Spicy Princess | April 17th, 2009

Lube Baby!

This is the one thing I tell my customers to always have on hand. Lube enhances sex and masturbation. There are a huge variety of lubes out there, and as you can imagine, some are better than others for different situations.

I need to mention here, that there are many types of lubes that are simply unsafe for women, even though men can use them (and like them.)

Oil based lubes:

Women should never use anything containing oil on, or around, their vulva or in their vagina. Oil can take a long time to work it’s way out because it clings to the skin and resists being washed out. This can create bacterial infections. Plus oil and condoms are are a bad mix (oil breaks down latex so the condoms can fail).

Petroleum derived lubes:

Vaseline and baby oil to name a couple. These products are simply dangerous to women. Their use has been linked to the spread of the HPV virus and onset of cervical cancer. Please keep them away from your vagina!

Water-based and Silicone based lubes:

These are the ones suggested by Drs, midwives and sex educators world-wide. Ingredients (which can include flavoring and herbs) and prices vary, but all are generally safe for use with condoms.

Silicone lubricant, when Medical Grade, is one of the finest lubes out there. Fragrance free, tasteless and completely inert, those with sensitive skin issues find that these lubes are the least irritating. Silicone molecules are too large to pass through the skin, so they don’t get absorbed, which leaves them with nothing to do other than to work their way out of the vagina. Also, with nowhere to go, silicone lube stays slippery for a very long time, therefore you use a lot less of it.

Silicone lube is also waterproof and can be used in the shower, bath, hot-tub, etc. and provides a dry, yet extremely slippery sensation.

Also great for “chub rub” or intense physical activity like running, biking, etc. Keeps your skin from chaffing, but because it’s ‘dry’, you won’t even know it’s there!

Water-based lubricant is more similar to the sensation of our natural, body made lubrication. It is wet, just like us, which makes it feel more familiar. However, because it’s made from water, it does absorb into our skin, taking with it any impurities, and often irritating the vagina. The absorption rate also means you need to keep reapplying in order to keep the same level of slipperiness.

Many women prefer the feeling of water-based lube, and like that it washes right off with simple water. (Personally, I use Silicone for slippery and then add a little water-based so it feels more like me.)

Lubricant also comes in many forms: liquid, gel and thicker creams. Thicker lubes are often used for anal play (because they’re less likely to travel to the vagina) and sometimes include a desensitizer.

How to Select a Lubricant

I know selecting a lubricant can be confusing. Fortunately, if you answer three simple questions, it’s easy!

1. Results: What do you want this lube to do?

Are you looking for a lubricant that feels as natural as possible?
- Then a water-based lube may be more to your liking. Affordable and available in a wide selection, you can experiment with different lubes without spending too much money.

Do you want something with more staying power?
- A silicone-based lube is ideal because it doesn’t absorb into the skin. It’s also perfect for use in the water or with waterproof toys!

Will you be using this lube for anal play?
- You’ll probably want a thicker, slipperier, lubricant.

2. “Extras”: Any other characteristics you want in this lubricant?

Are you looking for a lube to make oral play even more pleasant?
- Try a flavored lubricant.

Do you want to add an extra kick to your sexual encounters?
- Try a lube that warms or that includes different ingredients such as ginseng, yohimbe or even hemp. Some people feel heightened sensations thanks to these all-natural additives — you never know!

Will you be using the lube with condoms?
- Then please, please be sure to read the description to ensure the lube is condom-safe. All the lubes we sell at For Your Pleasure are, but if you aren’t sure, email me and I will be able to tell you.

3. Size: Are you using it mostly at home or are you more on the go?

Would you like something to keep handy in the bedroom?
- Then you would probably prefer a larger size container that’s also easy to dispense from.

Do you prefer something that you can throw into your bag or your pocket?
- Anything less than two ounces is ideal.

Are you interested in having a variety of different kinds of lube to try?
- Most lubricants, regardless of their characteristics, come in four-to-eight-ounce sizes, making it easy to collect several. It’s also not super pricey!

Things to Keep in Mind

You’re about to choose the lube of your dreams, so we just have a few more items for you to consider:

Not sure about the best way to use lubricant or if you should even use it?
- Read about it here next week!

Is cleanup is an issue for you?
- Stick with water-based lubes as they simply need a rinse with water and they’re gone; most are non-staining as well.

Concerned about reactions or irritation?
- If you experience discomfort after applying a lubricant, wash it off immediately and see your doctor if a rash appears or does not fade in a day or so. As you’re dealing with a very sensitive and delicate area, you may have to try a few before you find one you like and that likes you!