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Silicone or water-based? How to choose lubricant?
Silicone or water-based? How to choose lubricant?
How to choose lubricant?
Why and which practices is lubricant needed for? Liina: Practically for any kind, because genitals like it slippery, gentle, and delicate, and this can only be ensured with a sufficient amount of lubricant, either your own or from a tube, it doesn't matter. The tube will never let you down or dry out at that very moment (if, of course, you check on the expiry date on the package). So, lubricant is necessary if the practice involves the use of the vagina; without lubricant, it will be painful or cause discomfort. Lubricant is essential if the practice uses the vulva; otherwise, it is easy to damage it. Lubricant is essential when practising with the penis, as it is delicate and prefers moisture and tenderness. Lubricant is a must for anal stimulation; the anus does not self-lubricate, so do not even start without lubricant. You can't do without lube if in practice you use fingers, the driest body parts. Even in oral sex, it makes sense to use specialised lubricant, as it neutralizes the latex taste and smell of the condom and facilitates saliva secretion. So if you're going to have sex, stock up on lube, and we'll suggest how to choose one.
Why to apply lubricant during vaginal sex when there is natural lubrication? Sandra: Sometimes natural lubrication is not enough. Vaginal dryness is caused by a change in hormone levels. This happens during ● Menopause; ● Breastfeeding; ● Taking oral contraceptives or antidepressants; ● Chemotherapy. There are also other causes, like insufficient arousal or mucosal irritation. Sometimes it is normal for the body to have a minimal release of natural lubrication.
How to choose lubricant? Liina: First of all, decide what you need it for and pay attention to its composition. Water-based lubricants are universal; they are compatible with almost all kinds of sexual practices, with sex toys, and condoms made of any material. They are easy to rinse off with water, do not stain, are not sticky, and do not curdle. The disadvantage is that they can dry out quickly, so they are not always suitable for practices when self-lubrication is missing, such as anal stimulation. Silicone-based lubricants provide an ideal long-lasting glide for sex or masturbation without drying out, although they are incompatible with silicone sex toys but are ideal for sex in the water. There are also hybrid silicone-water lubricants, which combine the best of the both types. They are long-lasting and glide well, easy to clean, and suitable for silicone toys. Lubricants for oral sex are water-based flavoured lubricants that are safe to lick off and are sometimes edible. They meet three goals: 1) they neutralize the taste and smell of condoms; 2) they increase salivation, so just a little amount will do; 3) they bring extra fun and play into sex; their flavours are usually also flirty. Lubricants for sensitive skin are usually water-based lubricants with the most delicate formulas for those whose skin especially requires gentle care. They are perfume-free and contain no glycerine. Stimulating lubricants are, as the name suggests, the ones that heighten arousal. They contain components that cause blood rush to the genital area and enhance self-lubrication. They cannot cause a subjective state of arousal, but once it's there, they will help sensations down below to catch up. Thanks to their effect, there is more enjoyment in the process, and the orgasm is closer.
Which ingredients in lubricants are safe and even beneficial? Sandra: The composition safety is a relative concept, as irritation can be caused by any component due to individual intolerance. Some claim that lubricant components can protect from STDs. I recommend to use condoms instead of relying on lubricant. Which components can do harm? It is often not the components that do harm but unwashed hands. Do not forget to wash the tube of lubricant after purchase: bacteria get on your hands when opening it. People with sensitive microflora should avoid fragrances, warming ingredients, and glycerine. To test your body reaction, apply a bit of the lubricant on your hand skin and wait.
Which components most often provoke allergies and what kind of reactions can there be? Sandra: Allergies to lubricant manifest themselves as: ● Redness; ● Burning sensation; ● Itching; ● Irritation. There are ways to reduce the likelihood of an allergy: 1. Check your body reaction by applying lubricant on your hand skin; 2. Choose lubricants with the shortest list of components; 3. Thoroughly rinse off lubricant residue.
How is glycerin as a lubricant component related to a vaginal yeast infection? A yeast infection is caused by an overgrowth of the Candida fungus on the vaginal mucosa. When you apply glycerine lubricant on the vaginal mucosa, the fungi feel great and multiply even faster. When having a yeast infection, you take antifungal medication which suppresses the fungus growth. The infection subsides; you apply glycerine lube, and the infection recurs again. NutNut Team Note: Glycerin in lubricant does not trigger a yeast infection in every person. This component is necessary for the moisturising and gliding effect. It can cause a yeast infection in women who are susceptible to it. How to read the composition of lubricants? Manufacturers follow INCI, the International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients. The larger the amount of the ingredient in the composition, the earlier it is listed. In water-based lubricants, water (Aqua) comes first. In silicone-based lubricants, the silicones Dimethicone or Cyclopentasiloxane are listed atop; in oil-based lubricants, oils.
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