When it comes to sex, no matter what you enjoy, you can usually play by the rule: the wetter the better. This logic works, well… fluidly when it comes to lube because wetter is exactly what you’re getting.
And if you associate lube with vaginal dryness only, it’s time to step out of the box. Instead think less friction, smoother skin, and all around better sex — no matter your gender, age, or stage in life.
In fact, according to an Indiana University study, 70 percent of the 2,453 women surveyed said that lube made sex more pleasurable and enjoyable. Carli Blau, LMSW and sex and relationship therapist in New York City, confirms that “needing a lubricant does not mean that you’re not interested in your partner.”
So let’s get rid of the idea that lubrication is the only indication of arousal and start trusting our partner’s words.
Think of lube as encouragement to your lady bits — or a way to save time because you were supposed to be out the door five minutes ago. Here’s the before-play to foreplay with lube.
What type should you buy a sex doll?
When shopping, you’ll want to think about the different types of lube out there when choosing the one that’s best for you. Lubes come in a variety of bases:
water
silicone
oil
hybrid, combining a few of the above
Hybrid lubes, like Babeland’s BabeLube Silk ($10-24), are often a combination of both water and silicone, and have elements of both. There are many different formulations to perfectly suit your needs.
Water-based
Known as the “versatile” lube, water-based lubes can be used in practically any activity you can think up, even ones involving silicone toys. Blau adds that water-based lubes are also safe to use with condoms — both latex and non-latex. And according to Blau, they may decrease the risk of condom breakage.
Silicone-based
… you’re going to want to try a silicone-based lube, which is like silk sheets on your sensitive parts. Since silicone is hypoallergenic, most people won’t experience a reaction. This type of lubes also lasts longer.
If you’re interested in something more long-lasting that needs to be reapplied less often, you may have found your match.
When Kathryn, a 27-year-old who’s tried several lube types, experimented with shower sex, she looked into silicone-based lubes. “It makes the experience much more enjoyable, since the water usually washes everything else away,” she says.
The only downside? The silicone in your lube can deteriorate the surface of silicone toys. Blau says that when this happens, your toys become less sanitary because it creates abrasions in the silicone where bacteria can grow.
“If you share sex toys,” she reminds us, “or use them with more than one partner, make sure to use water-based lubricant when playing with toys to ensure your safety.” Fortunately, silicone-based lubes are safe to use with condoms.
Oil-based
If you’re the type that simply can’t be bothered with reapplying at all once you get going — we get it — this lube is the gift that keeps you going, going, and going.
Pro tip? Oil-based lubes can double for sexy and fun massage time. But the downside comes if you’re using a latex condom. This type of lube increases the chances of a ripped or torn condom, defeating the condom’s purpose — and your good time in the process.
Oil-based lubricants are also associated with higher rates for infections, such as bacterial vaginosis. And your expensive sheets may be another reason to stay away from oil-based lubes. Oil tends to stain sheets and clothing, and can also be difficult to clean up.
Natural lube
Worried about exactly what ingredients you’re putting down there? Natural lubes have been cropping up in the past couple of years, though there’s a bit of debate as to what “natural lube” really means.
Coconut oil is a popular choice as well, though it’s got its downsides. It can stain your sheets and increase incidence of condom breakage, as oils break down the efficacy of the latex.
You’ll also want to be careful about cross-contamination if you’re not cleaning your hands while dipping them in a jar of coconut oil that’s also used for cooking. When picking up something all-natural to warm up, make sure it’s used just for sex and nothing else. https://www.yourdoll.com/