Choosing the Right Lubricant - Sexynews #76

Slippery When Wet!

When it comes to satisfying sex, wetter is definitely better! Choosing the right lubricant for the occasion can sometimes be a little tricky so let us break it down for you!

Isn't a woman naturally lubricated?

Many women are in fact naturally lubricated when aroused, but not every woman is and may experience vaginal dryness. Vaginal dryness is quite common at any age and can cause discomfort during sex. The causes of vaginal dryness vary from person to person and can be caused by a myriad of issues such as stress, hormonal imbalances, menopause, medications, etc. Personal Lubricants are the perfect solution to this dilemma and will help make the experience a much more pleasant one. Even if lubrication isn't an issue during arousal, both partners may find that adding some additional lubrication to the fun enhances the experience ten fold.

What is the best lubrication for anal sex?

A good lubricant is an absolute essential for any kind of anal sex play. Because the anus is not self-lubricating, like the vagina, you'll find the safest way to comfortably enjoy anal sex is by using a good lubricant. Forgetting to use lubricant is the number one reason why anal sex can be unpleasant for many people. Add in the slippery feeling of Anal Lubricant, and we guarantee the experience will improve dramatically. Thicker lubricants are typically the best for anal sex play. Because the anus absorbs water quickly, you're best to stick with a silicone-based lubricant. The exception to this rule is if you're using it in conjunction with a sex toy or a condom made of silicone. Never use a silicone-based lubricant on a toy made of silicone as it can break down the material and destroy your toy. Likewise, it can cause condom breakage. If you're really into intense anal play, we recommend trying the Relaxing Silicone Anal Glide Personal Lube.

How to pick a lubricant?

• Water-based Lubricant: These lubricants are the most versatile and can be used for all of your sexual adventures. They're perfectly safe to use on any sex toy or body part and wash off easily. Water-based lubricants are perfect for people who have sensitive skin or allergies. Even better, this lubricant feels more like a woman's natural lubrication. The downside is that this lubricant doesn't last as long, tends to feel sticky and may need to be reapplied frequently.
• Silicone-based Lubricant: This lubricant will guarantee a more slippery experience and is ideal for longer sessions of sex. You won't need to apply as much of this lubricant and it's perfect for shower sex since it doesn't wash away quickly. On the other hand, this also means it can be trickier to clean up after so you will probably need soap and water to clean it away later. If you have expensive sheets, you'll want to invest in the Scandal Super Sheet to protect your bedding. With this sheet, you can easily indulge yourself in your favourite wet n wild fantasies without worrying about a messy cleanup! 
• Oil-based Lubricant: This lubricant offers a silky smooth glide and also long lasting. Examples of oil-based lubricants include anything made of baby oil or coconut oil. These types of lubricants are also great for all over body massages. Like silicone-based lubricants, they can be difficult to clean off so be sure to protect your bedding when using it. Another downside is that oil-based lubricants are more likely to increase the chance of infections, such as bacterial vaginitis. Never use an oil-based lubricant on latex condoms or toys made of latex or you run the risk of damage and breakage. The Wicked Masturbation Cream for Men is a unique oil-based lubricant designed to intensify his sexual experience.
• Hybrid Lubricant: Most hybrid lubricants are a combination of water and silicone or contain elements of both. Hybrids usually contain the best of both worlds in that they are water soluble which means they are easy to clean but also long-lasting. They are also stain-resistant and won't ruin your bedding or clothing. Because hybrid lubricants contain silicone, you will still want to avoid using this lubricant on toys made of silicone. Hybrids are usually safe to use on latex.

Which lubricants are safest for my skin?

Ingredients matter when it comes to lubricants you use on your skin. This is especially important for women who should choose a lubricant that is pH-balanced to match her vaginal environment. When choosing a water-based lubricant for women, it's advised that she chooses one that reflects the acidity of a healthy vagina (around pH 3.8 - 4.5). This prevents the risk of infection. The anus pH level (5.5 - 7) is within a more neutral range but it's still recommended to choose a lubricant that reflects the right pH level for this area too. 

Organic Lubricants made of natural ingredients have become popular and are usually less likely to cause skin irritation or infections. Water-based lubricants are almost always going to be your safest option as they are the closest to natural lubrication that you can get. If your skin is sensitive and prone to allergic reactions, you may want to steer clear of lubricants that contain flavours and other additives. Warming and tingling gels may also contain irritating ingredients so always check the label before you buy.

Ingredients that are prone to cause irritation & inflammation include:

• petroleum
• glycerin or glycerol (sugar alcohol)
• nonoxynol-9
• propylene glycol
• chlorhexidine gluconate

Should I use lubricants with sex toys?

Yes! Absolutely! It’s widely known that the use of Personal Lubricants can dramatically enhance your sexual experience. In fact, try spicing things up with some warming and cooling lubricants to add an extra dimension of sensation to your sex play. A good lubricant can really add to the erotic sensation you experience and with some toys such as Anal Toys, it’s almost a must. Using an Anal Lubricant during anal sex play makes your experience safer and decreases your chances of experiencing discomfort or tissue tears.

What kind of lubricants can I use on my sex toys?

Not all lubricants are safe to use on all sex toys. It largely depends on the materials your sex toy is made of that determines the kind of lubricant you should use. It also depends on the intended nature of the lubricant itself. For example, Flavoured Lubricants are not intended for internal use and should only be used externally. Some lubricants such as those made of oil and Vaseline are NOT compatible with many sex toys and can damage them, however, they may also not be compatible with all body parts either. Water-Based Lubricants are typically compatible with almost any sex toy and any body part but may not last as long. When choosing a lubricant to suit your needs, be sure to review our Lubricant Compatibility chart included here. 

Using a personal lubricant is nothing to feel ashamed of. In fact, for many people, the erotic sensations alone are quite liberating and offer a sense of excitement that can thrill you to the core. Whether you're using it to compensate for lack of natural lubrication or to enhance your sexual experience, always choose a lubricant that is right for your personal needs for maximum pleasure.