Many people have never felt the need to use a sexual lubricant before, but that doesn't mean that you couldn't increase your sexual experience by using one, whether with a partner or on your own.
There are many lubricants available and some have more qualities than just lubrication. Some are designed to desensitize the male organ to improve performance whilst some are designed to increase the sensitivity of the female parts to and hence increase the pleasure. Some come in edible flavours for oral sex.
Even a solo bashing the bishop can be enhanced with a good sexual lubricant.
The average female will increase and decrease her levels of natural lubrication at certain times during the month and also age can play its own part in the equation.
For some activities it is highly recommended to use sexual lubricants, like with anal sex play, or using sex toys with harsher / less realistic materials, and also when engaging in water sex as the effect of natural lubrication is decreased by water. It can be surprising how much more satisfaction is gained by using the right lube, even when you thought you didn't require any improvement!
There are three main types of sexual lubricant widely available on the market. Although other less available types exist, we recommend sticking with the three most common.
Water Based Lubricants:
The most common and the most friendly. They come thick and thin, or more commonly in 'light' and 'gel' versions. They tend to last only short periods as they are absorbed by the skin (leaving less mess afterwards) with the gel or thicker versions lasting the longer.
They come in many varieties, usually attempting to match the body's own pH level, also some with added flavour or other additives to help or increase the sexual experience.
Good Points:
Compatible with Condoms
Compatible with nearly all sex toy materials
Ideal for women with a good level of natural lubrication
Flavoured versions good for oral sex (slightly lesser lube effect)
Bad Points:
Not recommended for anal sex play or water sex (lubrication effect wont last for long)
Silicone Based Lubricants
The silicone based lubricants are far more durable than the water based lubricants remaining effective for a considerably longer time period, however as a result of not being absorbed, they leave a bit of cleaning up afterwards.
Silicone sexual lubricants are condom friendly but should not be used with silicone toys as they can degrade and even dissolve the surface of silicone toys.
The concern about using silicone on the body regularly is lessened due to the fact that the silicone is of pharmaceutical grade. Best uses are where water based lubes fail, which is for water sex and anal sex play, as the staying power of these lubes is much greater.
Good points:
Condom Friendly
Effectiveness lasts a long time
Good for in water sex play
Bad Points
Can degrade or dissolve the surface of silicone toys
Not absorbed by the body so messy afterwards
Petroleum Jelly Based Lubricants
The oldest and original sexual lubrication is based on mineral oil. It is also used for very thick gel lubes. The benefits of petroleum based sexual lubricants are that they will last almost forever, with the draw back of needing a good clean afterwards.
These lubricants are very destructive to rubber hence should not be used with condoms. Primarily designed for the gay market as an anal lubricant, Petroleum based lubes can cause a skin reaction with some people due to the mineral oil base.
Good points:
Lasts and lasts
Bad Points:
Sensitive skin may react with the mineral oil base
Will attack and damage rubber condoms and toys
Not absorbed by the body so messy afterwards
To see our complete range of sexual lubricants, click here
