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3rdJuly, 2008 : What You Need to Know About Personal Lubricants

When it comes to the wonderful world of personal lubricants, there are some things that you should know. First of all, not all personal lubricants are created equal. Next, the most expensive personal lubricants are not always the highest quality ones, so to only buy the costly versions of stuff you can get at the Dollar Store is just a waste of money.

First of all, you need to be aware of the ingredients that are in various personal lubricants, as there are some that you should always stray from. Many popular water based personal lubricants have glycerin in them, which can promote yeast growth and lead to infections. Astroglide is one of the few popular brands that has come out with a glycerin and paraben free concoction that works as good as the original, minus the yeast promoting characteristics.

Personal lubricants with an oil base should also be avoided, for several reasons. A main one is that the oil in them will break down latex products, meaning that everything from condoms to latex gloves used in bedroom play will have an increased chance of breaking. Oil-based personal lubricants can also leave a thin coating on the rectum or vagina that will irritate the skin over time, leading to an increased risk of infection and sexually transmitted disease.

Instead, the best personal lubricants to use have either a water or silicone base. Water-based lubricants, like KY Jelly, do not have any kinds of weird reactions with the body or sex toys. Although these water-based personal lubricants tend to be absorbed by the skin fairly quickly, the residue that is left over can quickly be rejuvenated with a little bit of spit or water. Because saliva is not the most sanitary substance, it is recommended that you rejuvenate your water-based personal lubricants with a bit of water.

Personal lubricants with a silicone base have been steadily gaining popularity, as they are about as affordable as their water based counterparts, but have a much longer life in the bedroom. Unlike personal lubricants like KY Jelly, personal lubricants with a silicone base do not get absorbed into the skin very quickly, so they last for quite a while.

With all personal lubricants, it is important that you rub a small amount in an inconspicuous place to ensure that you are not allergic.