In this article, we'll be covering the importance of using lube for both partnered and solo play, the different types of lube, lube ingredients to avoid and how to use it without making a mess in the bedroom.

Why You Need To Lube Up

Making sure everything is lubed up is key when having sex or using sex toys to make it more pleasurable and to eliminate uncomfortable rubbing, chafing or pain. Sex without lubricant can be painful and damage the vaginal lining. Your body may produce less lubricant as a result of hormonal changes, menopause, aging, or medication. That’s usually where artificial lubricant comes in.

Artificial lubricant can help enhance arousal, boost sexual pleasure, keep your vaginal skin soft, and, most importantly, reduce friction during penetration.

Here are the different kinds of lube that are commonly available:

Different Kinds Of Lube

Silicone-Based

Silicone-based lubricants are odorless and tasteless, slippery and smooth. Silicone-based lubricants last the longest out of any lubricant. They don’t need to be reapplied as often as water-based lubricants.

However, while they do last longer, this makes it harder to wash them off. You'll need to use a gentle soap and gentle scrubbing motions to ensure that all residue has been removed.

It is also important to know that silicone-based lubricants aren’t recommended for silicone sex toys because it can break them down, making them gummy and gross over time.

Oil-Based

Generally, oil-based lubricants are inexpensive, and easily accessible. But, if you can, opt for a water-based lubricant first.

Oils can irritate your skin, stain fabrics, damage condoms (and compromise your protection), and can lead to higher rates of infections.

Water-Based

‍Water-based lubes can be used in practically any sexual activity, even ones involving silicone toys. They don't damage condoms or sex toys, and are typically the safest option for sex and masturbation.

One disadvantage is that water-based lubes can dry out fairly quickly. However, you can simply reapply more when needed.

Water-based lubes are our choice of lube here at Zoey.

To read more about the water-based lube and how you can get delivered to you within 4 hours, click here.

What Ingredients To Avoid

As mentioned before, oil-based lubricants can cause vaginal irritation and might even cause damage to condoms so it is best to either stick with water-based lubes or silicon-based lubes.

While there are tons of flavoured lubes on the market right now, you might want to be aware of its ingredients as they might cause irritation.

Some other ingredients in lubricants are more likely to result in inflammation or irritation and should be avoided by those who are sensitive. These ingredients include:

- Glycerin
- Nonoxynol-9
- Propylene glycol
- Chlorhexidine gluconate

How To Use Lube

While there isn't a definitive "right" way to use lube (besides lubing as much as you need!), here are some ways to make it a bit easier to use in the bedroom:

- Lay down a towel to prevent staining.
- Warm up the lubricant in your hands before applying.
- Include lubricant as a part of foreplay to boost arousal.
- Apply lubricant right before penetration during partner or solo play.
- Be liberal when applying so that your vulva and vagina are sufficiently wet. Apply lubricant to the penis or sex toy.
- Reassess how much lubricant is still on as you go, and reapply as needed.

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