Lube is the secret ingredient that can turn, “uhhhh…” into “ahhhhh…” and should be on the nightstand of every sexually active person. As with many modern additions to one’s arsenal of personal pleasure, it once carried a stigma. Since a woman’s natural moisture is an indicator of arousal (just as an erection is for men), using lube has been viewed in the past as a sign of relationship difficulty or sexual dysfunction.
While those things may be true in individual cases, they are also nothing to be ashamed of. In such cases, lube can be thought of as just another type of remedy for the situation. Just look at how Viagra has changed the lives of millions of men!
For most people, though, lube is a welcome addition to countless intimate activities, ranging from helpful, to enhancing, to an absolute necessity. Natural lube has the additional benefit of absorbing into your skin instead of leaving a greasy slick to clean up later. Let’s take a closer look at the advantages of natural lube and how you can benefit from them.
When Should You Use Lube?
While lube can be the perfect addition to almost any sexual activity, sometimes it’s more necessary than others.
Times when lube can help include:
Not having enough natural moisture
There’s nothing to be ashamed of here. Some women produce so much moisture it almost becomes a problem, and others only get a little wet even under the best of circumstances. A little bit of lube can make everything go much more, shall we say, smoothly.
When you run out of natural moisture
You might start great, but begin drying up before the fun’s over. Sex has its ups and downs (literally and figuratively), so don’t think something’s wrong just because the mood may have shifted a little. Just add a little lube and you’ll be back in action in no time!
When you’re on certain medications
Some meds will increase dryness, no matter how turned on you are. Don’t let that stop you from having a good time! Lube will help you stay in the game even if your meds leave you high and dry.
When your hormone levels are changing
Pregnancy, childbirth, and menopause can all send your hormones in unpredictable directions. Sometimes, that might include dryness. A little bit of lube can go a long way to feeling like yourself again.
What Are Different Kinds of Lube?
While the number of lube brands may make your head spin, they all come down to only a few actual types.
Water-based
Perhaps the best case for water-based lube is that they’re readily available and safe to use with condoms and toys. They tend to be non-staining, which can be good news for your sheets. However, they can dry out quickly and get sticky, needing reapplication at an inopportune moment. Water-based lube sometimes contains glycerin, which can lead to yeast infections. Glycerin-free lube can have an off-putting taste if switching between oral and intercourse is your thing.
Silicone
If it’s longevity you’re looking for, then you might want to consider silicone lube. It seldom needs to be reapplied, meaning you can go the distance without having to refresh it. They’re hypoallergenic, condom-safe, and can withstand shower fun. That said, it’s harder to wash off and might make your shower dangerously slippery. They’re not safe to use with most toys and will cause them to break down into a gooey mess. If you get any in your mouth or eyes, it will be an experience you don’t want to repeat.
Oil-based
Most oil-based lubes are synthetic and won’t absorb into the skin; if back rubs or massages are your thing for warming up, reach for a lotion instead. They can stain fabrics and, because, they don’t naturally clear from your body, may cause vaginal irritation. They’ll also ruin sex toys and damage latex condoms.
Natural lube
Natural lubes are oil-based but derived from products like coconut, avocado, olive, and other kinds of vegetable products. This makes them safe to get in your mouth. They also absorb into your skin, meaning less cleanup and a lower risk of vaginal infections. Like any oil, though, keep it away from latex condoms and your toys.
Natural Lube to the Rescue
Natural lube has become wildly popular in recent years. Those with sensitive skin may find long lists of artificial ingredients to be concerning, especially given where that lube will be. Natural lube often has a very short ingredient list of naturally-occurring plant products. If you’re environmentally conscious, you can get natural lube that’s USDA organic-certified. Some even come with CBD infusions for an extra tingle. No matter the reason, if you’re experiencing dryness and it’s taking the fun out of your fun, natural lube may be the solution for you.