them before purchase.
Find the best lube for you
Sex is an important part of any romantic relationship, but sometimes it can be difficult to enjoy, and this is where lubricants come in.
You’ve learned all about lubricants and how to select a good one for your needs. Whether you’re trying to spice up the bedroom or just make sex more comfortable, using lube can help improve your lovemaking experience.
Remember to experiment with different types of personal lubricant until you find the best one for you. With these tips in mind, you should have no trouble getting the most out of your lubricants.
