Slippery When Wet: The Truth About Lube
This article was written by Lotus Flower Femme and originally appeared on the Lotus Flower Femme blog. Image via Lotus Flower Femme.
If you are still associating lube with vaginal dryness, it’s time to step ya cookies up before they crumble! Here’s how using lube can take sexual pleasure to the next level...
The Basics:
Let’s start with the basics! There are three main bases for lube: water, silicone, and oil. • Water-based lubes are the most widely available. They dissolve in water and is designed for absorption so it will likely need to be reapplied. Many water-based lubes contain glycerin, which may promote irritation or inflammation. They are easy to clean up, non-staining, feel like natural lubrication, and are safe to use with condoms and all sex toys. • Silicone-based lubes like Uberlube (featured in our October SlutBox!) are extremely slippery and tend to offer a silkier, more desirable sensation. Silicone molecules are larger than the cellular wall so they are not absorbed by skin. Silicone-based lubes are recommended for use in the shower, hot tub, and anal sex. Silicone-based lubes are also not compatible with silicone sex toys. • Oil-based lubes are emollients and lock in moisture. It is important to use a natural oil based lubricant instead of petroleum based product, as petroleum can cause irritation and infections. If you’re using condoms, always avoid oil-based lubricants, as they’re not latex friendly. Oil-based lubricants are also associated with higher rates of infections, such as bacterial vaginosis.
The Extras:
Natural lubricants with organic ingredients are increasing in popularity, promising better experiences with no damaging chemicals, no parabens, or irritating artificial fragrances, dyes, and other ingredients that may disrupt your pH balance. (A great choice is the BioNude Good Clean Love Lube featured in our November SlutBox!). Stimulating lubes may have warming, cooling, and/or tingling effects. These formulas are typically a water-based product with essential oils like menthol, peppermint, and/or cinnamon added. (Try the Sensuva On Arousal Gel or On Arousal Oil from our Inaugural SlutBox). Desensitizing lubes can support men in lasting longer. If you (or your partner) are struggling with premature ejaculation and want endurance, these are the way to go. Astroglide was one of the first personal liquid lubricants. Dan Wray, a subcontractor for NASA in the 1970s, fortuitously invented it when he was trying to create a lubricant to help space shuttles re-enter the atmosphere.
What Else Is It Good For?
Additional benefits of lube include enhanced pleasure, decreased discomfort, less friction, and even smoother skin. Most importantly, lube isn’t just for sex! It can be used for masturbation, massages, to ease tampon insertion, and even to combat inner thigh chaffing! Fellas, try putting a few drops of lube inside the condom for added pleasure. This article was written by Lotus Flower Femme and originally appeared on the Lotus Flower Femme blog.
