Lubricants are often misunderstood. Most people could benefit from a tube of lube in their bedside table, but misconceptions around what it is really used for can make it difficult for people to get past.
First and foremost, there are some myths we need to dispel about lubes. Using a lubricant as a woman doesn’t mean that you cannot achieve arousal by yourself, it simply helps to reduce friction, making sex more pleasurable. Lube is also helpful for use with any toy that can be inserted, as it will help things to glide along much easier.
Men can also benefit from lube use, and it has nothing to do with anal play. Lube can help toys like cock rings slide on easier, it will make masturbators far more pleasurable, and it can even upgrade a humble hand job.
The most important thing when choosing lube is that you know what you’re using it for and what you’ll be putting it on. Choose the wrong lube, and you could end up damaging your favourite toys.
There are two main types of lubricant available: water-based lube and silicone-based lube. Water based lube is the most skin friendly version. It is easy to clean up and won’t stain your bedding or clothing. It’s also suitable for most sex toys, but it won’t last in water.
In contrast, silicone-based lube is incredibly long-lasting and the most slick substance you’ll find. It lasts for much longer and provides a much smoother experience. However, there is a chance it will leave stains on bedding and clothing, and it can’t be used with certain sex toys. You can use silicone-based lube in water, and it will still work.
Some people have an allergy to silicone-based lubes and will therefore need to choose more natural formulations, which will typically be a water-based lube.
And sometimes, it just comes down to a matter of preference. It’s worth trying water-based lube and silicone-based lube to see what they feel like and which one you prefer. Some people don’t like how slick silicone-based lube can be and prefer something that feels a little more natural. But for some people, only the smoothest experience will do.
You’ll need to ask yourself the following questions when choosing your lube:
The first thing to consider is the potential for skin allergies. If you have no known allergies, you can try using silicone-based lube, but test it on your skin before you use it anywhere intimate. If you know you have sensitive skin, try sticking to a water-based lube until you have confirmed whether silicone-based lube causes a reaction.
The second thing you need to consider is the toys you’ll be using it with. If you have any silicone-based toys, steer clear of silicone-based lube. The combination will cause the silicone to break down, leading to microscopic tears in the material that will allow bacteria to build up. For rubber, metal, plastic and latex, you can often use either silicone-based or water-based, depending on your preference.
If you’re planning to use your lubricant for anal use, it’s worth looking for an anal-specific lube. These are often thicker and slicker than your everyday lube, and help to reduce the risk of friction that could cause injuries. They might also contain a numbing gel that helps to desensitise the area to make it more comfortable. These should be used with caution, as it could lead to injury.
Alongside water-based and silicone-based lubes, you can also find specialist lubes such as flavoured, scented or sensation lubes. Flavoured lube is great for oral sex, while scented lubes can help to provide a more sensory experience. Warming and cooling lubes can help to increase female arousal by helping to increase blood flow to the area, to increasing sensations. This can be a fun surprise in the bedroom, but be sure you test them so you know what to expect.
Lube is essential in the bedroom as it helps to keep things slick and prevent unwelcome friction. It can also help those with specific medical concerns, such as menopause, which can lead to vaginal dryness. When choosing the right lube, it’s worth looking for sample sizes so that you can explore different types and find one that works for you.
It’s also a good idea to invest in a few different types, as this will allow you to change according to your needs. You might reach for a super slippery silicone-based lube for sex in the shower, and then reach for your trust water-based lube when you’re bringing toys into the mix.
