You know the feeling – you are in the mood for steamy sex (either partnered or solo) but discomfort, pain, or lack of arousal kills the vibe. It just doesn’t feel very pleasurable. Well, dryness is a common sexual issue and can happen for many different reasons, including insufficient foreplay, psychological reasons such as stress, and others. Since insufficient arousal could discourage people from engaging in sexual activity, they should start experimenting with various devices and sex toys to improve their sex lives. But no matter what you enjoy, you can always play by the rule: the wetter, the better. This works fluidly when it comes to lubes because better sex is just a squeeze away.
Lubricants can solve all of your problems. They reduce the friction between your moving “parts”, making the act more enjoyable for all parties involved. Be it penetrative sex, masturbation, or sex toy play, lubricants intensify erotic touch, allowing you to get aroused and enjoy sensual pleasure. Lubes are available in many different textures, flavours, and materials to suit everyone’s needs and preferences. You will find a variety of lube bases, including water, oil, silicone, and hybrid typically combining water and silicone. Water-based lubricant is your safest bet to start with. This type of lube is so versatile and can be used in practically any sexual activity. Read on to learn more about the benefits of using water-based lubes and how to choose the best one for you.
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The Benefits of Water-Based Lubes
If you are new to the world of lubricants, consider using water based lube to make your sexual acts more pleasurable. Water-based lubricants are an especially great option for people with sensitive skin or vaginal irritation. They are safe to be used with condoms, both latex and non-latex, and sex toys. Unlike oil-based lubes, which will eat away at latex condoms, water-based lubricants can be more helpful and reliable and may reduce the chances of condom breakage. Water-soluble lubes are also less messy and sticky than other types, therefore, they are easy to clean from your clothing, sheets, and even from your skin. This nice and simple addition to your sex life can really transform it.
How to Choose the Best Water Based Lube
When you go lube shopping, you will find plenty of options out there, ranging from extremely thin to sticky, to thick gels. Make sure you choose one that’s suitable for you, your partner, and any sex toys you use. Opt for a high-quality, long-lasting option to feel the benefits. If you are using condoms or sex toys, make sure the lube you choose is latex-friendly, rubber-friendly, and plastic-friendly. Low-end water-based lubes can become tacky as they dry, and hence can leave behind an uncomfortable residue. When choosing water-based lubricants, try to pick one that reflects the acidity or the pH value of a healthy vagina. In general, pick gentle ingredients, and avoid harsher ones as they can alter vaginal pH and increase the risk of bacterial vaginosis. A pH-balanced lube that provides a smooth glide with a minimal amount of tackiness is ideal for enhancing comfort and sensation. Let’s take a closer look at what to consider when choosing a water-based lubricant for sex.
Ingredients
You should avoid any lubricant that contains additives such as artificial flavours, colours, sugars, or glycerin. Some lubricants may contain glycerin or glycerol, a sugar alcohol which, according to some studies, may increase the chances of vaginal infections. Others may contain spermicide chemicals that may cause irritation or inflammation. It’s best to opt for a gentle water lube that is paraben-free and also fragrance-free. Always check the ingredients list or read product reviews before you buy one.
Acidity
A healthy vagina should maintain a pH level of 3.5 to 4.5. If you are going to use lube, make sure it’s around the same level in order to prevent an increased risk of bacterial vaginosis. The anus has a more neutral acidity level, that is, pH 5.5 to 7, so try to pick a lube appropriately. However, you should keep in mind that many over-the-counter products don’t list the pH level on their packaging, therefore, it may not be that easy to verify it. But you can try to test the pH level of lubes with litmus strips.
Osmolality
Some water-based lubricants have high-osmolality. This means they have a bigger number of dissolved particles per unit of water. Regular use of high-osmolality lube can dry you out over time. To cut down on this issue, it’s recommended to use a lubricant with an osmolality of 1,200mOsm/kg or below. Osmolality is typically listed on packaging so check the product listings to verify.