5 Tips to Choose the Right Lubricant
Regardless of a couple’s gender or the type of stimulation they prefer, a lubricant is a useful thing for any sexual practice. Lube is not only for people who have troubles with their natural lubrication due to some reason. Apart from bringing additional comfort, it can improve and develop a couple’s sexual experience as a whole.
However, lubes are different, and neither of them is universal. The choice mostly depends on the goal you want to reach with it, and also on the substantial compatibilities. There are lubricants that can cause damage to toys or condoms.
Here are five recommendations to keep up with when choosing the lube.
Before you read this blog post, You can check out my article about how to make your own lubricant from coconut oil.
And by the way, what’s the point learning about lube if you don’t have a sexual partner? haha. Don’t forget to check out my ashleymadison review after finding out more about lubricants, to actually use lube and have fun…
Find What You Need
The first question to answer when choosing the lube is simple: how exactly do you want to use the lubricant? Depending on the answer, select the appropriate type of lube.
Water-Based Lubricants
Water-based lubes are basic ones. Mostly, they’re also considered universal.
Water-based lubes are actually fitting multiple cases: it won’t be a problem to apply such lubricants to any sex toys (including silicone ones) or condoms. Additionally, it’s easy to wash them off any surface.
A downside behind water-based lubes is obvious: they dry out quicker than those of other types. And, of course, those won’t suit, for instance, a bathroom or shower sex experiment because water disperses them.
Silicone-Based Lubricants
Lubes based on silicone are also extremely popular. They remain wet for a long and can be used with both polyurethane and latex condoms. As they are stickier, experts recommend silicone-based lubes as suitable for anal sex.
Another advantage of silicone lubes is the possibility to apply them in a shower or other water environments. However, these lubes are not so universal compared with their water-based twins. As it was already mentioned, they damage silicone sex toys. So, it is better to avoid combining these two.
Oil-Based Lubricants
These are less popular. Oil-based lubes are suitable for massaging moves or masturbation. But they do not suit any penetration initiatives. Oil-based lubricants damage both condoms and toys (except metal and glass ones). And yes, it can be more difficult to wash them off. That may lead to particular health problems you certainly might want to avoid. You can read my review of this type of lubricant here.
Adjust to Every Situation
Additional features can be parts of a lube’s effect. For instance, some lubes can cause a warming-up or cooling effect on one’s skin. “Warmers” will make more blood pass through the genitals and help you turn on more efficiently. “Coolers” can prolong the sexual act by reducing skin sensitivity and add unusual feel to it.
You can find aromatized lubes, too. It may even be possible to eat them, but it is always better to check the user guide on a lube pack. That’s how you surely avoid unwanted mistakes and spoiled sexual experiences.
Eatable lubes are specially designed for oral sex. Mostly, they use oral lubes to get new experiences. The need for oral lubes is not always urgent because it’s usually enough to apply saliva.
Safety First
Check the lube’s shelf life obligatory. It is critical to know how to count it by checking the info on the pack. After the date expires, the lube might change its properties and qualities.
Lubes can provoke allergic reactions, especially when there are additives (aromatizers, preservatives, etc.). Applying some lube to your hand and checking the effect after 5 to 10 minutes is probably the best way to test the suitability.
Know When to Use It (And Do It Frequently)
Mostly, sexual partners mention lubricants when their natural lubrication liquids seem to be not enough due to some reason. Nevertheless, sometimes applying an “artificial” lube is obligatory. For example, partners are recommended to use it when preparing for anal sex. That’s how the process becomes safer and much more comfortable. As a result, both participants guarantee more pleasure with each other.
No Improvisation!
It’s a widespread trick to use saliva instead of lube. However, saliva won’t be even close to a specialized and correctly picked solution in its effectiveness. Still, experts don’t consider applying saliva to be a dangerous move unless one of the partners is infected with something.
Still, once again: the use of lube is totally recommended (not to say “obligatory”) when it comes to anal sex plays. And anyway, saliva will always be less effective. A correctly picked lube will last longer, make the process smoother, and bring you and your partner much more pleasure. If you haven’t found the answer to your question in my blog post, I recommend that you also read this blog post about lubes on healthline.com.