Choosing the best lube for your sex life can be a little bit more complex than many people think it is. There are many different types of lubes on the market, and some of the types that are out there are used for different things. Some of them match with specific types of sex toys, some of them are better for condom use, and some are best for people doing specific types of activities, such as anal sex. Lubricant, also called lube, is a liquid or gel that is designed to prevent unwanted friction that can happen during sex. It can be used for many types of sex, including penetrative sex, anal sex, masturbation, and more. When having phone sex, many people prefer to use lube. There are five main types of lube out there, including water, silicone, oil, natural, and hybrid. Choosing the one that is best for you is partially dependent on what you are using it for.
Water-Based Lube
Water-based lube is one of the more versatile lubes and can be used in most every activity. This includes use with many types of silicone toys. It is always recommended to read the manufacturer’s recommendations when using sex toys. Water-based lubes are also safe to use with condoms, both condoms of the latex variety and non-latex variety alike. Many studies have been done showing that water-based lubricants can also decrease the risk of condom breakage. Water-based lube is one of the most popular for a variety of reasons. First, it won’t stain your sheets. Second, it’s easy on the skin, and lastly, it washes off easily in water. Some people with sensitive skin do not prefer water-based lube, and this type of lubricant can also end up getting a little bit more sticky a little bit more quickly.
Silicone Based Lube
People with more sensitive skin often prefer silicone-based lube over other kinds. This type of lubricant is very smooth on your sensitive bits. In addition, because silicone is hypoallergenic, most people will not experience any type of reaction to it. Silicone lube also has the benefit of lasting a bit longer, too. That said, silicone lube is also more expensive than water-based lube on average. If you are interested in a type of lubricant that lasts longer and needs to be reapplied less often, this type of lube is one of the top choices. Many people claim that silicone lubes to make the experience much more enjoyable, and it can also be highly recommended for shower sex, as the water does not wash it away as easily.
One of the negatives of silicone-based lubes is that they can deteriorate and eat away at the surface of silicone sex toys. When this type of deterioration happens, toys can become less sanitary. Other types of toys are usually fantastic for use with silicone lubes, including steel toys, glass toys, and others. Always make sure to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations when it comes to cleaning sex toys, in addition to the recommendations they make in terms of types of lubricants. If you have sex toys that you share, or ones that you use with more than one partner, make sure to use a water-based lube when playing with these toys. Other than that, silicone-based lubes can be a fantastic option. Silicone-based lubes are also safe to use with condoms, another positive.
Oil-Based Lube
Oil-based lube keeps the action going for longer periods, with many people only needing to apply this type of lube once. Oil-based lubes also have the benefit of being able to be used for massage time. That said, if you are using a latex condom, oil-based lube increases the chances of a ripped or torn condom. This can defeat the purpose of the condom and sometimes put a stop to the sexual fun. In addition, oil-based lubricants are also sometimes associated with higher rates of candida, which can mean more potential yeast infections. This type of lube also tends to stain sheets and clothing, and it can be difficult to clean up. Due to these reasons, many people shy away from this type of lube.
Natural Lube
Natural lubes have been becoming more popular, though there is a bit of conversation happening over what the term means. These products have a small number of ingredients on the list, and the ingredients are natural. Some of them, for example, consists of 90% aloe vera. This is also where you are more likely to find vegan and paraben-free options, as well as options that do not have a smell or taste. Coconut oil is a popular choice for natural lubes as well, though it can stain your sheets and also increases the chances of condom breakage.
Hybrid Lubricants
There are many hybrid lubricants on the market, which combine the qualities of the types of lubricants that are being mixed. Some hybrid lubricants are a hybrid between water-based and silicone, for example. Great for condom use, these lubricants can also last a bit longer than water-based lubes. Each type of lubricant has hybrid options available to it, and hybrid lubes tend to be some of the most expensive ones out there.
The Many Ways People Use Lube
While there is no right way to use lube, many people use it for masturbation, phone sex, and more. In most cases, using lubricant liberally is the best option. Some people find lube to be a godsend, as they do not produce a lot of lubrication for sex themselves or they just like the feeling. Some people use lubricants that are specially designed for anal sex, making penetration easier. These lubes often last longer and sometimes have a different makeup than lubes that are designed to work with a person’s natural genital wetness. Keep in mind that sometimes lube can be a little bit cold when it first comes out of the bottle, and due to this, some people choose to warm it up in their hands before applying it. Whether you are using condoms, dental dams, diaphragms, or other prophylactics, the use of lubricant can help reduce friction and make sex and masturbation more pleasurable.