A Guide To Lube

Don't think you need a lube? Think again. Even if you don't think you ever get 'dry' there are many advantages to introducing a good personal lubricant. ‘Quickies’ can actually be quick, more lengthy love-making that much smoother, and lubricants avoid any post soreness that might otherwise be experienced from friction.

Many people believe that a woman is always wet when she's sexually aroused. While this certainly can be true, there are many reasons (stress, lack of sleep, children, work and hormones to name but a few) that may result in an aroused woman experiencing vaginal dryness. Most women experience times when additional lubrication would greatly improve both comfort and sexual pleasure for her as well as her partner.

Additionally lube can also make condoms feel more comfortable, pleasurable and natural. Often, just using "lubricated" condoms isn’t that effective for vaginal dryness.

Virtually all lubes fall into one of three categories — water, silicone or oil-based. While each of these has their advantages and disadvantages, water-based lubes are by far the most popular as they can be used for love-making and safely also used with toys and condoms.

The most important consideration is to ensure the lubricant you choose is pH-balanced - your genital region is one area you don’t want to upset!

 

Water-based lubricants

Water-based lubes are just that: water-based. Their main feature is that they're smooth and slick, but not sticky and messy like some silicone and most oil-based lubes can be.

Since they're water-soluble, skin and mucous membranes will absorb them. This makes clean-up a breeze: just a little warm water, maybe some soap, and the lube will easily wash off the skin.

But its solubility also means that periodically you usually need to re-apply it. This is one of the chief drawbacks of water-based lube, since in the heat of the moment an interruption is probably the worst thing that could happen.

Water-based lubes have the added advantage of being completely condom-compatible, as opposed to oil-based lubes that corrode latex. It’s important that people know that some water-based lubes contain glycerin, which can promote infections in women so they should be sure to check the labels (all PASH lubricants are body safe lubricants).

 

Silicone-based lubricants

Silicone-based lubes are similar to water-based lubes but are generally much silkier in feel, last much longer and have a thinner texture. The main advantage is that silicone-based lubes take much longer to dry out. No mess, no fuss, no need to reapply.

Silicone-based lubricants rarely cause allergic reactions in people with sensitive skin and these lubes are also great for use during a massage (so dual purpose). Silicone-based lubricants can be used in all of the places where a water-based alternative would breakdown: the shower, pool, bathtub, or hot tub as well as for anal intercourse.

The main drawback is that they are not compatible with most toys. Many sexual toys are made from silicone rubber and a silicone-based lube will cause the material to deteriorate.

 

Hybrid lubricants (Water + Silicone)

Hybrid personal lubricants are the newest type of lubricants developed. These lubricants generally are water-based lubricants with a small amount of silicone added to extend slipperiness. These lubes are often white or cloudy in appearance due to the combination of Water and Silicone.

 

Oil-based lubricants

Oil-based lubes aren’t as popular as the previous two kinds. They tend to corrode latex, so you can't use them with condoms and they're often made with ingredients that aren’t great for woman's vaginal health. They also tend to have a slimier feel and can be messy to clean up.