Personal lubes are specialised liquids that are used , during intimate acts to reduce friction between the penis, vagina, other body parts and even sex toys. When considering a personal lubricant, would you know what to look for when making a purchase? If not, read on…
Lubrication has been used for centuries during sex play and intercourse. There are many references to the use of oils (such as olive and coconut) recorded many centuries ago. The most recent personal 'lubes' were originally derived from surgical lubricants designed for use during medical procedures – now they are also used frequently to provide lubrication during sex play.
Personal lubricants can be used to increase pleasure and reduce pain during sexual activity and may be used for lubricating the penis or vagina and a sex toy such as a rabbit vibrator or a bunny vibrator.
Personal lubricants are particularly useful for intercourse when one partner experiences dryness. It is usually sufficient to apply a drop of lubricant to the vaginal entrance and, if applicable, the penis being inserted.
Nowadays certain brands of lubricant come with additions such as spermicides and overall lubes come in a variety of formats. There are also water-based lubricants that are water-soluble and are the most commonly used on the market.
Due to their long-lasting effect, older women who – as they age – may suffer from vaginal dryness favour oil-based lubricants. A good option in such cases would be to try silicone-based lubricants which have unique merits when it comes to dryness . Silicon based lubricants do not absorb into the skin, instead the stay on the surface to provide a long-lasting glide.
Please note however that not all silicone-based lubricants are certified condom and latex safe so you are advised to check the label and use as directed. Silicone-based lubricants are best not used with silicone-based sex toys. The lubricants 'melt' the surface of the toys, making them sticky and causing their material to disintegrate.
There are also lubricants that are made specifically to cause physiological or physical changes to the area applied; these include lubricants that are warming and cause a heating sensation in the skin. There are also lubricants that increase blood flow to the regions in which they are applied, creating a fuller erection of the penis or clitoris; usually these solutions contain vasodilators to increase blood flow after application.
Finally, there are flavoured / scented lubricants that come in a variety of tastes from strawberry to watermelon.
When you purchase a personal lubricant remember that the solution must be pure and non-toxic as lubricants are easily absorbed by the body – in fact, they're absorbed more easily than food and beverages are digested because they are soaked in directly via the skin without the benefit of being filtered through the liver and kidneys and thus, it is important to make sure that what you purchase is safe.
Tags: intercourse, intimacy, lubes, lubricants, sex toys