My husband and I use personal lubricanst during intimacy but they either end up sticky or irritate my skin. I’m so confused by all the options in the pharmacy’s personal care aisle. What do you suggest?
Warning: Your pharmacy’s offerings barely scratch the surface. Visit your nearest sexual health store for endless options and information.
Many believe that with adequate sexual arousal a lubricant isn’t necessary. Right and Wrong.
Numerous conditions interfere with the body’s capacity to moisturize. Common causes include hormonal changes, medication, menopause and stress. Sure, lack of arousal makes the list but what if you’re just really craving a quickie?
I’d suggest a personal lubricant for every sexual foray. It significantly increases arousal, play possibilities and duration. Just a few drops of liquid love can turn passionate play into erotic ecstasy.
Personal moisturizers fall into four basic categories: water-based, silicone-based, plant-based or hybrid, a water-based formula with a silicone additive. Water-based is the most commonly used but not necessarily the best choice, as many believe. It’s the most likely to become sticky and being water-based makes it completely useless for sensual water play.
Glycerin is a common ingredient in water-based products, which can mimic sugar, well known for disrupting a woman’s chemistry and leading to infection. The positives: Water-based products won’t stain linens, are compatible with condoms and all pleasure product materials. Most flavored or stimulating formulas are water-based, another plus.
Silicone-based moisturizers don’t get sticky, provide long lasting glide for your glory, are perfect for sensual massage, wanton water play and are compatible with most materials – except silicone.
A silicone moisturizer will degrade the surface of a silicone pleasure product, providing a playground for bacterial growth that can never be fully sanitized.
Hybrids have water and silicone-based benefits. They stay slick for ample slide time and are a good choice for menopausal women as they trap moisture, hydrate and protect tissue. Hybrids contain silicone so are not compatible with silicone play products.
Ingredients in plant-based and organic moisturizers vary. Carrageenan, for example is a seaweed that stays slippery, soothes and even repairs tissue.
While oils are a definite no-no for personal lubrication, coconut oil stands in a class of its own. Like any oil it cannot be used with latex condoms. Otherwise the benefits are bountiful. Coconut oil contains natural antiviral, antifungal and antibacterial properties. It’s non-greasy, ultra-moisturizing, great for massage and always edible. Yummy.